Go green this autumn
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Quick Lawn
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Tuffgrass
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Luxury Lawn
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Shady Place
Recent research* has revealed that a significant number of gardeners believe that artificial grass should be prohibited, whilst demand for it has decreased by 50% in just two years. With many homeowners being blindsided by claims of low maintenance, no watering and looking aesthetically green all year round, Johnson's Lawn Seed, the oldest lawn seed brand in the UK, is encouraging retailers to communicate with disillusioned customers to recommend natural grass as a viable alternative and a tangible contribution to environmental preservation.
WHY THE BACKLASH?
Why the backlash against synthetic turf?
Not so maintenance-free
You could say it’s misjudged convenience in the garden with artificial grass, with many not realising that it’s not maintenance-free and has to be brushed, hoovered and cleaned with stain removers, just like its indoor carpet counterpart, especially if you own canine friends that like to do their business outside.
Too hot to handle
We may have had a temperamental year of weather but excessive temperatures like the unprecedented summer of 2022 mean that plastic lawns can get so hot that it burns the feet of anyone using the lawn, including children, pets and wildlife. In comparison, on a sunny day, real lawns act as a natural coolant by evaporating moisture, bringing down the temperature in its vicinity. This cooling effect not only provides relief for us and those who enjoy a real lawn but also helps to reduce the urban heat island effect in cities, making our neighbourhoods more comfortable during warm spells.
Environmentally harmful
And the biggest environmental concerns are that artificial lawns are made from non-biodegradable materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon, an energy-hungry manufacturing process and at the end of life will degrade and shed microplastics into the soil and the oceans. Most artificial grass is made up of a mixture of different plastics making it extremely difficult to recycle too.
The plastic grass carpet does not support wildlife and instead damages biodiversity by covering the soil, making it difficult for creatures like worms to thrive. This, in turn, diminishes the number of birds as they have less access to food and other animals that visit the garden and also face sustenance challenges.
Increases localised flooding
Contrary to its reputation as a water-saving alternative, the non-permeable nature of fake grass deprives the soil of essential nutrients and obstructs natural drainage systems. This impediment exacerbates flooding problems and disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems. In a world where water scarcity is becoming a growing concern, the benefits of a natural lawn are truly invaluable, conserve water by reducing runoff and enhancing the absorption of rainwater into the ground.
THE SOLUTION
Johnsons Lawn Seed is asking garden retailers to set a positive example by educating customers on the benefits of natural grass and how to maintain a healthy lawn throughout the year. Selecting the appropriate type of turf is crucial to ensure the durability and sustainability of your lawn.
By choosing resilient grass varieties that are suitable for your local climate, you can reduce the need for frequent maintenance. These types of grass are often more resistant to pests, diseases, drought, and extreme weather conditions, making them easier to care for and better for the environment in the long term.
RETAILERS GO NATURALLY GREEN….
Johnsons offers an extensive lawn seed portfolio, carefully curated and researched over many years to offer a lawn seed solution for every garden and every gardener’s needs.
Highlights and bestsellers include Tuffgrass which is ideal for new lawns, overseeding, patching, and play areas - even for dog owners with its dog patch resistance.
Quick Lawn with Accelerator‘s specially coated seed germinates quickly and requires only a third of the water typically needed for lawn establishment whilst Shady Place Lawn Seed, will debunk the myth that customers with artificial lawns think grass won't grow in shaded areas. Luxury Lawn blends traditional grasses and is highly resistant to drought thanks to its thick growth that prevents unsightly weeds from taking root.
Johnson's Lawn Seed will make the sales for you with its scannable QR codes on its grass seed boxes to help customers choose the perfect seed for their lawn. The codes provide guidance on selecting the right seed as well as valuable tips for preparing and sowing the grass.
Find out more
To find out more about stocking Johnsons Lawn Seed please contact your local sales representative or visit the website www.johnsonslawnseed.com/product-range