FW: Why do we mow grass?

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If one were to ask a sparrow at Capistrano, why do you always come back at the same time every year, they might answer, "I don't know." Ask a human why do you mow your lawn, the answer might well be the same, "I don't know." There is a height at which grass gets that bothers people.  Why is that?  Is it the height or is it the un-evenness?  The ungroomedness?  I propose to you that it is a combination of height and texture.  If people used a grass which was more flowing, more soft in its appearance, there would probably be less mowing.  Which would lead to less green waste, which would lead to less labor, which would lead to less noise and air pollution at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning.
 
The other day I asked some people that were buying seed why they were buying so much.  Well, they had a big area.  Okay. Why did it all have to be in grass?  Because they didn't like weeds and dirt.  Okay, why did it all have to be manicured grass?  Because that is all we know.  As horticulturalists we know of several alternatives.  To the masses they only know one thing: manicured turf.
 
Manicured turf is a huge income producer for many in the green industry.  From lawnmower manufacturer, to fertilizer company, to lawn care companies, it is a multi-billion dollar business.  Why?  Because we have not exposed people to turf products that grow less than 30 inches per year.  There are a whole bunch of low growing grass products.  A whole bunch that look very nice if they are NEVER mowed. What are some?
 
Hard fescues
Sheeps fescues
Chewing fescues (these three are blended together to make Slope Saver)
Slender fescues
Descampsia
Koeleria (Turtleturf)
Crested hairgrass
 
Often times people romance or dream of walking through a meadow.  What is a meadow? Usually a "colony" of low growing grasses. So, in our quest to search for ways to keep the earth from blowing around and the weeds from taking over, we should consider grasses which don't need any upkeep. Grasses which never have to be mowed and create a great method of supporting beneficial organisms.  As garden writers we should help those that are not gardening enthusiasts which is the majority of the population who will minimally have a lawn.  Many people would like to escape the "traditions of our fathers" and have a low upkeep environment.
 
I would urge you to visit our website at www.agronotec.com <http://www.agronotec.com>  and click onto erosion control products and read about Turtleturf and Slope Saver. Your readers would appreciate knowing of these products and how their lives could be simplified by using them.  If you have questions or comments, I may be reached at grassmogul@aol.com <mailto:grassmogul@aol.com>  or at 800-543-4109.
 
Thank you,
Doug Washburn
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