Why Managed Landscapes Are Essential Summer Infrastructure

Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, argues that the public frequently dismisses parks and private yards as purely aesthetic assets. In reality, these areas serve as hardworking systems that regulate local climates and protect property. By utilizing shade and evapotranspiration, vegetation actively combats urban heat islands, lowering temperatures for nearby buildings and businesses.

Beyond temperature control, managed landscapes act as natural sponges during heavy rain, capturing and filtering stormwater to mitigate flooding and erosion. They also improve air quality by trapping particulate matter, dust, and pollen. In regions prone to fire, strategic maintenance—such as pruning, irrigation, and the removal of dead vegetation—creates vital defensible space that serves as a firebreak. Beyond these physical protections, these spaces continue to sequester carbon dioxide and support local ecosystems, making consistent upkeep a practical necessity for community resilience.