Understanding Distribution Patterns of Lawn Alternatives in Kingston, Ontario

Abstract

Residential turfgrass lawns have been associated with wasted water, chemical runoff, increased emissions, and decreased biodiversity. Traditional turfgrass lawns are deeply entrenched in western society’s status quo, and has proven difficult to normalize more ecologically sustainable solutions. The research goal of this paper is to understand and interpret distribution patterns of lawn alternatives in Kingston, Ontario. Lawn alternatives were mapped in 10 neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods were characterised by their distinct spatial types, developmental context, and selected demographics data. Criteria for defining a lawn alternative was synthesized from previous studies. A classification scheme describing the character of lawn alternatives was developed. The inventory maps provide a previously unavailable snapshot of the types and distribution of lawn alternatives in Kingston, Ontario and are intended to assist the development of enhanced policy. This study found correlations between spatial type, developmental context, income, and lawn alternative coverage and character.