David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Better lawns and gardens: Creating an environmentally friendly yard
by Taylor Logan, CBC News
July 05, 2019
For many people, their lawn is a source of tremendous pride and the object of great care. But "turf" lawns are not naturally occurring plants — and that has broader implications.
The concept of a lawn originated in medieval times, on the land outside European castles. The short grass enabled watchmen to see friends or foes approaching from afar. Lawns soon became something of a status symbol among the rich.
Today, lawns still hold visual appeal, but they also have significant environmental impacts.
During the summer months, water usage in Canada peaks, and a half to three-quarters of all municipally treated water is used for lawns. To keep them looking their best, many of us have historically turned to pesticides and herbicides that contaminate soil, water, turf and other plants. Pesticides and herbicides can also be toxic to fish and insects important to the ecosystem of our gardens.
Lawns are considered carbon sinks — i.e., they absorb more carbon than they release as carbon dioxide. But a study by Appalachian State University says that if you take into consideration the amount of energy that goes into producing fertilizer and fresh water, as well as mowing, lawns overall produce more greenhouse gases than they can take in.
Plus, lawns create homogeneity of vegetation when a diversity of plant life is necessary for a strong and healthy ecosystem. Without diversity, pollinators, insects, birds and other wildlife have nothing to eat and nowhere to live. So what's the solution?
"Replacing lawns with native habitats is the best option, but other practices also can reduce impacts," said Amanda Rodewald, a professor and senior director of conservation science at Cornell University.
The best way to create a native habitat is by creating an alternative lawn. Substitutes include xeriscaping and permaculture, and are known to be better for the environment.
If you can't change your lawn to be the perfect habitat, Rodewald suggests reducing the size of your lawn by incorporating native flowers, shrubs and trees that are attractive and support biodiversity. Beyond that, she advises taking a more laissez-faire attitude.
"If your lawn is necessary, eliminating the use of chemicals, mowing less frequently and letting grass be taller can reduce energy consumption, water needs and attract a greater diversity of pollinators."
by Taylor Logan, CBC News
July 05, 2019
For many people, their lawn is a source of tremendous pride and the object of great care. But "turf" lawns are not naturally occurring plants — and that has broader implications.
The concept of a lawn originated in medieval times, on the land outside European castles. The short grass enabled watchmen to see friends or foes approaching from afar. Lawns soon became something of a status symbol among the rich.
Today, lawns still hold visual appeal, but they also have significant environmental impacts.
During the summer months, water usage in Canada peaks, and a half to three-quarters of all municipally treated water is used for lawns. To keep them looking their best, many of us have historically turned to pesticides and herbicides that contaminate soil, water, turf and other plants. Pesticides and herbicides can also be toxic to fish and insects important to the ecosystem of our gardens.
Lawns are considered carbon sinks — i.e., they absorb more carbon than they release as carbon dioxide. But a study by Appalachian State University says that if you take into consideration the amount of energy that goes into producing fertilizer and fresh water, as well as mowing, lawns overall produce more greenhouse gases than they can take in.
Plus, lawns create homogeneity of vegetation when a diversity of plant life is necessary for a strong and healthy ecosystem. Without diversity, pollinators, insects, birds and other wildlife have nothing to eat and nowhere to live. So what's the solution?
"Replacing lawns with native habitats is the best option, but other practices also can reduce impacts," said Amanda Rodewald, a professor and senior director of conservation science at Cornell University.
The best way to create a native habitat is by creating an alternative lawn. Substitutes include xeriscaping and permaculture, and are known to be better for the environment.
- Xeriscaping (pronounced "zerascaping") replaces grass with low-water, low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, cacti and warm climate grasses. Perfect for warm weather areas, xeriscaping can reduce water use by up to 60 per cent, and only requires occasional weeding and mulching, thereby cutting the output of greenhouse gases into the air.
- Permaculture is a farm-like system that takes a diverse range of plants and cultivates them into a garden that sustains itself. Instead of having one type of plant that requires fertilizer and pesticides, a permaculture combines plants that complement each other's ecosystem, creating a more nitrogen-rich ground and smothering unnecessary weeds. Creating a permaculture garden can be done in any habitat with a little research, and depending on the size, will only need a couple of hours a month at most to maintain.
If you can't change your lawn to be the perfect habitat, Rodewald suggests reducing the size of your lawn by incorporating native flowers, shrubs and trees that are attractive and support biodiversity. Beyond that, she advises taking a more laissez-faire attitude.
"If your lawn is necessary, eliminating the use of chemicals, mowing less frequently and letting grass be taller can reduce energy consumption, water needs and attract a greater diversity of pollinators."
