The Environmental and Health Benefits of Having a Grass Lawn

Think grass is just for looks? Think again.

Natural lawns often get dismissed as high-maintenance or environmentally unfriendly, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A well-cared-for lawn does far more than boost curb appeal. It helps clean the air, cool surrounding temperatures, reduce soil erosion and runoff, isolate carbon from the atmosphere and even increase property value.

At TruGreen, we believe a healthy lawn is one of the most powerful tools homeowners have to improve their quality of life. In this post, we’ll dig into the overlooked benefits of real grass — and show you why going green starts right in your own backyard. 

In a world where eco-conscious choices shape everything from what we drive to how we landscape, real grass remains more relevant than ever. While artificial turf is often praised for its neat appearance and low-maintenance appeal, that convenience can come at a hidden environmental cost.

For homeowners, natural grass is more than a backdrop — it’s a living system that cools the air and filters rainwater both above and below the soil. From suburban backyards in Ohio to sun-soaked lawns in Arizona, healthy turfgrass anchors local ecosystems and helps keep communities cooler and more comfortable.

Unlike natural turfgrass, artificial turf can reach dangerously high temperatures, posing risks for athletes, children, the elderly and pets. Temperatures can often be 40 - 70°F hotter under the same sunlight conditions, while natural grass significantly cools the ambient air temperature. In fact, eight average-sized front lawns combined have the same cooling effect as 70 tons of air conditioning, making natural grass a better choice to cool urban environments.  

In addition, natural grass absorbs carbon dioxide, supports healthy soils and is rich with many beneficial organisms including earthworms. Synthetic turf lacks ecological value and continuously sheds microplastics into the environment, and when periodical replacement is required, ends up in landfills. 

Natural grass offers a range of important environmental benefits that goes far beyond its appearance. Here’s how a healthy lawn works to improve air quality, cool your surroundings, protect soil and water and support overall ecosystem health.

• Produces clean air: Between 147 to 357 square feet of healthy grass can generate enough oxygen for one person each day. On the smaller side, that’s a 12-foot-by-12-foot patch of grass. Across the U.S., lawns help store up to 5% of the nation’s annual carbon emissions.
• Improves air quality: Grass traps dust, pollen and pollutants, helping keep the air around your home cleaner and healthier.
• Cools surrounding temperatures: On a hot day, lawns can be 10-14°F cooler than concrete and up to 86.5°F cooler than artificial turf. This natural cooling effect reduces energy use indoors.
• Acts like a natural air conditioner: Eight average-sized front lawns can deliver the same cooling power as 70 tons of air conditioning.
• Prevents erosion and filters rainwater: Deep roots hold soil in place and absorb thousands of gallons of rainfall per year, reducing runoff and protecting local waterways.
• Builds healthier soil: As roots break down, they feed helpful microbes and improve soil structure.
• Maximizes lawn health with expert care: TruGreen’s treatments boost this natural process with tailored nutrients and core aeration, helping water, air and nutrients reach the root zone more efficiently.

Grass as a Natural Air Filter

Natural lawns help clean the air you breathe by:

• Capturing up to 12 million tons of dust and dirt annually nationwide
• Sequestering from 200 to 1,800 pounds of carbon per acre per year
• Releasing enough oxygen from 5000 sq. ft. of grass to support 14-34 people
• Filtering smoke, pollen and airborne allergens for better respiratory health

By reducing heat, trapping pollutants and minimizing allergens, natural grass helps create a safer, more comfortable outdoor space — laying the foundation for personal wellness benefits we'll explore next. 

A well-maintained lawn isn’t just easy on the eyes, it’s good for your body and mind. Here's how natural grass supports a healthier lifestyle:

• Lowers stress levels and boosts mood within minutes of outdoor exposure
• Promotes physical activity for all ages, supporting heart and joint health
• Cushions falls and reduces impact injuries during play and sports
• Dampens noise pollution, creating a calmer, more restful environment
• Traps dust, pollen and smoke to ease allergy and asthma symptoms
• Stays cooler than artificial turf, offering a safer surface for pets
• Encourages vitamin D-rich outdoor time, essential for immunity and bone strength

Beyond individual wellness, healthy lawns help build stronger communities. Green spaces invite connection — whether it’s neighborhood gatherings, backyard games or chats across the fence. A soft, cool lawn keeps guests comfortable and kids active, making your yard a go-to spot for connection and play. 

Cleaner air, healthier soil, cooler surroundings and year-round curb appeal — these are just a few of the powerful advantages of a well-maintained natural lawn. Add in the wellness benefits of time outdoors and it’s clear: real grass isn’t just a landscape choice — it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Take the first step toward a healthier, greener lawn. Contact TruGreen today for your personalized quote and discover how professional care can transform your yard into a thriving space your whole household will enjoy.