Celebrate National Lawn Care Month In April

The Professional Lawn Care Association of America designates each April as National Lawn Care Month.

Published April 03, 2001

Turfgrass Benefits

Here are a few of the many benefits for turfgrass that PLCAA cites:

  • OXYGEN: 625 square feet of lawn provides enough oxygen for one person for an entire day.


  • TEMPERATURE: On a block of eight average houses, front lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning.


  • POLLUTION: Turf absorbs gaseous pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, converting them to oxygen.


  • DUST AND DIRT: Turf traps an estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released annually into the atmosphere.


  • FIRE RETARDATION: A buffer zone of grass around buildings helps retard the spread of fire.


  • WATER QUALITY: Turf prevents soil erosion, filters contaminants from rainwater and reduces runoff.


  • PROPERTY VALUE: Well-maintained lawn and landscapes can add anywhere from 5 to 15 percent to a property's value.


  • PLAYING SURFACE: A healthy lawn provides an excellent cushion for children and adults at play. Athletes agree. According to a 1994 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) league-wide player survey, 93 percent of the players believe that artificial turf is more likely than grass to contribute to injury. Consider the egg drop test: when a dozen raw eggs were dropped from a height of 11 feet onto a two-inch thick piece of dense turf, none broke; two-thirds of them broke on thin turf from that height; and from just 18 inches up, all broke on an all-weather track.

MARIETTA, Ga. - To promote the importance of a healthy lawn for America’s more than 25 million acres of turfgrass, the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) designates each April as National Lawn Care Month.

"Lawn grasses are among the first plants to turn green as the weather warms up," said Tom Delaney, executive vice president of PLCAA. "National Lawn Care Month is a time to recognize how turfgrass makes a positive contribution to our lifestyle and environment."

A Gallup survey reported that nine out of 10 U.S. households recognize the value of a well-maintained lawn and landscape. Aesthetic and economic benefits were among the top reasons why Americans value their lawns. In fact, homeowners can realize a potential increase of 5 to 15 percent in property values when the property is complemented by an attractive lawn and landscape. A healthy turf also filters groundwater, retards the spread of fire, and absorbs gas pollutants, dust and pollen.

"While many homeowners know about the value and beauty of a healthy lawn, less realize the environmental benefits," said Delaney. "PLCAA and its lawn and landscape company members take time each April to inform the public about the aesthetic, economic and the environmental benefits of a healthy turf."

PLCAA reports that lawns help keep lakes and streams clean by allowing rainwater to filter into the soil rather than running into storm sewers, sometimes washing away valuable soil. Healthy, dense lawns absorb rainfall, preventing runoff and erosion.

According to scientific research, PLCAA said turf promotes high populations of beneficial microorganisms in the thatch layer and topsoil. These microorganisms break down impurities, making turf an excellent water filter.

Additionally, studies at several nationally recognized universities have documented that well-managed turf has the greatest capacity for absorbing and holding water than any other ground cover. The result is less storm water runoff and better water quality.

For more information about PLCAA visit its web site at www.plcaa.org.

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