The trees bore the unseasonable snow like delicate lacework while Spring flowering bulbs shirked the frosty assault. Nature’s apparent cruelty and confusion would not sully the efforts of a landscape ready to burst with life and renewal. Instead, Spring stood stoic and unflappable. A minor set back, amongst seemingly many, but Spring undoubtedly would have the last laugh.
April, among many other things, is National Lawn Care Month! Yes, that’s a thing, and in celebration of our soon to be green and lush landscapes, we offer you the following facts about the value and importance of a healthy and well maintained lawn.
- Lawns are about 30 degrees cooler than asphalt driveways.
- One acre of grass produces more oxygen than one acre of rainforest.
- Grass helps absorb water, as opposed to hard, non-porous surfaces; thereby, reducing run off and increasing ground water supplies.
- Grass helps prevent soil erosion.
- Grass improves the soil with organic matter.
- Healthy, well maintained lawns can add to a property’s curb appeal and overall value.
- Lawns, in conjunction with trees and shrubs around the home, can help reduce temperatures by up to 15 degrees.
- Because lawns are cooler and softer than concrete or asphalt surfaces, kids and dogs love to play on them, and the cushioning effect helps reduce the potential for injuries.
- Lawns can improve air quality by trapping dust and other small air particles.
- Lawns take in carbon dioxide; thereby, reducing overall CO2 in the atmosphere.
- Lawns help reduce noise levels by absorbing, deflecting, reflecting and refracting.
- Healthy, well maintained lawns create inviting views that can affect people positively through a sense of harmony and peace.
Lawns, in a word, are truly amazing, so don’t take them for granted! Reach out to Sweeney’s today to schedule your lawn mowing, maintenance or renovation! You, and the world will be so glad you did.
Plant of the Week
Photo of Empress Clematis courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers
Empress Clematis
Large, double pinkish-purple flowers with frilly pom-pom centers bloom May – October on prolific climbing vines. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 4-6′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Attracts hummingbirds.
“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey work of the stars.”
-Walt Whitman
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney