How Turfgrass affects the
Environment
While industry and technology have provided jobs and
goods to make life easier, the effect on the
environment has been substantial.
But we can help restore this precious earth with
something as simple as turfgrass -- the earth's
living skin.
The U.S. Congress has acknowledged these positive
benefits to our environment.
"Turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can
aid in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions,
mitigating the heat island effect, reducing energy
consumption and contributing to efforts to reduce
global warming trends."
Scientific research has
documented the many benefits of turfgrass to our
environment. Our turfgrass lawns, parks and open areas:
-
Provide a natural,
comfortable, and safe setting for fun and games.
-
Release oxygen and
cool the air.
-
Control pollution and
reduce soil erosion.
-
Purify and replenish
our water supply.
Our Environment
The satisfaction of creating beauty within the landscape
can be rewarding for you and the environment. With
turfgrass sod, the rewards are practically immediate.
Pollution Control
Today's improved turfgrass varieties are very effective
in reducing pollution.
-
Turfgrass traps and
removes dust and dirt from the air.
-
2,500 square feet of
lawn absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and
release enough oxygen for a family of four to
breathe.
Nature's Air Conditioner
Another benefit that everyone enjoys, usually without
notice, is turfgrass' tremendous cooling effect.
-
On a hot summer day,
lawns will be 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 14
degrees cooler than bare soil.
-
The front lawns of
eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70
tons of air conditioning. That's amazing when the
average home has an air conditioner with just a
three or four ton capacity.
-
The cooling effect of
irrigated turf reduces the amount of fuel that must
be burned to provide the electricity which powers
the air conditioners.
-
Watered when the
grass plant needs it, turfgrass will very
efficiently and effectively use almost every drop.
A Natural Filter
Runoff water in urban areas carries many pollutants.
Soil Erosion
The clean gentle strength of turfgrass is the most
cost-effective method for controlling wind and water
erosion.
-
A healthy sodded lawn
absorbs rainfall six times more effectively than a
wheat field and four times better than a hay field.
-
A sodded lawn will
absorb greater amounts of rain than a seeded lawn;
even after three years of growth.
Fun & Games
The soft resilient surface of turfgrass is the safest
and least expensive place to play.
-
For backyard ball
games or the Super Bowl, athletes of all sizes
prefer the green cushion of turfgrass.
-
Turfgrass is the only
place for putting, picnics or just plain relaxing.
Our Mental Health
Turfgrass quietly adds to the beauty of our lives and
even our mental and physical health.
Turfgrass
. . . a continuing source of oxygen and cool air.
. . . a cleansing answer to our environment.
. . . a source of beauty and comfort.
With the benefits of turfgrass working their wonders for
us, we will be able to share a beautiful and healthy
planet with our future generations.
Natural
Grass and Artificial Turf: Separating Myths and
Facts booklet will help decision-makers and the
general public make informed decisions regarding
the installation of natural grass or artificial
turf in their communities. 
