You’re Just a Desert

I live in a desert.  The people next door think they live on the prairie and the people across the street seem to think that if they just try hard enough that we really can be wetlands.  These are the people who are shocked more years than not when there is a drought warning.

I occasionally sound a bit crazed when people mention lawns, watering, and particularly watering lawns.  It’s something that started out as a thing I didn't think was quite right and was a bit bothersome.  It has become this greater issue that is a real source of anger for me.  The thing is, the way I see it, it comes down to this: we are wasting one of the two most essential resources this planet has on something that has no real purpose- it isn't even a convenience because grass doesn't make things easier.  It creates more work in the whole mowing and watering of it, though.  So, yeah, we’re endangering the environment for the sake of making things look pretty, and also to make more work for ourselves.  Bravo, human race.

There are two particular issues with the tradition of grass in Utah.  The first is the fact that there’s grass and then there’s grass.  Most people are really only aware of two kinds, proper lawn grass, and the weed Crabgrass.  The truth is that there are actually several types of grass that originate in grasslands of mildly different temperaments.  Of course, the kind of grass that’s known to most as ‘proper lawn grass’ has the proper name of Kentucky Blue, and it is the most water demanding type of grass there is.  I was first told this by the son of a landscaper and it’s been reinforced by everything I've read since.

The second big issue is sprinkler layout.  OK, big institution who have shelled out big money for a fancy sprinkling system (I’m talking to you, University of Utah), you know, you could actually put some thought into your setup beforehand.  Do your sidewalks and parking lots really need to be watered?  I know that as a student, I’d have preferred to be watered slightly less myself (I shouldn't have to walk on the grass in order to avoid the sprinklers).  Also, you know that thing about watering at night?  That’s actually pretty legitimate.  2 PM, when school is in session, is not the ideal time.  You've got a few smart people up there, they should know this.

I don’t really know what kind of difference this will all make in the long run, but I do wish that more people were committed to making that difference, whatever it may be.