Comparing Traditional Turfgrass Lawns with Native Lawns: An Ecological and Economic Perspective
| dc.contributor.author | Tsignadze, Maia | |
| dc.contributor.chair | Skelly, Sonja | en_US |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-14T21:06:36Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-07-14T21:06:36Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Urban landscapes across the United States have long been dominated by traditional turfgrass lawns, which are resource-intensive and offer limited ecological value (Milesi et al., 2005; Robbins & Birkenholtz, 2003). In contrast, native lawns—composed of regionally adapted, low-growing plant species—are gaining attention for their potential to enhance urban sustainability through improved biodiversity, water conservation, and ecosystem services (Tallamy, 2009; Nassauer et al., 2014). This project compares the ecological and economic impacts of traditional turfgrass lawns with native lawns, focusing on establishment and maintenance costs, biodiversity support, water use efficiency, carbon sequestration, and overall ecosystem health. A comparative analysis methodology was employed, integrating secondary data collection, cost comparison, and environmental impact assessment. Data were gathered from industry reports, environmental organizations, and a case study of the Cornell Botanic Gardens Native Lawn Demonstration Project to evaluate key indicators such as chemical inputs, maintenance requirements, and ecosystem services. While turfgrass lawns are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal and cultural familiarity, they are increasingly recognized as ecologically and economically unsustainable in many regions (Polsky et al., 2014). Results indicate that native lawns offer substantial long-term cost savings, greater biodiversity support, and reduced environmental harm due to lower chemical and water input requirements. By evaluating and comparing both systems, this study supports sustainable landscape design and urban planning and promote wider adoption of native lawns in residential and public spaces. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1813/117297 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.title | Comparing Traditional Turfgrass Lawns with Native Lawns: An Ecological and Economic Perspective | en_US |
| dc.type | dissertation or thesis | en_US |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Integrative Plant Science | |
| thesis.degree.level | Master of Professional Studies | |
| thesis.degree.name | M.P.S., Integrative Plant Science |
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