FEATURE
ECOLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL TURF A C H A NGING L ANDSCAP E
By Casey O’Neal, Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University Julie Wang, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia Nikolay Minaev, Graduate Research Assistant, Mississippi State University
M
ovements such as “Save the Bees”, “No Mow May”, and “Let it Bloom June” are recently trending critiques of monoculture lawns. They highlight the lack of plant and insect diversity in single grass species or cultivar lawns. In recent years, programs like Operation Pollinator have moved the golf industries toward stakeholder interests by supporting research and outreach efforts to improve the ecological function of turf on their facilities. Similarly, the turfgrass industry must prepare to do the same for lawns. While replacing grass lawns with flower gardens, white clover fields, or meadows may be beneficial for pollinators and people in some areas, it ignores the documented want and need for lawns in modern society.
A grass lawn with spring beauty at a park in Starkville, MS. Photo provided by Nikolay Minaev.
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER / JANUARY 2024 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
