Project EverGreen, Turfgrass Producers International and Houston Habitat for Humanity joined forces to install lawns and landscapes to five new homes in Houston’s Harrell Park subdivision.
TPI members Advanced Equipment Sales, Brouwer Kesmac, FireFly Equipment, Northwest Tillers, Progressive Turf Equipment, Redexim North America, Trebro Manufacturing and Trimax Mowing Systems contributed to purchase nearly 22,000 sq. ft. of harvested sod from Houston-area sod farm, All Seasons Turf Grass.
Project EverGreen and the Brickman Group provided the landscape materials and labor to install, with the assistance of Habitat for Humanity volunteers, more than 75 ornamental plants and trees to the five houses.
The project includes installation of oak trees and an assortment of azaleas, boxwoods, gardenias and ferns, and mulch around the five homes to create landscape beds that complement the new turf, and create green spaces the new owners and their families can enjoy. The total value of the in-kind donations of sod and plant materials totaled nearly $7,000.
“Project EverGreen is proud to partner with TPI and Houston Habitat for Humanity to bring managed green spaces to these new homes and neighborhoods,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Lawns, landscapes and plants turn houses into homes and neighborhoods into communities. The end result is safer, heathier and more connected communities.”
Numerous research studies have shown that the presence of well-maintained green spaces in communities offers numerous social, economic and lifestyle benefits. Some of the benefits include:
- Trees, shrubs and turf remove smoke, dust and other pollutants from the air. One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
- Natural grass recharges and filters groundwater supply and reduces storm water runoff
- Not only does your lawn release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, it lowers temperatures caused by soil and hard surfaces. Lawns can be 31 degrees cooler than asphalt and 20 degrees cooler than bare soil.
- Green spaces improve mental functioning and physical well-being. In fact, residents of areas with the highest levels of greenery were 40% less likely to be overweight or obese compared to those living in less green space.
- The proper placement of just three trees around a home reduces interior house temperatures, allow air conditioning units to run more efficiently and offer homeowners $100 to $250 in savings annually.
- Smart Money magazine indicated that consumers value a landscaped home up 11% higher than its base price.
“Our members are pleased to have an opportunity to work with these two respected organizations and to be able to give back to the Houston community that will be hosting the TPI 2016 International Education Conference & Field Day,” said Melanie Stanton, executive director of Turfgrass Producers International. “Natural grass lawns provide homeowners and neighborhoods with numerous environmental, economic, social and health benefits that are often taken for granted.”
About Project EverGreen: Headquartered in Cleveland, OH, Project EverGreen (www.ProjectEverGreen.org) is a national non-profit organization committed to promoting the positive effects of managed green spaces – including lawns and landscapes, athletic and recreational turf, golf courses and trees and parks – have on the physical, mental and economic well-being of communities across the United States. Project EverGreen’s initiatives include GreenCare for Troops, SnowCare for Troops and the “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.™”
About Turfgrass Producers International: Turfgrass Producers International (www.turfgrassod.org) has nearly 800 members in over 40 countries comprised of turfgrass sod and seed producers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and various individuals involved in education and/or turf-related research.
