Low-Input Lawns

Lawn care can be a very rewarding and enjoyable pastime.  Lawns provide numerous environmental and social benefits that few other landscapes can offer.  The environmental benefits include the stabilization of soil, filtration of water, release of oxygen to the atmosphere, sequestration of carbon, and moderation of air temperature.  The social benefits can be appreciated every time we see kids playing on a grass surface or watch our favorite sports even on turf.  Healthy lawns can also increase property values and feelings of well being. 

Unfortunately there are many negative consequences of improper lawn care.  These consequences can range from nitrate pollution in our drinking water, to irresponsible use of our freshwater resources.  Low-input lawns offer the potential to utilize all of the positive benefits that lawns provide, while reducing the negative environmental impacts.  

This page is devoted specifically to the Low-Input Lawn.  Please stay tuned as we continue to build the resources around this very important topic.  

Alternatives to Leaf Raking that Benefit the Environment and Save Time

Promoting Pollinators in Lawns

Living Laboratory Low-Input Turfgrasses on the U of M Campus

Low-Input Grass Species Options