I wanted to share an article with you today that I hope will be helpful to those of you who have the same problem with taking care of your lawn. In her article, Sarah Baker of Alexandria, Ohio, emphasizes the important role lawns play in contemporary American life. According to NASA's 2005 satellite imaging estimates, there are approximately 40 million acres of lawns in the 48 contiguous U.S. states. This area consists of lawns, which make up 1.9 percent of the continental United States and are the largest irrigated crop in the country. By comparison, U.S. lawns take up three times as much space as irrigated corn.
The study also provides a map showing the distribution of lawns across the country, similar to the U.S. population density map - where there are people, there are lawns. The colors on the map range from light green in the urban core to darker in the suburbs, reflecting the increase in lawn density.
According to the same NASA study, certain states have a large portion of their landscapes covered by lawns, including Delaware (10 percent), Connecticut and Rhode Island (20 percent each), and Massachusetts and New Jersey (more than 20 percent each).
Recently, the traditional American lawn has faced scrutiny, with some like Baker choosing not to regularly maintain their lawns due to environmental concerns. Lawns require fertilizer to grow, gas to mow, and take up space that could be used for animal habitat. Water consumption is another concern; according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lawns absorb 9 billion gallons of water per day.
While these concerns are valid, the most compelling reason to reconsider or downsize a lawn, especially for individuals who are pressed for time, is the significant time investment required. The average American spends about 70 hours a year on lawn and garden care, and for those who own and mow lawns, the actual number is likely higher. While some people take pride in a neatly mowed lawn, many find lawn care to be a despicable chore. A CBS News poll found that one in five Americans ranked mowing the lawn as their least favorite chore.
The article suggests that there are lawn alternatives that require less maintenance, but certain factors such as homeowner association requirements and municipal guidelines may limit options. However, recognizing that alternatives exist can allow those seeking to free themselves from the time-consuming task of lawn maintenance.
