"Because we’ve always done it that way."
Have you ever received this response to an insightful question? Or maybe you've questioned a practice so thoroughly that, in the end, this was the only answer left standing.
As engineers, designers, and facility owners, we understand the value of tradition and proven methods. But, we also recognize that blind spots exist. How many of our design and maintenance practices are based on sound principles, and how many persist simply due to inertia?
Let’s take a closer look at one such long-standing practice: the widespread use of turf grass.
The Role of Turf Grass
Turf grass isn’t without merit. It excels in one key area: resilience. Its ability to regrow makes it ideal for high-traffic zones such as sports fields, playgrounds, and public gathering spaces. And, aesthetically, many people simply like the look.
The American Passion for Lawns
For generations, the American Dream has included a home with a pristine, green lawn. This aesthetic—manicured and uniform—extends beyond homes to workplaces, government buildings, schools, parks, and even industrial sites. But why do we insist on turf grass as the default landscape choice?
Because we’ve always done it that way—since the 1800s.
The concept of the manicured lawn traces back to European aristocracy. In 17th-century France, estates like the Palace of Versailles showcased expansive, well-manicured lawns as a display of wealth, maintained by teams of laborers. The trend spread across England, where turf grass became a status symbol for those who could afford to maintain it.
With the advent of the gas-powered lawn mower, this once-luxurious aesthetic became accessible to the masses. When European settlers brought these grasses to America, they became deeply embedded in our landscape design. But were they ever truly suited for our climate?
A Mismatch Between Turf Grass and Climate
Take Kentucky bluegrass, a staple in American lawns. It’s not from Kentucky—it’s from England. The cool, rainy English climate allows these grasses to thrive. Compare that to a city like St. Louis, MO, where summer temperatures often reach 90°F with weeks of drought. English turf grasses, with their shallow root systems, struggle to survive in such conditions.
To compensate and maintain these grasses, we pour resources into them, such as:
Irrigation – Turf grass requires significant watering, straining groundwater supplies.
Herbicides & Pesticides – These grasses are vulnerable to competition, leading to widespread chemical use.
Fertilizers – Nutrients must be added to sustain growth, contributing to water pollution and toxic algae blooms.
Mowing & Maintenance – Lawns require regular upkeep, increasing costs and labor.
We go to great lengths—financially and environmentally—to maintain turf grass where it may not even belong. So why not challenge the norm?
A More Strategic Approach: The Case for Native Vegetation
So, do we need to cover every square foot of our sites in turf?
Native vegetation, the plant life that thrived in a region before modern development, offers an alternative. These plants evolved to withstand local climate conditions, making them a sustainable choice.
Benefits of native vegetation
Unlike turf grass, which creates ecological dead zones, native vegetation fosters biodiversity and benefits like the following:
Drought Resilience – Deep root systems reduce the need for irrigation.
Soil Stability – Helps prevent erosion and retains moisture naturally.
Low Maintenance – Requires no mowing, fertilizers, or herbicides.
Supports Wildlife – Provides shelter and food sources for birds, butterflies, and pollinators.
However, native plants do have limitations. They are less tolerant of foot traffic, and their appearance—more natural and varied—may be perceived as "weedy" by those accustomed to traditional lawns.
We have found that using native vegetation instead of traditional turf grass once maintenance is considered can save up to 22% in the long-term cost for operational maintenance.
Finding a Balance: Hybrid Site Design
The good news? We don’t have to choose one or the other. A hybrid approach allows us to retain turf grass where it makes sense—such as ball fields and recreational spaces—while incorporating native vegetation in areas that require less active use. Consider using native plantings in:
Perimeter areas – Reducing mowing and irrigation needs.
Intermediate spaces – Creating natural buffers between developed zones.
Stormwater management zones – Enhancing water retention and filtration.
By thoughtfully integrating native vegetation, we lower maintenance costs, reduce environmental impact, and provide habitat for wildlife—all while preserving functional turf areas where needed.
At TERRA Engineering, our Landscape Architects and Site Civil Engineers specialize in native vegetation design, helping clients create sustainable, cost-effective landscapes.
Ready to explore new possibilities for your site? Keep an eye out for our AIA-certified training sessions, where we dive deeper into sustainable landscape strategies!