October 26th

By Mutt Mulligan

Living landscapes help negate noise pollution

Did you know your own backyard is a buffer against noise pollution? It’s just one more way that ordinary turfgrass is a superhero like TurfMutt!

The World Health Organization concluded that noise pollution is a threat to our wellbeing. And unfortunately, the average community noise level is four times higher than it was 20 years ago!

Excessive sound is a growing problem in urban areas especially. Have you ever experienced noise bouncing off pavement or rocks? Yikes!

But turfgrass helps control noise pollution. In fact, grassy slopes alongside lowered expressways reduce noise by 8-10 decibels. Scientists found that green roofs have the highest potential to enhance quietness in courtyards. In those areas, green roofs may be able to reduce noise by 7.5 decibels.

This is just one more reason it’s important to protect your living landscapes, even if you’re living in an area that’s going through a dry spell. Remember, droughts are not forever. So, you shouldn’t be making forever landscaping decisions during a drought, either.

Learn more at LivingLandscapesMatter.com.