In today’s society, where most of our time is spent indoors or engaged in sedentary activities, the importance of regular exposure to green spaces cannot be overstated. Green spaces offer direct access to the benefits of nature, enhance the quality of our environment, and contribute to the health and enjoyment of our communities. Across the United States and beyond, millions of acres of natural grass provide a host of benefits, from providing a safe surface for children to play to offering a relaxing setting for family picnics.
Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) and The Lawn Institute (TLI) are once again joining forces with other industry leaders for the “April is… National Lawn Care Month” campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about proper lawn care practices, educate the public about the positive social and environmental impacts of natural grass, and offer support to landscape companies, turfgrass producers, educators, and other professionals seeking to educate their clients about the importance of maintaining healthy lawns.
Originally introduced by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), this campaign has garnered additional support from partners such as the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the Irrigation Association (IA), and Voices for Healthy Green Spaces (VHGS), a digital advocacy program launched by NALP in 2022. By collaborating with these organizations, we can expand our reach and amplify our message about the benefits of natural grass lawns.
While April has long been recognized as National Lawn Care Month in the USA, TPI and TLI are committed to spreading the word internationally. As spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, the lush green grass of lawns becomes an inviting space for outdoor activities and gatherings. This presents a prime opportunity to remind people around the world about the advantages of maintaining well-cared-for lawns.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many individuals to discover—or rediscover—the simple joys that their home lawns and public green spaces can offer. This positive momentum has continued through 2021, 2022, and 2023, with industry research indicating that it will remain strong throughout 2024. Consequently, our target audience is more receptive than ever to the message of the benefits of natural grass.
TPI members can access a wealth of marketing materials on the website www.TurfgrassSod.org, including the “Keep It Real” logo. Likewise, The Lawn Institute’s website, https://www.TheLawnInstitute.org, offers a variety of facts, resources, infographics, and photos to support your outreach efforts.