What are the benefits of choosing a natural lawn over artificial turf?

Natural lawns act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.

Grass and other natural vegetation release oxygen into the air, improving air quality compared to artificial turf.

Healthy natural lawns can reduce urban heat island effects by up to 6°C through evapotranspiration and shading.

The soil beneath a natural lawn is a thriving ecosystem teeming with microorganisms, insects, and other invertebrates that are essential for nutrient cycling.

Artificial turf contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are persistent, toxic chemicals that can leach into groundwater.

During heavy rain events, natural lawns absorb and filter stormwater, reducing runoff and helping to recharge aquifers.

Artificial turf has no such water storage capacity.

Grass blades and roots stabilize soil, reducing erosion, whereas artificial turf can increase soil loss over time.

A diverse natural lawn supports a variety of pollinators, like bees and butterflies, that are critical for ecosystem health and food production.

Organic lawn care practices, such as composting and mulching, can improve soil fertility and structure without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

The lifespan of natural lawns can exceed 20 years with proper maintenance, whereas artificial turf typically needs to be replaced every 8-12 years.

Artificial turf absorbs more heat than natural grass, reaching surface temperatures up to 60°C on sunny days, which can increase energy demands for cooling nearby buildings.

Studies show that children who play on natural grass have lower rates of athletic injuries compared to those who play on artificial turf.

The embodied energy and carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing, transport, and disposal of artificial turf can be significantly higher than that of a well-maintained natural lawn.

Natural lawns provide a softer, more comfortable surface for recreational activities compared to the rigid, abrasive texture of artificial turf.

Rainwater that percolates through a natural lawn helps to recharge local groundwater supplies, whereas artificial turf prevents this natural hydrological process.

The production of artificial turf relies on fossil fuel-derived materials, such as polyethylene and crumb rubber, which are not renewable or biodegradable.

Maintaining a natural lawn can provide opportunities for physical activity and outdoor recreation, which can have positive impacts on human health and well-being.

Natural lawns can enhance property values and improve the aesthetic appeal of a landscape, contributing to a sense of community and neighborhood character.

Organic lawn care practices, such as leaving grass clippings on the lawn, can reduce the need for fertilizers by recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Studies have shown that natural lawns can support greater biodiversity, with a wider variety of plant and animal species, compared to artificial turf.