Studies at Penn State have shown that water runoff as well as water which drained through the soil just two days after a chemical application was usually cleaner than government standards for drinking water. This makes grass very efficient at preventing erosion, and in removing soil particles from silty water. It's great to know how the forces of nature work to keep our world clean and beautiful and healthful. The plant world and the animal kingdom depend on one another. A recent Gallup Survey reported that a beautiful well-maintained lawn and landscape add 15 percent to a home's value according to buyers.
Appraisers also report that a well-maintained lawn and landscape adds to the value of the home.
When it rains on pavement, most of the water goes down the drain. When it rains on lawns and gardens, rain is held in the soil until it can filter down to the water table for everyone's use. Some ground covers do a better job at filtering than others. Healthy grass, for instance, is six times as effective as a wheat field, and four times as good as a hay field. Only a forest does a better job.