Loomis, M. (2016). The Four-Legged Lawn Mower. Solutions 7(2): 68–72. https://thesolutionsjournal.com/article/the-four-legged-lawn-mower/
Solutions in History
The Four-Legged Lawn Mower by Mary Loomis
Wind Ranch
Goats are an eco-friendly and traditional alternative to gas-powered lawnmowers.
D
orothy’s “emerald city” might have been in the Land of Oz, but drive into any U.S. suburb and you will be greeted by an equally verdant landscape, one dominated by the American lawn. However, despite their ubiquity, there was once a time when grassy lawns were not so popular. Their rise reflects the aesthetics of suburbia and the evolving values of American consumers. But such preferences come at a price: as well as being a colossal waste of space, lawns also promote the
large-scale indiscriminate use of harmful chemicals. “Lawn,” from 16th-century Old English “launde,” is defined as an open space or glade. Popularized by British aristocracies who maintained low-cut grass through hired labor, the lawn soon became a status symbol. But it was not until the late 19th century that turf began to take root in the United States. In his book The Art of Beautifying Suburban Home Grounds, published in 1870, landscape architect Frank Scott
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wrote that a “closely-shaven surface of grass is by far the most essential element of beauty on the grounds of a suburban home.”1 Despite the germination of lawn aesthetics in the late 19th century, relatively few Americans had the wealth and spare time to cultivate a lawn. Before the induction of the 40-hour workweek, most people worked six days a week and observed the Sabbath on Sundays. Moreover, much of the working-class depended on their land as a food source and often grew vegetables and raised livestock on their “lawns.”1 Meanwhile goats, pigs, cows, and horses were common in major metropolises as recently as the late 19th century. In fact, pigs were an essential component of the urban landscape; they roamed in large herds, fed on garbage and waste, and later ended up on family dinner tables. Additionally, the city and countryside formed a more holistic ecological relationship as nearby farmers trucked meat and produce into the city, while cities shipped out waste for fertilizer. Natural cycles were integrated into everyday life and many valued the efficiency of such a system. While the lack of a proper sewage system and the presence of animals posed a public health concern, many were nonetheless outraged when New York City authorities banned swine from the streets; farmers complained about the loss of good fertilizer, and the urban poor lamented the loss of a free food source.2 It wasn’t until World War II that mowed turf began to gain in popularity among American homeowners. While the war offered a brief reprieve from unabated growth of suburban sprawl and automobile use, green lawns