lawn

A lawn is an area of land, typically on a private or public property, covered with closely mown grass or turf and maintained for aesthetic, recreational, and social purposes. Lawns are usually composed of one or more grass species and may be irrigated, fertilized, and weeded to keep the surface even and green. They can be part of landscape design, used as play areas, and help separate built structures from other plantings.

Lawn grasses are selected to suit climate and soil. Cool-season species common in temperate regions include Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and fine fescues; warm-season species in warmer regions include Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), zoysia, and St. Augustine grass. Maintenance usually involves mowing to a species-specific height, regular irrigation during dry periods, and periodic fertilization. Dethatching and aeration improve root growth, and weed and pest management may be needed.

History and culture: The concept of a managed green lawn emerged in Europe with formal gardens in the 17th and 18th centuries. The development of mechanical lawn mowers in the 1830s increased maintenance efficiency, and suburban expansion after World War II popularized lawns in many countries. The lawn has been a symbol of leisure, status, and domestic order in some cultures.

Environmental considerations and alternatives: Lawn care often requires substantial water, fertilizer, and pesticide inputs, with potential impacts on water quality and biodiversity. Alternatives include longer-term meadows, native plantings, drought-tolerant turf, or artificial turf. Practices such as recycling grass clippings and mowing higher can improve sustainability.