Turf Restoration - Phase I
Bringing the green back to the Mall.
Phase I of the National Mall turf restoration process was completed in 2012, restoring 11.3 acres of grass panels between 3rd and 7th streets and bringing the green back to America’s Front Yard.
All the elements of the turf restoration project were designed to create a healthy and water efficient landscape. The irrigation system was an essential part of the project, which also included re-engineered soils to resist soil compaction and improve drainage, large underground cisterns for rainwater harvesting, drought resistant turf varieties, and beautiful granite curbing to protect the lawn edges.
The Trust for the National Mall is supporting the ongoing effort to manage the grounds with in-kind donations of products and services. In September 2013, John Deere announced the company would be providing more than $400,000 in turf management equipment.
Phase II of the turf restoration began in October 2014, and includes the turf panels from 7th to 12th street. You can learn more about the second phase of the turf project here.