10 Essential Benefits of Turf Grass

The Air We Breathe

Healthy lawns absorb carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with oxygen
One 50-foot-by-50-foot patch of turf grass produces enough oxygen for a family of four
Grass transpires water into the air, increasing humidity and decreasing pollutants
Lawns help improve air quality by storing carbon and absorbing ozone

Grass is more effective at binding soil than any other plant
Grass controls runoff by slowing water velocity, allowing it to soak into the soil
Roots increase water storage capability by loosening soil and adding organic matter
Root systems also penetrate and hold on to soil, trapping essential nutrients

Turf grasses, shrubs and trees cool the air by absorbing solar radiation and through a process called evapotranspiration
The cooling effect of grass can lower air conditioner usage, thus reducing pollution and energy costs
Turf grass reduces energy usage on a national level due to its cooling effect on the environment

The average city temperature is hotter because buildings and streets hold heat overnight (the urban heating effect)
On a summer day, a sidewalk temperature might reach well above 100°F, whereas a lawn surface might remain at around 75°F
Turf grass is an evaporative cooler, which is why grass temperatures are an average of 10°F to 14°F cooler than asphalt and concrete.

The biology of turf grass soils turns lawns into a perfect natural water purifier
Water travels into underground aquifers via the grass’s root zones
Soil microbes break chemicals down into harmless materials—including turf pesticide
The root zones of thick, healthy lawns help clean passing waters and reduce runoff to nearly zero

Mowed turf grass helps control seeds and spores, dust pollen from weeds and populations of stinging and biting insects
Lawn must be well-maintained, however, as weed seeds are always present in soil
Once patches open up in a lawn, weeds sprout up, causing allergy problems
Some weeds, like Clovers, attract bees, whose sting can produce allergic reactions

Lawns serve as the perfect canvas for landscaping creativity and excellence
Healthy turf grass makes and completes an inviting setting for the whole family
Turf grass organizes and pulls together all of your landscaping components, providing visual coherence
Yards are the first thing people see when walking up to a property, giving a first impression that conveys hospitality and warmth

Lawns are typically a major component of any highly valued home landscape
Landscaping a property properly can increase the value of a home by 10% to 15%
It also gives potential buyers the perception of it being a place where they can not only enjoy the home but also live life outdoors

Noise and glare are both reduced by the surface characteristics of turf grasses
The surface of turf grass is far superior at absorbing sounds than bare ground, gravel, pavement and other hard surfaces
It’s possible to maximize noise and glare reduction benefits by integrating a landscape with turf grasses, shrubs and trees

Turf grass offers a low-cost way to provide safe recreational surfaces for kids and adults
Family picnics, adult gatherings and backyard sports are all bonding experiences
Quality parks and sports fields can build community pride and provide endless interest and entertainment
Recreational activities and leisure time spent on turf grass can improve mental and physical health, something that’s vital to modern society—especially in densely packed urban centers