5 Environmental Benefits of Fencing, a Healthy Lawn and Landscaping

A healthy lawn and beautiful landscaping can enhance the curb appeal of your Cypress, TX home. In fact, landscaping can add 20% to your home’s value. Fencing provides privacy while giving children and pets a safe place to exercise. But beauty and value aren’t the only reasons to invest in your outdoor space. Fencing, a healthy lawn and landscaping can also offer many environmental benefits.

1. Improve Air Quality

Did you know that your lawn can help improve air quality? Every year, grasses trap an estimated 12 million tons of dirt and dust, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere.

Dew and rain move these trapped airborne pollutants into the ground, where microbes break them down or they bind to the soil.

The plants and trees in your landscaping also capture carbon from the air while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere.

A 50’ x 50’ area of grass produces enough oxygen for a family of four.

2. Reduce Soil Erosion

The root systems of plants and trees can absorb up to 20 times more water than bare soil alone. Healthy turf grass stabilizes soil and prevents erosion that can block storm water systems and lead to flash flooding.

Exposed soil on a hillside can even lead to mudslides after heavy rainstorms.

Healthy grasses have deep and lateral (sideways) roots that create a web of protection for the top layer of soil.

Maintaining a healthy lawn and landscaping will help prevent erosion and the environmental damage it causes.

But what about fencing for my home? Fencing also helps prevent erosion caused by blowing wind and helps slow the spread of flood water that can damage your yard’s delicate topsoil.

3. Shade and Temperature Regulation

In Cypress, TX, summers are hot. It’s the perfect time of year to entertain outdoors and enjoy your backyard, but the heat can be brutal.

The right combination of plants and trees in your landscaping can provide much-needed shade. A healthy lawn will also absorb heat and cool things down for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

More shade from trees can also keep your home cooler and reduce your energy bills.

Turf grass has an insulating effect, which keeps the ground 10-14 degrees cooler in the summer compared to asphalt or concrete.

4. Reduces Runoff and Pollution

Fencing reduces pollution and helps keep your yard looking its best. Whether you choose chain link, wood or vinyl, your home’s fencing will keep leaves, papers and other light materials out of your yard. Privacy fencing can also keep dust, dirt and debris away.

A healthy lawn with high humus content (microorganisms) can absorb more water than weak soil. These microorganisms help bind and decompose pollutants, like heavy metals, bacteria, fuel and chemicals.

Acidic rainfall can damage the environment, but a healthy lawn can reduce its acidity to just one-tenth of its original state. Trapping or breaking down these pollutants prevents them from contaminating rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. This ultimately helps protect wildlife who rely on these water sources.

5. Provides Refuge for Wildlife

Thoughtfully planned landscaping can provide refuge for local wildlife. Native plants, trees and bushes can provide living spaces and food for animals. Plants that attract pollinators can help support bee populations, hummingbirds, butterflies and other important pollinators.

Fencing can also restrict wildlife movement, preventing them from venturing into dangerous areas, like roadways.

A healthy lawn and landscaping improve the environment while adding value and appeal to your home. But you can only realize these benefits if you invest the time and effort into maintaining your outdoor space. Professional landscaping services make it easy and convenient to keep your outdoor space looking its best.