3 reasons to reconsider that grass lawn
3 reasons to reconsider that grass lawn
- Sat, Oct 10 at 11:36 AM
Mark,
Grass lawns may be the traditional choice for American yards, but they're not the only one.
Replacing even part of a lawn with native flowers, grasses or other plants can create habitat for wildlife, cut down on maintenance and, in some parts of the country, save a significant amount of water.
If you've ever thought about giving up some of your grass, here are a few reasons to consider it -- and some tips for getting started.
A lawn made mostly of turf grass may look green, but it offers relatively little food or shelter for wildlife. Native plants can turn that same space into a lively habitat filled with places to feed and take cover.1
Many bees and butterflies depend on particular native plants. Monarch caterpillars, for example, can eat only milkweed.2 Native plants support these insects, which in turn provide food for birds and other wildlife. Native plants can also provide places for wildlife to nest or escape harsh weather.
The right plants can bring new life and movement to your yard. What was once a quiet stretch of grass can become a thriving part of the local environment.
Keeping a grass lawn neat means mowing it again and again throughout the growing season. The larger the lawn, the more time it can take to maintain.
Mowing is only part of the work. Keeping a lawn free of weeds and unwanted insects can also mean applying pesticides. Americans use an estimated 80 million pounds of these chemicals on lawns every year, at a rate of up to 10 times more per acre than farmers use on crops.
But a pesticide sprayed in one part of a yard can travel farther than expected. Wind can carry it into nearby areas, while rain can wash it toward streams or lakes.3
Native plants are already suited to local growing conditions, which can make them more resistant to pest problems. Replacing turf with these hardy plants means less grass to mow and, once they're established, less need for pesticides. Whenever possible, the safest choice for wildlife and waterways is to avoid using pesticides altogether.4
Keeping a lawn green can require a lot of water, especially in dry parts of the country. Outdoor watering accounts for more than 30% of household water use. In arid regions, it can account for as much as 60%. As much as half of the water used outdoors may be lost to wind, evaporation or runoff.5
Water use isn't the only environmental impact of a traditional lawn. Gas-powered mowers and other lawn equipment release air pollution, while fertilizers can wash into waterways and trigger algae blooms that starve aquatic life of oxygen.6
Replacing some turf grass with plants suited to your local climate can reduce the amount of water your yard needs. These changes can make an especially big difference in the West and Southwest, where water is often scarce. It also means less grass to mow and fewer resources spent keeping it green.
By working with the local climate instead of against it, your yard can have a much lighter environmental footprint.
You don't need to transform your entire yard at once. Even a few small changes can make it easier to care for while creating a landscape that is healthier for the environment around it.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Start small: Start along the edge of your lawn or in an area that is difficult to mow.
- Get to know the space: Keep track of how much sunlight and moisture the area receives before selecting plants.
- Ask a local expert: A native plant nursery can help you find plants suited to your area.
However you begin, giving up even a little grass can open the door to a yard with more life and less upkeep.
Thank you,
The Environmental Action team
1. "Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants," National Parks Service, April 29, 2021.
2. "Spreading milkweed, not myths," U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, last accessed August 26, 2026.
3. Terry W. Johnson, "Out My Backdoor: Pesticide Use Can Be Harming Your Wildlife," Georgia Department of Natural Resources, last accessed August 26, 2026.
4. "Greenacres: Landscaping with Native Plants," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed August 26, 2026.
5. "Statistics and Facts - Watersense" " U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed August 26, 2026.
6. "Greenacres: Landscaping with Native Plants," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed August 26, 2026.
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