Rethinking Lawn Care: A Shift Toward Sustainable Green Spaces

The American lawn is an iconic symbol of suburban life, but maintaining that pristine stretch of turf comes with a significant financial cost, time commitment, and leaves a negative environmental impact. As more people become aware of these impacts, many homeowners are turning to sustainable alternatives like native plant landscaping to create eco-friendly, low-maintenance green spaces.

The Cost of Maintaining a Traditional Lawn

In 2022, the average American household spent $616 on lawn and gardening activities, with some spending even more for professional lawn care services. (National Gardening Survey) On top of the financial burden, lawn care also demands a considerable amount of time. The average American spends 3.4 hours per week caring for their lawn, which adds up to over 175 hours per year (SodLawn). For 36% of homeowners, this time commitment feels overwhelming, especially when the results aren’t always satisfactory (Tractor Supply Company).

Surprisingly, 1 in 4 Americans admit they are not confident in their lawn care abilities, and more than half (58%) don’t even know what type of grass they have (Tractor Supply Company).

Many continue to maintain traditional lawns for aesthetic reasons—whether it's the satisfaction of a well-manicured space or boosting property value—but these lawns require a significant investment of time, money, and resources such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

What is Turf Grass?

Turf grass refers to the non-native grasses commonly used in lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. Most people don’t realize that the grass in their yards is not adapted to North America’s climate or ecosystems. Popular varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass, Zoysia Grass, and Fescue Grass were introduced from Europe, Asia, and Africa centuries ago. While they’ve become the standard for American lawns, their upkeep is resource-intensive and environmentally damaging.

Here are the most common types of turf grass in the U.S.:

• Kentucky Bluegrass: Despite its name, this grass is not native to North America. It was introduced by European settlers for livestock feed. Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in cooler regions and has a lush appearance, but it requires substantial watering and fertilization.

• Bermuda Grass: Native to Africa, Bermuda Grass is drought-resistant and commonly used in the southern U.S. However, it grows rapidly, requiring frequent mowing, and can overtake other plants if not managed properly.

• Zoysia Grass: Originally from Asia, Zoysia is known for its ability to handle heavy foot traffic. While it's durable, it needs significant care and water to stay healthy in warmer climates.

• Fescue Grass: Also of European origin, Fescue Grass is used in cooler climates and is somewhat drought-tolerant, but like other turf grasses, it still requires regular watering and maintenance.

The Environmental Impact of Turf Grass

Maintaining a traditional lawn has serious environmental consequences. Turf grass, covering over 40 million acres in the U.S., is the largest irrigated monoculture in the country. It requires an immense amount of water—four times more than corn. Homeowners use between 30% and 70% of their water outdoors during the summer, depending on their region (EPA),

Fertilizers and pesticides used to maintain turf grass further degrade the environment, contributing to water pollution and significantly harming local ecosystems. American homeowners apply roughly 70 million pounds of pesticides to their lawns annually (Audubon). These chemicals don’t just disappear; they infiltrate groundwater and run off into nearby rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are equally destructive, with 40-60% of the nitrogen leaching into surface waters, further polluting ecosystems (source: Our World in Data).

Beyond the water and chemical demands, turf grass offers little to no ecological value. Native insects and wildlife cannot thrive in these uniform, non-native lawns. For example, 96% of terrestrial birds rely on insects to feed their young, and 90% of insects are adapted to specific native plants. (source: Tallamy and Return of the Native)  Without native plant species, these insects, and by extension the birds that depend on them, struggle to survive. By maintaining vast stretches of turf grass, we’re drastically disrupting these ecosystems.

The Rise of Native Plant Landscaping

In response to these environmental challenges, many homeowners are turning to native plant landscaping as a sustainable alternative. While only 12% of U.S. adults have started converting parts of their lawns to natural or wildflower landscapes, 17% are purchasing plants native to their region, and 28% are buying plants specifically to benefit native bees, butterflies, and birds. (National Wildlife Federation) This shift is helping make landscapes more climate-resilient, while also supporting local ecosystems. 

Native plants are species that naturally occur in a particular region and are adapted to local climates, soils, and wildlife. Unlike turf grass, they require less water, fewer chemicals, and less maintenance, making them a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for homeowners.

Native plants not only benefit the environment but also reduce the time spent on yard work. Initiatives like "No Mow May" encourage letting native plants and grasses grow freely, reducing the need for mowing and allowing local wildlife to flourish. As a result, homeowners can drastically cut back on the time and resources spent maintaining their yards.

Millennials and the Shift to Sustainable Landscaping

Millennials are leading the way in the shift toward native plant landscaping. Many have rediscovered the benefits of using native plants for yard care, motivated by environmental concerns and a desire to reduce maintenance. This generation is more likely to turn to online platforms like YouTube and Instagram for DIY landscaping projects, learning how to create eco-friendly spaces on their own.

Making the Transition Easier

While 81% of homeowners currently perform lawn care themselves (Landscape Professionals), transitioning to a sustainable, native plant-focused yard can seem intimidating. That’s where platforms like EarthScape come in. EarthScape provides personalized recommendations based on a homeowner’s location, aesthetic preferences, and environmental goals. This simplifies the process of moving from a traditional lawn to a thriving native ecosystem.

Whether it’s reducing water usage, cutting down on chemicals, or creating a space that attracts pollinators, EarthScape helps homeowners make meaningful changes without the stress of figuring it all out alone.

Looking Ahead

As more people embrace sustainable gardening and lawn care practices, the movement away from traditional lawns is gaining momentum. By making small changes, such as incorporating native plants, homeowners can create beautiful outdoor spaces that are not only easier to maintain but also better for the environment. With nearly 70% of novice gardeners planning to expand their gardens in 2024 (New Gardener Survey), the momentum for greener, more resilient landscapes is growing stronger every day.

By rethinking traditional lawns and embracing native plants, homeowners can save time, reduce costs, and contribute to the health of the planet, one yard at a time.

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