Lawns, as they are commonly understood in the United States today, are expanses of closely mown perennial grass. They are often found around suburban houses, sports fields, parks, and public sites. In order to maintain their uniform evergreen appearance, lawns generally require regular intensive management, including fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Until mid-century, lawns in the north primarily included Kentucky bluegrass, and lawns in the south primarily included bermudagrass. Since the 1970s and 80s breeders have hybridized and cloned grasses to produce varieties suited for hightraffic areas, shade, and disease-resistance, and differing conditions of soil and climate. Current varieties include types of bahia, bentgrass, zoysia, fescues, and perennial ryegrass.

The modern American lawn has its roots in late 18th century Europe. There the Romantic Movement led some ...