Environmental Benefits of Turfgrass

• In addition to being a great multi-use landscape area, turfgrass filters pollutants, captures rainwater, controls erosion, dissipates heat, abates noise and reduces glare.
• A turf area of 50’ by 50’ feet releases enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four.
• In an Arizona study, it was determined that soil temperatures at a xeriscape site were 14 degrees Fahrenheit higher than soil temperatures under turf. The higher soil temperatures would translate into higher air temperatures and increased energy needed to cool nearby buildings.
• A buffer zone of grass around buildings helps retard the spread of fire.
• Turfgrass helps purify water entering underground aquifers and sewer systems since its root mass and soil microbes act as a filter to capture and break down many types of pollutants.
• Natural turfgrass decreases injuries during recreational play and sports activities. A 2004 survey of NFL players found that 85% of the players preferred to play on natural grass and that playing on artificial turf was more likely to shorten a player’s career.

Trees and Grass Offer Similar Environmental Benefits

• A gallon of water used to irrigate turfgrass provides similar environmental benefits as a gallon of water used to irrigate trees since a similar amount of water is required to maintain the same amount of leaf area, whether grass or trees. This is due to the fact that a similar amount of water will be required to maintain the same amount of leaf area, whether grass or trees. (Xavier, A. C. and C. A. Vettorazzi (2003). Scientia Agricola. 60(3))
• Research from Dr. Dale Devitt, Ph. D. showed that water use would be comparable between 1,800 square feet of low fertility bermuda grass and one mature oak tree.
• Other research indicates that “Solid plantings of trees and shrubs use 10-20% more water than turf, whereas a solitary shrub or tree may use 2-3 times as much water as a comparable area of turf because it has greater exposure to sun and wind.” (Havlak, R. D. et. al. Predicting Water Use in Urban Residential Landscapes, Texas Water Resources Institute)
• See Trees Are Sacred, Grass Is Bad – Why? for further information on this topic.

Economic Benefits of Turfgrass

• A Gallup survey reported that 62 percent of U.S. homeowners felt investment in lawns and landscaping was equal to or better than other home improvements. The investment recovery rate is 100 to 200 percent for landscape improvement compared to a deck or patio which will recover 40 to 70 percent.
• Well-maintained landscape adds 15 percent to a home’s value according to buyers.
• 70% of homeowners prefer a landscape dominated by the color green and having at least some lawn area.