The Lawn Haters Have Arrived

For centuries, people have loved lawns. now, suddenly there is a fad of replacing lawns with native landscapes, xeriscapes, decomposed granite, etc. This is a good thing because I love native plants so I’m happy about people using native plants. But there are lots of dead plants and sprouting weeds. People are not educating themselves, nor are their landscapers or gardeners about how to build gardens without lawns.

A green lawn is more than just status or ignorance.

I think humans are wired for green. Green means returning rains, water to drink, fattening antelope, water for crops, acorns, breadfruit. Studies show green spaces reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, being in nature can boost mood, immunity, attention, memory, and improve cognitive function.  Green spaces also reduce pollution and improve air quality.

 Overlooking a huge, cleared, happy green lawn is a sociobiological response for safety and health. Just like I suspect humans are wired to live on hillsides looking down at the approaching lions, Vikings and snakes.

Humans need greenery.

Solution: Be mindful and educated before you tear out landscaping, and stop building suburbs with excess useless lawns.