Don't blame the grass...II

In a previous blog, “Don’t Blame the Grass”, based on a recent article from the San Jose Mercury News was in response to how some Bay Area communities may possibly begin restricting lawn sizes.

Articles such as these seem to be the norm these days as the environmental effects of lawn care and maintenance, whether a residential space or a large expanse of lawn, continues to be a hot topic.

Just a few days ago I read another article on the Science Daily web site about a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Irvine titled, “Urban 'Green' Spaces May Contribute to Global Warming.” The study attempts to make the point that large lawn turf areas, such as those found in urban parks, actually contribute negative effects towards ‘global greenhouse gases’ [sic] and the study even goes so far as to make the claim that, “..it is impossible for these lawns (large turf areas) to be net greenhouse gas sinks because too much fuel is used to maintain them.”

Now for those who don’t know a ’greenhouse gas sink’ is any large area of vegetation that has the ability to take carbon emissions and return those carbon emissions back into the earth. Previous studies have proven that large turf and vegetation areas actually have a positive effect on the earth and it’s eco-systems because these green areas do in fact have the ability to take carbon emissions and return them to the earth where they came from.

This brings up an interesting question then and that question is, So what's the solution?

The solution is simple and that solution doesn’t have to involve removing vast amounts of low lying greenery and vegetation that, in the long run, has a tremendous benefit not only on the environment but the overall quality of life that is enhanced by using and enjoying those vast open spaces.

That’s one thing that stuck me about the article frankly. It offered reasons why there are these perceived problems but it offered absolutely nothing in the way of solutions.

So what is the bottom line? I'll leave that for you to decide. I’m just a simple landscape designer taking up residence in the vast Mojave Desert. But I can say this and will continue to say this. Learn how to properly and effectively maintain not only the lawn turf that you may have in your landscape but also the other vegetation you may have in your landscape.

This is going to lead to a number of benefits. By properly maintaining your individual lawn space and the surrounding vegetation you will actually lower your water bill. Making sure your sprinkler system is properly timed and set at proper intervals in critical in providing effective irrigation to the landscape.

Pay close attention to the weather reports for your area and adjust or even shut off the irrigation system in relation to the anticipated weather. This simple practice can lead to preventing water waste so sprinklers don’t run on a rainy day. Fertilize your lawn with organic fertilizers not chemical based fertilizers. Have your lawn professionally aerated twice a year (spring/fall). This will promote and maintain healthy root growth.

Lastly, be prepared to share these suggestions with your friends and neighbors because, in the long run, everyone benefits from a well maintained lawn.