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Properly managed, they offer big benefits to people and the environment.
Well-managed lawns are an environmental asset. They can help protect -- or even improve -- water quality.
Poorly managed lawns -- whether by neglect or through the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides -- can be an environmental liability.
What you and your neighbors do with your lawn matters. Collectively, you control about 900,000 acres of lawn -- 75 percent of the managed turf in the state.
It's up to you whether or not that land is used to enhance our environment. It means being aware that small acts -- such as not washing grass clippings into the street or down sewer drains -- can have a big impact on our streams and lakes.
Healthy lawns provide many benefits:
- Lower air conditioning bills. Moisture evaporating from grass leaves helps keep air temperatures cooler, compared to paved surfaces.
- Less pollution. Lawns can help filter pollutants out of the air, and reduce noise pollution, especially when used along with physical barriers.
- Higher property values. Attractive lawns contribute to the overall appearance of a community's landscape.
- A place to play. Grasses are the only plants that can stand up to repeated recreational use.
- Better water quality. The thick sod formed by grasses helps water soak into the ground. This helps reduce or eliminate runoff that can carry soil or other contaminants into waterways.
The good news is, you can reap most of these benefits without spending very much money or taking more time than you are probably already spending on maintaining your lawn now.
Explore our Lawn care pages and you'll discover the how's and why's of growing a healthy lawn.
If you only have a few moments, check out our Basics section to find simple ways you can start improving your lawn now. Some of the tips you'll discover may even reduce the amount of work that you are doing now.
© Copyright, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University.
Website design: Craig Cramer cdc25@cornell.edu
Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change. Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assumes no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals. Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites. They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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