May-June-issue

ENVIRONMENT
for example that when selecting a lawn
grass, the first consideration is location.
Location determines the temperature that
your lawn will grow in. Some lawn grasses
will grow better in high temperatures than
others and vice versa. Secondly, determine
the level of shading in the proposed lawn.
Large and many trees can cast shadows
under which only certain types of grasses
will grow. It is important to note that the
whole compound may not be shaded. In
this case two or more varieties can be
used. The type of soil is another important
consideration. Some lawn grasses will grow
well in sand or in water soaked conditions,
some will perform poorly. Some lawn
grass varieties will withstand human and
vehicle traffic better than others. It is
therefore important to consider the use
of the lawn. To establish and sustain a
good lawn, regular irrigation is important.
Choose a lawn grass based on your ability
to water the grass; it concludes
We have several types of grass in
Kenya and East Africa. These include
among others, Arabic grass, Kikuyu grass,
carpet grass, Buffalo grass, Pemba grass,
Zimbabwe grass, Maadi grass, Arabic
grass and Paspalum grass. In order to
get it right, selecting the right seed will
ensure you get the type of lawn you
want. You should be careful here, because
you must choose the grass type suitable
for your soil and location. It should not
just be what pleases your eye. Certain
types of grass cannot grow under shade,
some can be overpowered by weeds, and
others will grow so high so quickly that
slashing or mowing may be needed more
frequently than you have time/resources
for. Remember that you must regularly
mow your grass, have it well watered and
fertilized, not forgetting weed control. The
uses of grass are so many that it is difficult
to list them all in this feature. But there
are some points you may find useful here.
Writing on the environmental benefits
of lawns -Dr. Eliot Roberts and Beverly
Roberts (1989) explain some ways in
which grass can benefit us below; it is
noted that, this overview of some of
the many benefits of lawns provides a
tribute to the grass plant, truly a gift of
nature. Although each plant is small, it
contributes so much to our well-being.
(This information is provided by The
Lawn Institute), below are their findings;
Climate is controlled at ground level
by turfgrasses (better known to us as
lawn grasses) as they cool temperatures
appreciably, thus working as exterior “air
conditioners.”
Dust and smoke particles from the
atmosphere are trapped by turf which
helps keep the air cleaner.
Noise is absorbed by grass areas
which cut down on excessive sound, a
growing problem in urban areas. For
example, grassed slopes beside lowered
expressways reduce noise 8-10 decibels.
Pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and
sulfur dioxide, are absorbed by turfgrasses
thereby rendering the air fit to breathe.
Turfgrass thatch acts as a barrier
deterring chemicals from entering the soil
profile.
Oxygen generation by turfgrasses has a
major impact in making our environment
The advantages of grass are grossly
understated. It’s good for our lawns, our parks,
sports grounds and recreational places.
MAY - JUNE 2018 51