The grounds operation managers of various establishments can turn to an environmentally-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers: a flock of sheep. Researchers and eco-friendly establishments consider using animals, such as sheep and goats, among the best alternative methods of keeping turf and grass trimmed.
2. The grounds operation managers of various establishments can turn to an environmentally-friendly alternative
to gas-powered lawn mowers: a flock of sheep. Researchers and eco-friendly establishments consider using
animals, such as sheep and goats, among the best alternative methods of keeping turf and grass trimmed.
Natural Mowing
Different institutions have utilized flocks of sheep to keep their lawns trimmed. The University of
Massachusetts Lowell used a flock of 120 sheep to mow the grass in a difficult area of their campus. The sheep
finished the job in less time and cost only half what regular maintenance would have. O'Hare International
Airport in Chicago has been using a herd of sheep, a few goats, and a donkey for six years to trim plant growth
in parts of the airport that are difficult for motorized mowers to reach.
Without the need for gas-powered mowers, businesses can implement an eco-friendly technique to manage
their turf.
The grass-grazing animals also have the added benefit of providing fertilizer for the lawn they are trimming.
Because of their selective dietary behavior, sheep will not gnaw on the bark of ornamental trees nor eat
blooming plants.
Unlike sheep, goats are less scrupulous in their diets and will consume plants that sheep ignore. Multinational
technology company Google hired a herd of 200 goats to “perform” some lawn maintenance and fertilization
on their Mountain View compound.
3. Other Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Methods
Trimming grass with animals like sheep is only one way commercial properties, sports fields, and even airport
grounds managers can go green with their lawn care methods.
Properly maintained irrigation systems can cut back water wastage by eliminating leaks. Landscaping experts
can also set some irrigation systems to only use enough water to keep turf and plants healthy, reducing the
amount of water consumed by establishments. Other techniques include using natural pesticides and
herbicides to keep lawns free from damaging insects and weeds.
Businesses and organizations can seek out companies that have trained their crews to use such methods to
reduce their impact on the environment.
