A Literature Review of the Environmental and Health Benefits of Turf in draft form by Dr Ross Higginson and Peter McMaugh.
K Martin Health benefits of turf and parks 13 July 2011
Think before you remove your lawn – Benefits of Green Spaces
Report: Value Of Green Space
The benefits of contact with nature for mental health and well-being
Density and greenspace access in SEQ
Role of Turf in Environmental Protection – Beard and Green
Turf grasses play a critical role in the general health and welfare of our nation and as a result of increasing urbanisation and deforestation; they are becoming more and more important for human health. Turf is not only a major source of beauty and comfort in our lives but also a cleansing answer to our environment.
THE BENEFITS OF TURF GRASS CAN BE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:
FUNCTIONAL
- Low cost surfaces
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Safety cushion
- Spectator entertainment
- Playing fields/sport
RECREATIONAL
- Soil erosion control
- Dust prevention
- Rainwater entrapment
- Groundwater recharge
- Solar heat dissipation
- Glare reduction
- Chemical/pollutant filtering
- Air pollution control
- Fire prevention
DID YOU KNOW…
Parliament House in Canberra was purposefully designed with turf on the roof for three reasons. Firstly, for people to stand above parliament rather than parliament above the people. Secondly, to help reduce noise. But most importantly, because of its insulating qualities. The turf helps keep Parliament House cooler. When measures were taken on a 330C day, the surface temperature of the adjacent granite paving was 520C and the turf surface was 280C. Temperatures underneath the turfed roof slab were a stable 230C. Imagine the energy bill savings!
