Grass Is Ass: In Support of a Natural Lawn by Prior Waskan

Prior Waskan

Grass Is Ass: In Support of a Natural Lawn

Congratulations! You are a murderer. Or, more specifically, your yard is. For many families in

The United States and Canada, lawn upkeep is a part of daily life. I, too, participated in lawn

upkeep, duped into believing that a good lawn is the mark of a good neighbor. However,

despite their appearances, “good” lawns are anything but green.

Monocultures, areas where only one species grows, are inherently unnatural and unstable

things. They are especially weak against disease, competition, and herbivory. Unfortunately,

these monocultures are the exact things we have in today’s suburbs. And of course, instead of

letting these lawns die out and replacing them with the diverse plant life that our local

animals need, we are actively maintaining them, despite their negative effects.

Runoff from the pesticides and herbicides we use to keep our lawns homogenous drain into

water supplies and kill plants and animals. Even without insecticides, most lawns comprise

invasive grasses that are inedible to insects. Non-native grasses also usually require better

conditions than their surroundings. In California for example, the need for green grass yards

has dramatically increased water consumption, often causing or worsening drought

conditions. You know that “Kentucky” Bluegrass that everyone likes so much? It’s an invasive

species from Europe. That front-yard “nature” that you adore? It’s as far from natural as you

can get.

I could go on and on why this is a bad thing, but take a look at the bird population in The U.S.

and Canada instead. Due in no small part to the lack of bugs to feed their young, caused by a

1940.

Luckily, I have prepared a simple solution: plant native plants. It’s as simple as that. By

planting endemic grasses and flowers, you will be providing a habitat for wildlife to thrive in.

Not only that, but it will need no poison of any kind to maintain, because indiginous plants

live naturally in your climate. In some states, there are even government stipends for

landowners looking to convert to native yards, making it even easier to switch.

Unfortunately, homeowners associations and even local governments aren’t our biggest fans.

Having a lawn that others see as “wild” can bring down property values and provide a home

for parasites like ticks. If you want to let mother nature back into your yard, but can’t, the

best thing you can do is try to educate yourself and others on why we need native lawns now

more than ever. And for those of you with no restrictions: good luck on your journey! I’m sure

your lawn will thank you.