The weather teetered between lovely and tumultuous as if someone, unknowingly, kept leaning against the light switch. In a moment, a lovely Spring day became a stormy Winter day, and back and forth it went. Nature’s apparent confusion would not sully the efforts of a landscape ready to burst with life and renewal. Instead, Spring stood stoic and unflappable. April would deliver us to the promised land.

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, and a 2,500 sf lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
• Grass helps absorb water as opposed to hard, non-porous surfaces; thereby, reducing run off and protecting our groundwater by filtering out contaminants.
• 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 20 degrees.
• Because lawns are cooler and softer than concrete and asphalt surfaces, kids and dogs are naturally drawn to 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 peace and harmony.  Simply put, healthy lawns are good for your health.

Lawns 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

Sweet Grass

Upright, native ornamental grass with vanilla-scented leaves produces brownish-green blooms from April- June.   Prefers sun to partial shade, and moist soil.  Grows 18-24″ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Native North Americans dried and braided the grass to use as incense to attract good spirits.

“To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.”

-Helen Keller

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney