Benefits of Turf Grass
Turf grass background
Turf grass has a variety of definitions, but according to Merriam-Webster the definition of turf grass is a
follows, “any of various grasses (as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass) grown to form turf.” Turf
grass is a worldwide alternative to the regular grass that grows naturally. One of the reasons for the use
of turf grass is due to the easiness of its care and its sameness. Turf grass is used in a large number of
places. These locations include but are not limited to urban environments, airports, roadsides, sports
fields, home lawns, golf courses, and sod production. There are over a dozen varieties of turf grasses
that allow for a personalized look for each
lawn that is groomed with turf grass. Turf grass
comes in two distinct types of grasses that
survive in different temperatures. These
various turf grasses can be divided into two
categories which are known as cool season and
warm season grasses. As you can deduce by
the two titles of the categories, warm season
grasses thrive in warmer weather and cool
season grasses thrive in colder weather. These
turf grasses not only help the look of various
locations but that is not their only purpose.
Believe it or not turf grass actually has many
benefits that affect our daily lives. These
benefits include aesthetics, economics,
recreation, environmental, soil erosion control, pollution control, natural coolant, and health benefits.
Aesthetics/Health Benefits
The aesthetic benefits include enhanced beauty and attractiveness. Turf grass instantly adds curb appeal
to anyone’s home, making their home look better from the street. It easily helps enhance the view of
any location. Improved mental health with a positive impact, social harmony and stability improves work
productivity, and an overall better quality of life, especially in densely populated urban areas. Believe it
or not turf grass also has an impact on our physical and mental health. Turf grass adds to the beauty of
our surroundings. Research has shown that patients are able to recover quicker if they are exposed to a
view of and landscape instead of the walls of a hospital.
Noise/Glare Reduction
Turf grass next to a highway actually reduces noises made by vehicles by forty percent. Noise is reduced
because of the rough surface of turf grass.
Environmental Benefits
Turf grass can trap dust and dirt from the air and absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and a
result releases oxygen unlike regular bare ground. A
turf area of two thousand five hundred square feet
can produce enough oxygen to meet the daily
needs of a family of four, and each acre of grass
produces enough oxygen for sixty-four people a
day. In addition to this turf grass prevents many
pollutants from the air to leak into the ground.
Therefore turf grass can be referred to as a natural
filter.
Soil Erosion Control
Turf grass is the one of the best if not the best
defenses against soil erosion. Turf grass is the most
durable and inexpensive ground cover that helps
control wind and water erosion. Natural and nonrenewable soil resources are prevented from being eroded by water and wind because of turf grass.
Even after years of growth turf grass still has a greater absorption and retention rate. Therefore it is
able to prevent soil erosion more effectively than that of a lawn that was started from seed
Natural Coolant
Incredible cooling effects are
produced as a result of turf
grass. It cools the air on hot
summer days more efficiently
than other grass fields. In
addition, the cooling effect of a
watered turf grass field outside
the house reduces the amount
of fuel needed to provide
electricity that is used for air
conditioners. When turf grass is
irrigated it uses every drop of
water efficiently and effectively. Rural areas are naturally ten to twelve percent cooler than nearby
urban areas. According to a study from Texas A&M University, this is due to the cooling process of
evapotranspiration. A football field, for example, has the cooling capacity of a seventy ton air
conditioner.
Economic Benefits
Turf grass substantially contributes to the U.S. economy. According to James B. Beard the turf grass
industry contributes in excess of thirty million dollars to the U.S. economy. Turf grass also helps
contribute with the help of property values and commercial appeal because it adds fifteen percent to a
homes value.
Recreational Benefits
Turf grass offers many environmental, economic, health and social benefits, but aside from aesthetics,
turf grass also provides a natural setting for recreational activities, as well as a peaceful relaxing space.
Not only does turf grass enhance the property value of a location by adding to the visual appeal, but it
also improves community pride, and provides a good and comfortable living space. Turf grass is an ideal
place for playing, organizing picnics or relaxing.
Picture sources:
http://www.stoverseed.com/seeds_turfgrass.html
http://www.agsod.com/Lawn-Care-Tips/Benefits-Of-Turfgrass.aspx
http://www.aggieathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=205237869
Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/info_8007998_benefits-turf-grass.html
http://www.agsod.com/Lawn-Care-Tips/Benefits-Of-Turfgrass.aspx
http://www.thelawninstitute.org/environment/
http://www.kuenziturfnursery.com/sod/Turf_Information_Pages/Benefits_of_Turfgrass.htm
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/mitgc/article/199273.pdf