Alternative approaches to turf systems: A review of pollinator-friendly lawns

Abstract

The global decline of pollinators, driven primarily by habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion, poses significant risks to biodiversity and food security. Turfgrass lawns, which dominate urban and suburban landscapes, offer a largely untapped opportunity to mitigate these declines by adopting pollinator-friendly management practices. This review explores how modifications to lawn care, including reduced mowing frequency, increased mowing height, and the integration of flowering forbs, can transform lawns into viable habitats for pollinators. Despite their potential, broader implementation of these practices faces challenges, including regional variability and sociocultural barriers. Interdisciplinary collaboration among ecologists, urban planners, and policymakers is crucial to overcoming these obstacles. This review also emphasizes the need for long-term research and public engagement to promote sustainable, biodiverse urban landscapes that support pollinator populations.