The Green Truth: Environmental Impact of Native Landscaping Vs. Turf Grass

The debate between native landscaping and traditional turf grass often revolves around aesthetics or economics, but what about the environment? The environmental cost of maintaining a typical turf grass lawn, especially Kentucky Bluegrass, is more concerning than many realize.

Air Quality and Lawn Maintenance - A Surprising Culprit: Did you know that mowing your lawn for just one hour emits pollutants equivalent to a car traveling 350 miles? This startling fact from California’s Air Resources Board puts into perspective the environmental impact of lawn care. In Nebraska, where the mowing season stretches from mid-April to November, a single gas-powered lawn mower can emit pollutants akin to a 9,800-mile car journey in a season. Native landscaping, on the other hand, requires mowing just once a year, significantly reducing air pollution.

But it's not just about exhaust emissions. Lawn mowers, weed whackers, and other maintenance tools contribute about five percent of the U.S.'s air pollution. The fuel spillage from these machines, although seemingly minor, adds up to an estimated 17 million gallons of spilled gasoline annually – a significant source of atmospheric pollutants.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Problem: While native plants thrive without artificial help, non-native turf lawns are a different story. The average American lawn receives multiple treatments of fertilizers and pesticides yearly, with over 70 million pounds of pesticides applied nationwide. This extensive chemical use not only raises concerns about long-term environmental and health impacts but also contributes to harmful runoff.

Excess fertilizer runoff leads to eutrophication in water bodies – an overgrowth of algae that depletes oxygen and damages aquatic ecosystems. Comparatively, native landscaping, with its deep-root systems, effectively absorbs and filters stormwater, reducing runoff and protecting our waterways.

Thirsty Lawns - The Water Consumption Issue: One of the most staggering environmental impacts of turf lawns is water consumption. The average Omaha lawn, about a quarter-acre in size, guzzles approximately 81,462 gallons of water in a summer. That’s the equivalent of filling a 30-foot round, 4-foot deep pool 2.5 times! Multiply this by the number of lawns in Omaha alone, and the water usage is astronomical. Native landscaping eliminates this issue, as these plants are adapted to thrive in local conditions without additional irrigation.

Conclusion - A Clear Environmental Choice: The environmental implications of choosing native landscaping over traditional turf grass are profound. From drastically reducing air pollution and chemical runoff to conserving precious water resources, the benefits are undeniable. As we continue to evaluate our impact on the planet, the choice of native landscaping stands out as a responsible, sustainable option for our yards.

In our next post, we'll explore another vital aspect of this debate: the aesthetic appeal of native landscaping compared to traditional lawns. Stay tuned for an eye-opening perspective on how beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.