Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Tree those Lawns!

Even though Columbia, Missouri, is a relatively small city, there are a disturbing number of massive lawns across the community.  Some are associated with homes while most front businesses and companies.  This scenario is surely duplicated in most cities across the U.S.

Most of these lawns are purely for show; they certainly serve no natural purpose, with the possible dubious exception of feeding Canada geese.  At the same time, they absorb an alarming amount of chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides) while requiring excessive irrigation and regular mowing with gas-guzzling equipment.

Why not plant trees on those massive carpets?  They offer shade, wildlife habitat, beauty, relatively low maintenance and significant CO2 absorption.  No need for lawn masters; hire arborists!