An annual survey of the nation's leading authorities on natural turf identified four consistent themes: how lawns enhance communities, turf's environmental benefits, common misconceptions on water and fertilizer usage, and the future of drought-tolerant grass.

In the ongoing discussion over the value of turf in thirsty areas of the country, a national coalition of grass seed farmers and academic turf specialists recently found consensus among academic experts about the benefits of a natural lawn.

In an annual qualitative survey of the nation's leading authorities on natural turf, Grass Seed USA, which seeks to inform and educate residential and commercial customers about the benefits of grass and best practices for responsibly growing and maintaining healthy turf, identified four consistent themes: how lawns enhance communities, turf's environmental benefits, common misconceptions on water and fertilizer usage, and the future of drought-tolerant grass.

"Maintained lawns provide a sense of community, belonging and pride, and therefore, enhance self-respect," says Thom Nikolai of Michigan State University.

He cites a study performed in Flint, Mich., in which residents were found to interact more with their neighbors and felt safer when the lawns of abandoned homes and lots in the neighborhood were mowed weekly.

Turf experts credit natural lawns as good for the environment: as one of the most efficient and inexpensive ways to control erosion, and aid in fighting pollution.

"Dense, well-established turf will prevent wind erosion of soil as well as solid erosion when it does rain," says Brad Parker of Rutgers University.

John Stier at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville has found that consumers assume that lawns contribute to pollution.

"In fact," he says, "multiple studies show that lawns can actually reduce urban runoff and soil and water pollution, as well as help to capture compounds that would otherwise contribute to global warming."

As Clint Mattox of Oregon State University notes, "lawns are often unjustly thought to need a great deal of water and pesticides just to survive."

Most survey participants indicated that consumers tend to use more water, fertilizer and other treatments than are required. According to Grass Seed USA, lawns need a thorough watering just once or twice a week, and depending on their variety and the climate, lawns may need fertilization only once a year, but it's important to confirm a schedule with a turf expert at a local garden store.

Finally, as new varieties of grass are developed, drought-tolerant varieties are among the most highly anticipated in the industry.

Mattox explains that, "The breeding of new varieties of salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant grasses will allow consumer lawn owners to benefit from the advantages of a home lawn while actively participating in fresh-water conservation."