September 8th

By Mutt Mulligan

Green space: a safe (and important) place

Simply spending time in our family yards and community green space is good for our health and well-being, and there is mounting scientific evidence to back this up. Now more than ever, people are craving connection with friends, family, and nature. Green space is a safe place that’s good for you, your family, your community, and the planet.

Be An Outsider: For Your Health & The Health of the Environment

Exploring and appreciating nature – starting in our own backyards and community green spaces – reduces stress, improves memory, boosts heart health, and offers a host of other benefits for our minds and bodies. Mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, or just taking a walk gives you a much-needed break from being cooped up inside and from the stresses of today’s strange times.

By becoming a steward of your living landscape, you are supporting your health and well-being in very important ways.

At the same time, you’re helping the planet since our yards, parks, and other public green spaces are environmental superheroes. They capture and filter rainwater, produce oxygen, and absorb carbon…among other things. Your yard is also an important part of the connected ecosystem that provides food and shelter for pollinators, such as birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and other creatures.

Be Purposeful When Maintaining Your Landscape: Right Plant, Right Place

Select plants that are native to your climate zone that are adapted to thrive in your location (for more information refer to the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Consider location, maintenance, sunlight and water needs, as well as how the plant will support local pollinators and backyard wildlife during all four seasons.

Want to learn more about the benefits of our living landscapes to people and the planet? Go to TurfMutt.com.