Knowledge is a crucial essential to a Beautiful, Healthy Landscape.
FACTS:
Just because a yard has grass and some shrubs does not mean it’s healthy and provides total health and environmental benefits.
Unmanaged lawns are ripe targets for infestations from ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and other pests that transmit disease. They can also harbor weeds that can cause debilitating allergies. In addition, landscapes That are untended don’t contribute their full potential to communities and the environment, meaning they can’t fend off threats from invasive species, provide essential oxygen and capture carbon dioxide, fully protect our air, or control soil erosion and water run-off. Healthy landscapes are those with well-managed lawns with solid roots, complemented by robust native shrubs and flowers that contribute to the local ecosystem. But, of course, these healthy lawns take work and know-how, and they require that the right products go into them to ensure the right benefits come out of them.
FACTS:
When weeds are allowed to grow with abandon, they compete with grass, flowers, and trees for water, light, and nutrients that live deep within the soil.
Many weeds are voracious growers, and if they grow strong and remain unchecked, they push out grass and other “good plants.” The best way to control weeds is to ensure the growth of Thick, healthy grass, creates lawns that are strong enough to fight back against weeds, and apply weed control products.
FACTS:
Pesticides can be beneficial for plant health.
Trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass often rely on on pesticide products for good health. The Environmental Protection Agency registers pesticides once they determine their use will be appropriate for human health and our environment. Pesticides can be essential to plant health yet should only be used when warranted and according to the label instructions. The proper use of pesticides provides a science-approved solution to ward off pests and disease and ensure the natural elements of a landscape produce their full environmental benefits.
FACTS:
The real value of lawns is not the aesthetic value they offer.
Healthy grass is an essential part of a healthy environment. Lawns clean the air by capturing dust, smoke particles, and other pollutants to make our environment cleaner. Healthy lawns also prevent soil erosion and protect bodies of water as they capture harmful runoff that might otherwise filter into bodies of water. And, of course, they provide oxygen. Grasses absorb carbon dioxide and break it down into oxygen and carbon. A 50’x50’ lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four. While the environmental benefits are significant, grass provides the foundation for living, working, and playing outdoors. It’s where childhood games are played, where pets roam, and where adults can relax. So while some homeowners in drought-prone regions occasionally consider removing their lawns, such drastic steps should not be made without thoroughly understanding the repercussions to the community and the environment.
FACTS:
Lawns often go dormant, turning brownish when grass blades are stressed.
This is natural and generally not a cause for concern. Most often, this is Just your lawn’s way of protecting itself from things like excessive heat or long spells without water. It’s okay to embrace the brown! When the stress factor is removed, such as when a drought-plagued lawn receives water, the natural green color of the grass should return. If after the stressor is eliminated does not green-, its health should then be evaluated.
FACTS:
While fertilizer does indeed help bring out a rich green color in the grass, that aesthetic boost is not its most significant benefit.
A well-fertilized lawn has a robust root system, enabling it to withstand extreme temperature swings, drought, and mowing. In addition, adequately fertilized lawns yield fewer nutrients and soil particles into runoff water than when they Are unfertilized. Finally, when a lawn is healthy, it enriches the community and the environment and provides a platform for incredible backyard memories.
FACTS:
Landscape professionals can most certainly Help when lawns, plants, and trees are troubled; however, they also provide the expertise that prevents problems in the first place.
Just as preventative care is essential for human health, it is also for plant health. Professionals offer the knowledge and the training to help prevent lawn and shrub pests that cause damage, ensure trees are healthy and safe, stop disease-carrying pests from taking up residence in lawns, fight against the threats posed by invasive plant and insect species, and generally ensure landscapes support and sustain local communities.
A lot goes into a healthy landscape — hard work, stewardship, and various products to support its good health. More important than what goes into the landscape is what comes out — outdoor spaces that provide the root of happiness for our families, communities, and environment.
