Biodiversity loss due to the increase of monoculture lawns

Abstract

Lawns have evolved over time, starting as functional spaces in medieval gardens to appearing as the manicured, European-inspired landscapes we know today. The widespread use of monoculture lawns in North America signifies a shift towards a curated environment. These lawns come with consequences for biodiversity due to intensive maintenance like frequent mowing, chemical treatments, and watering. This study explores the history of lawns, the impact of maintenance on biodiversity, and potential sustainable lawn care approaches. This thesis highlights the negative impacts of having monoculture lawns, such as reducing insect populations, disrupting soil quality, and polluting water ecosystems with chemicals. It emphasizes the need for society and municipal regulations to shift towards more eco-friendly lawn management practices. This review stresses the importance of addressing the downsides of monoculture lawns through proactive measures and exploring sustainable alternatives.