02/03/2022
For generations, landowners have tried to replicate the lush green lawns made famous several centuries ago by European aristocrats. These manicured lawns were a symbol of wealth and control over nature. Today, homeowners continue to take pride in monocultured lawns without accounting for their environmental impact.
Some of the most detrimental impacts of our lawns include the loss of biodiversity, pollution in public waterways, depleted freshwater sources, and billions spent annually on lawn care.
Most lawns we see today contain only a few species of grasses, some of which are not even native to this continent. The native plant communities which once inhabited these landscape used to provide shelter and food for thousands of species of wildlife including birds, butterflies, bees, mammals and so much more. Without our native plant communities, we begin to lose biodiversity, healthy soil, and functioning ecosystems.
As you probably have observed, lawns in this area do not thrive in just natural conditions. They require lots of water, fertilizers, and pesticides to survive. In contrast, a landscape planted with native plants does not need nearly as much special care, because they are adapted to the local conditions including rainfall and temperature changes. This means no need for pesticides and costly irrigation systems!
Pesticides and fertilizers keep these lawns alive. Unfortunately, these chemicals get washed off into our sewers, ponds, and waterways more than we notice. These chemicals can travel many miles and infect the landscapes we use including the food we eat and water we drink.
There are many more reasons why a native plant landscape is more funtional, beneficial, and cost-efficient than lawns. Consult with Modern Rome to start designing your sustainable landscape today!
