Did you know you that adding turfgrass to your lawn can help your carbon footprint? Studies show that turfgrass can make a big impact on the environment, from urban to open areas.  

In smaller communities or urban areas, sod can do numerous things, including reducing energy consumption, mitigating the heat island effect commonly found in cities, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions – all of which contribute to efforts to reduce global warming.  

In larger lawns and other open areas, turfgrass provides a beautiful, uniform, and safe setting for fun and games. Not only that, but it also releases oxygen and can cool the air. On hot summer days, the lawn can be up to 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 14 degrees cooler than bare soil. In fact, the combined front yards of eight houses have a cooling effect of approximately 70 tons of air conditioning, 17 times the amount of the average home air conditioner.  

Turfgrass Helps Control Pollution and Soil Erosion 

Turfgrass can also help control pollution and reduce soil erosion. It traps and removes dust and dirt from the air, absorbing enough carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe. It absorbs six times more water than a wheat field, or four times as much as a hay field, and also more than a seeded lawn, allowing for it to stop soil erosion effectively. Finally, turfgrass works as a natural water filter, helping to purify and replenish our water supply as the water passes through the root zone.  

Other Benefits of Turfgrass

Besides its “green” benefits, turfgrass is perfect for a number of activities – everything from backyard baseball games to putting, picnics, or just relaxing. 

With its uniform aesthetic qualities, a well maintained lawn with turf grass could add as much as 15% value to a home. 

Not only that, but doctors have shown that those with a view of beautiful landscape recover faster in hospitals than those who can only see the walls of adjoining buildings.  

Not all turf grasses are alike.  They come in several different varieties, from Empire Turf Zoysia to Saint Augustine variations. The type of turf grass that is best for your lawn depends on many factors, including heat, sun exposure, and the amount of water your area typically gets.  Working with a lawn professional is the best way to ensure that the turf you select is the best for your yard.