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Some Random Thoughts about the
BENEFITS OF TURF Scott McElroy, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass and Weed Science Auburn University • Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Sometimes I just want to write an article that is a little more lighthearted. I hope you enjoy.
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021
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have been going through a lot of my old pictures from traveling and I came to a conclusion – people love turfgrass. I realize this is a not so startling conclusion considering the audience who is reading this, but there is something sobering when considering this basic thought. People tend to gravitate to a green, healthy stand of turf. So much so that signs must be posted to keep said persons “off the grass,” (Photo 1) which I find completely absurd considering turfgrasses have evolved to withstand trampling (and being eaten). As turfgrass managers, broadly speaking, we fully understand the aesthetic value, usability for sport, and environmental benefits of turfgrass, but have you ever considered how much humans enjoy planting their posterior on a patch of turf? Do you yourself ever stop and simply sit down on a lawn or fairway and simply enjoy the comfort it provides? It is glorious. Truly. To steal from the phrase, “stop and smell the roses," sometimes I think turf managers should stop and plant their cheeks down on those green blades. Maybe take off their shoes and feel the blades between their toes. On a visit to Paris a few years ago, my family and I happened to be traversing the city on a bank holiday (we don’t let banks tell us when to holiday in the United States so this was a bit odd to me, but I went with it anyway). When making our way through Luxembourg Garden, we tried to find a spot to have a picnic and found all the available space to be taken. People were sprawled out on the lawns, enjoying the spring sun. Were they sitting on the gravel paths? Absolument pas! On a visit to Kensington Palace, I took a picture of people enjoying a sunny day in Hyde Park in London. (Photos 2a, 2b) Do you see anyone sitting on the sidewalk? Absolutely not! A sidewalk is for the feet, but grass is for the… umm, rear-end to sit down. I suppose.
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2a 2b
