BIDDEFORD — When you think about it, grass may actually be the least expensive item to plant, but one of the leading expenses for a household.

Bearing that in mind, the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a free Heathy Lawn Care Workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Elements Books Coffee Bar, 265 Main St. in Biddeford.

According to The Lawn Institute, a well-designed and maintained lawn may increase a home’s property value by 15 to 20 percent and a typical 2,500-square foot lawn releases enough oxygen for a family of four, while absorbing carbon dioxide, ozone, hydrogen fluoride, and other chemicals.

Institute statistics show that a dense, healthy lawn assists in preventing run-off, and absorbs rainfall at a rate six times more effectively than a wheat field and four times better than a hay field. Well-maintained lawns also absorb noise and reduce glare.

Other interesting statistics reveal that there are about 50 million acres of lawn in the United States—three times the acreage planted with irrigated corn.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, lawns enhance the quality of life, contribute to social harmony and community pride, increase property values and compliment other landscape plants.  

And of all the millions of acres of grass in the United States, some 21 million of those acres are private lawns with one out of every five homeowners relying on a lawn care professional to take care of their lawn care needs.

Kat Munson, Education & Outreach coordinator for the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, says that the upcoming workshop in Biddeford is a perfect occasion to discuss proper lawn care because fall is the best time to care for Maine lawns.

“Your little investment and effort now will save time and money next spring, and it’ll create a more resilient, less weedy, lush lawns everyone wants,” Munson said.

Tips will be available at the workshop to learn to minimize fertilizer and weed and bug killers, and still have a beautiful lawn that’s safe for kids, pets and the environment.

“The Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District will provide strategies for fertilizing, controlling weeds and thatch, renovating poor lawns, transitioning to organic care, and more,” Munson said. “Whether you maintain your lawn or hire a professional, round up your neighbors and join us.”

To reserve a seat at the Heathy Lawn Care Workshop, call 892-4700 or send an email to [email protected]. Walk-ins will also be welcome at the event.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at [email protected].