In response to the letter "Reduce use of mowers, blowers to save money," (April 2) please get all your facts straight before you attempt to belittle the landscape industry. First of all, those unsightly, bare, muddy spots that you say are so unattractive will never get better unless the leaves are removed. They are causing the spots to remain wet and also blocking the essential light from reaching the photosynthesizing turf below.

You proposed that by letting the leaves decompose it would reduce the need for fertilizing and save money. The decomposing leaves only add a small amount of nutrients, which does not help, and in the long run will cause the loss of nutrients and kill the turf.

Also suggested was to not mow areas to allow flowers to grow and this would beautify the campus at no cost. To get these colorful flowers, seeds would have to be bought and planted. All of your suggestions to save money and the environment are very unfeasible for Penn State, especially considering the importance of the university and the need for it to look prim and proper. Not to mention Penn State is one of the leaders in turf research and would look unprofessional if we didn't have turf on our campus.

If you would like to save money and help the environment, I suggest parking your car and riding a bike, taking the bus or walking.