Lawn wars consume America’s neighborhoods
The American lawn has become the latest front-line issue in neighborhoods across the country: Some are shelling out to maintain lush greens while others forgo mowing and chemical treatments. Why it matters: Environmental campaigns like “No Mow May,” the “anti-lawn” movement, “Food Not Lawns” and “Climate Victory Gardens” are gaining steam — but prompting homeowner associations and other traditionalists to dig in their heels. The issue pits property values, aesthetics and “curb appeal” against concerns about drought, gas-powered mowers and biodiversity. Even among those who prize sustainability, there’s debate over lawn care techniques — but agreement that too much mowing is bad for pollinators. Driving the news: As spring gardening season begins, homeowners are wrestling with personal decisions about how to tackle lawn care: To mow or not to mow? Irrigate? Fertilize?