28/03/2025
That perfect green lawn might look tempting, but beneath its flawless surface lies an ecological disaster:
- Artificial turf can reach 170°F (77°C) on hot days - too hot for children, pets, and wildlife to safely use
- It creates dead zones where nothing lives - no worms, beneficial insects, or soil microbes can survive
- It sheds microplastics with every rainfall, sending toxins into our waterways
- It requires disposal in landfills after 8-10 years when it deteriorates
- It provides zero habitat for pollinators and birds that depend on natural spaces
Consider these beautiful, low-maintenance alternatives:
- Clover lawns: drought-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and naturally fertilizing
- Native sedges: grass-like plants adapted to your local conditions
- Creeping thyme: fragrant, flower-covered ground cover that handles light foot traffic
- Buffalo grass: native prairie grass requiring minimal water and mowing
- Nature-scaping: replace lawn areas with native plant gardens and permeable pathways
Your yard is part of the larger ecosystem. When you choose living ground covers, you're supporting biodiversity from the soil up!