<p>[[{"fid":"108","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"style":"float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0;","alt":"Kids playing soccer on lawn","title":"Kids playing soccer on lawn","class":"adaptive-image media-element file-default"}}]]There are many benefits to planting lawn in landscapes. Proper soil preparation and routine maintenance are crucial to maximizing these benefits.</p><p><strong>Aesthetics: </strong>Lawn is versatile and functional. A well-maintained lawn and landscape can increae property value and creat a sense of community pride. And, it is ideal for foot traffic because it withstands trampling more thank any other type of plant.</p><p><strong>Recreation surface: </strong>Lawn provides an excellent surface for all sorts of outdoor activities - picnics, sports, play space, etc. It is also a delight to walk on!</p><p><strong>Reduces runoff and soil erosion:&nbsp;</strong>Lawn is one of the most effective plant materials to reduce runnoff and prevent soil erosion. With up to 90% of the weight of a grass plant in its roots, it&rsquo;s no wonder grass is very efficient at erosion prevention.</p><p><span><strong>Cooling effect:&nbsp;</strong></span>Lawn surfaces reduce temperature extremes by absorbing the sun&rsquo;s heat during the day and by slowly releasing it in the evening, thus moderating temperatures.&nbsp;<span>The cooling effect of an average lawn can equal more than eight tons of air conditioning (the average home air conditioner produces four tons of cooled air).</span></p><p><strong>Absorbs dust and other pollution:&nbsp;</strong>With their extensive and intertwined system of leaves and roots, grass surfaces around the world are estimated to trap some 12 million tons of dust and dirt from the air annually. In addition, grass takes carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and replaces it with oxygen. Grass is such an efficient carbon dioxide&ndash;oxygen converter that an area 50 feet by 50 feet generates enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four.</p><p>Looking for more in-depth information on <a href="http://www.conserveh2o.org/lawn-grass-water-use">lawns</a> and lawn alternatives?&nbsp; Download our <span class="file media-element file-default" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%22178%22,%22view_mode%22:%22default%22,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D"><img alt="" class="file-icon" src="/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" title="application/pdf" /> </span><span class="file media-element file-default" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%22189%22,%22view_mode%22:%22default%22,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D"><a href="http://conserveh2o.thedrupalteam.com/sites/default/files/planting_maint_lawn2012.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=2183550">brochure</a></span>.</p>