Posted on September 8th, 2016
Sure, grass has been around for as long as the earth, but the idea of lawns as we know them today is something that took some time to develop. That being said, let’s take a look back in time to see how our favorite green accent came to be such a popular statement.
Grass, the great protector!
Research has shown that lawns may have been introduced in Europe, with the medieval castles of France and Britain being some of the first residences to flaunt a lush green landscape. However, it wasn’t curb appeal that made these flat, grassy surroundings attractive, it was their ability to provide a clear sight line for safety purposes.
Green and grassy alternatives.
During the Renaissance, a well-manicured lawn was a surefire symbol of nobility in both France and England. However, more often than not these lawns were actually cultivated from chamomile or thyme instead of fescues and bluegrass.
Wealthy man, healthy lawn.
Well-kept grass continued to be a status symbol well into the 17th century, as it was only the wealthy who could afford to hire lawn care hands. Remember, there were no motorized lawn-mowers, or easy-push seed spreaders like there are today!
Grass and golf go international.
As europeans began immigrating to the Americas, they brought with them their knowledge of grass cultivation, as well as their golf and lawn bowling pastimes. Much like owning a lawn, lawn bowling was an exclusive activity in England and Scotland. However, it wasn’t long before Canada and eventually North America got on board and began researching best practices for cultivating grass for the love of the game.
Building lawns for beauty.
The mid 19th century saw a push towards city beautification, and so a new emphasis was placed on growing and maintaining lush lawns. This time however, they were not being cultivated for personal or gaming use, but rather for parks — many of which we still visit today!
As time went on, lawns became more and more popular, prompting advancements in lawn care technology like motorized lawn mowers and calculated fertilization techniques. Nowadays, it’s hard to even imagine what a community would look like without a lawn!
Do you love your lawn? If so, allow the lawn care experts at Turf Unlimited to help you keep it growing long and strong for years to come. Call 888-649-9919 to learn about our lawn care services today.
