If you type “sustainability” into Google’s search engine you will find 35,100,000 results in 0.21 seconds. Each result listed has its own definition of what sustainability is and what it isn’t. The words “green” and “sustainable” have been adopted recently by just about every industry and organization in an effort to differentiate themselves from their competition. Ironically it seems that the original “Green” Industry –consisting of 1000’s of Lawncare professionals – has taken a black eye by the media and activists bent on doing away with the American lawn.
There are those that would lead you to believe that what we do for lawns in the urban environment is bad for the environment. Applying all those fertilizers and nasty pesticides does harm to the environment, some would claim. But the truth is when the right products are applied at the correct time, with the proper rates, by trained professionals to urban turf-the benefits far out way any perceived negative effects.
Lawncare professionals such as LawnAmerica share a basic goal: improve the quality of our lives and the quality of our environment. Turf areas under our professional care are denser and healthier, providing the following benefits to your home environment and our city as a whole.
Cooling
The front lawns of a block of eight average houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning—enough to cool 16 average homes. On a hot summer day, grass can be 10-14 degrees cooler than exposed soil and as much as 30 degrees cooler than concrete or asphalt. Just ask our local college teams, the Cowboys, Sooners, and Hurricanes, which surface they’d like to play on during a hot September Saturday!
Air Quality
A 50’ by 50’ well –maintained grass area will create enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four every day. Acting like a gigantic sponge, lawns absorb all types of airborne pollutants such as dust and carbon dioxide, as well as noise. Less weeds means less weed pollen, a relief to those with allergies.
Water Quality
Studies show healthy lawns absorb rainfall 4-6 times more effectively than farm fields, being exceeded only by virgin forest. Lawns return the moisture to the water-table where it can again be used by everyone. A Penn State University study showed thick lawns slow the velocity of run-off and allows the water to infiltrate 15 times better from a high quality lawn than from a patchy lawn with a lot of weeds.
Soil Quality
A healthy lawn prevents erosion by water or wind and the loss of valuable topsoil—less mud and dust in the house. If you’ve ever moved into a new home before it was sodded, you’ll know what I mean!
Aesthetics
There can be no argument that a beautiful lawn is immediately pleasing to the eye and relaxing in its appearance. Lawns help to soften and reduce reflected light—less glare.
Exercise
While some may scorn its needs, others fine lawn maintenance requirements an excellent opportunity to enjoy reasonable exercise and a diversion. Homes, sports fields, and parks with healthy grass acts as a cushion to reduce shock and potential injury.
Value
Appraisers estimate that a well-landscaped and maintained lawn adds 7% to the value of residential property. A recent Gallup survey concluded that a 15% increase in selling price can be realized when the home is nicely landscaped.
With all the benefits well maintained turf provides to the environment, you can see why LawnAmerica is proud to be a “Green Company.”
LawnAmerica is also very proud to be a sponsor of the inaugural Henry Bellmon Sustainability Awards Gala. The event will take place at the historic Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa, on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 6:00pm.
The mission for the Henry Bellmon Sustainability Awards is to raise awareness and reward those people, agencies, organizations, or companies that dedicate themselves to a balanced approach toward quality of life for all, responsible economic growth, and environmental stewardship. In short the Henry Bellmon Sustainability Awards celebrate those who focus on PEOPLE, PROFIT, & PLANET. For more information please visit their website at www.bellmonawards.com .










