Have you ever wondered why the lawns in the USA usually appear so much more uniform and green than the ones in the UK? It's intriguing to see how lawn aesthetics differ across the pond, and I'm curious whether it's largely due to cultural differences, climate, or lawn care practices?
3 Answers
The cultural norms play a big role too. Some people believe a well-kept lawn is a status symbol, suggesting wealth and effort. I've seen lots of non-manicured lawns across the US, but they're not the ones you see on social media. That said, there is definitely a segment of the population that's super into that perfect lawn aesthetic.
Exactly! And it’s funny how some people feel that they have to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to lawn care.
They tend to have denser grass types such as Kentucky bluegrass, which can stand up better to drought. It's important to note, though, that many Americans invest heavily in irrigation systems to keep their grass looking green, which can be wasteful considering some areas are short on water.
Right?! It's kind of baffling that in some regions where water is scarce, people are watering their lawns daily with automatic systems.
This makes me appreciate the approach in areas like Berkeley, where they use drought-tolerant plants instead!
In the US, there's a much stronger focus on lawn care compared to the UK. For instance, Bermuda grass thrives in the US but isn't typically grown in the UK. The cultural obsession with having perfect lawns leads to heavy use of fertilizers and weedkillers to maintain that pristine look. Plus, many neighborhoods have strict homeowners associations (HOAs) that enforce these standards, which can sometimes feel ridiculous!
It's wild how much weedkiller they apply! I’ve heard that in some places, you have to maintain your lawn to avoid fines from the HOA.
There’s actually a No Lawns movement pushing back against this trend, advocating for more native plants and biodiversity instead.
Agreed! But you have to wonder what the cost really is for wildlife; those perfectly trimmed lawns aren’t friendly to them.