(BPT) Well-maintained outdoor spaces increase curb appeal and can bolster property values. They inspire kids’ imaginations and support healthy play. They make a homegrown neighborhood hangout, ideal for spending time together.

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking for ways to improve your lawn maintenance skills, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) is sharing the benefits of real grass, and why you should grow some, too:

Healthy Kids Need Healthy Outdoor Spaces

Nothing brings loved ones together like a grass yard. Your yard and the green spaces around your home are an invaluable extension of playtime, exploration and memory making. According to the USDA, kids and teens should be active for at least one hour every day. When kids get out and play, they not only spend valuable time together, but research shows physically active children achieve 40 percent higher test scores.

Real Grass Boost Property Values

Real grass yards make a great first impression for home buyers and are often a differentiating factor from other homes. Beyond curb appeal, a well-kept lawn transforms your backyard into a neighborhood hangout and an invitation for families to enjoy the outdoors. Desirable public parks and other recreational spaces can boost property values of nearby homes by 8-20 percent.

A Well-Maintained Lawn Is a Point of Pride

Green, trimmed and weed-free lawns create homeowner pride. While maintaining a clean-cut lawn may seem like a lot of time and effort, we’ve simplified upkeep into three easy-to-follow steps.

* Prevent. The best way to manage lawn care issues is to stop them before they start. Take a proactive approach to caring for areas of your yard that could invite problems.

* Find. Before you choose a lawn care game-plan, make sure you understand common problems. For example, do you have brown or dead patches on your lawn? Certain grass varieties may require specific upkeep. Once you understand your grass type, you can grow a healthy lawn and troubleshoot lawn and disease problems.

* Solve. This step depends on the problem you’re trying to solve. Are grubs eating your roots? Is a weed out-competing your grass? Adopt a combination of solutions that aligns with your time, expertise and situation to achieve success.

Real grass spaces provide a blank slate of possibility. A place to escape screen time, play with loved ones and enjoy time together outside.