Carbon emissions from lawns contribute to air pollution, global warming, and adverse effects on human health and wildlife. There’s no way to have a beautiful lawn and avoid them, as these harmful gases come from natural grass upkeep. But that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your dream lawn to go green. With an artificial grass installation in Virginia, you can have a beautiful landscape that’s not harmful to the environment.
1. Carbon-Generating Lawn Equipment
Most gas-powered lawn tools and equipment generate carbon when in use.
Lawnmowers
Gas-powered lawnmowers cut the grass to an even height. They emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, with the EPA estimating that a single gas-powered mower produces as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars driving for the same duration.
Artificial grass doesn’t need mowing because it doesn’t grow, which means no emissions from lawnmowers and a reduced carbon footprint.
Edgers and Trimmers
Gas-powered edgers and trimmers help shape and maintain the edges of natural grass lawns and remove unwanted growth. These tools can emit significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Since synthetic grass maintains its shape and appearance without the need for edging or trimming, it eliminates these harmful emissions.
Leaf Blowers
Leaf blowers are used to clear leaves and debris from natural grass lawns. Gas-powered models produce carbon emissions and contribute to air and noise pollution.
An artificial grass installation in Virginia doesn’t harbor leaves and debris in the same way as natural grass. You can easily sweep off fallen leaves and other debris from its surface without damaging the durable turf.
Aerators
Aerators perforate natural grass lawns to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots, promoting healthy growth. Gas-powered aerators emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases during operation.
Artificial grass doesn’t require aeration, as it stays in great shape even when it’s on poor-quality soil.
Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems
Natural grass lawns need regular watering to maintain their appearance and health. Gas-powered sprinklers and irrigation systems, while less common than electric models, still emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases during operation.
Synthetic turf doesn’t require watering, eliminating the need for sprinklers and irrigation systems. The only time it needs water is for the occasional cleanups.
2. Decomposition of Organic Matter
When grass clippings, leaves, and other organic matter decompose, they release carbon dioxide and methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, about 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over 100 years.
Artificial lawns don’t produce organic waste like grass clippings or leaves. This means that there is no decomposition process releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, reducing your lawn’s greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Fertilizers
The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers on natural lawns contributes to the release of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 300 times greater than CO2.
Nitrous oxide is produced through the microbial processes of nitrification and denitrification in the soil. This is stimulated by the presence of nitrogen from fertilizers.
Artificial turf in Virginia doesn’t require the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers, eliminating the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.
4. Carbon Costs of Producing Fertilizers and Pesticides
The manufacturing processes of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on natural lawns are energy-intensive. They often involve fossil fuels and the release of CO2. Moreover, the transportation and application of these chemicals also contribute to carbon emissions.
Since synthetic lawns don’t require chemical fertilizers or pesticides, the carbon emissions associated with their production, transportation, and application are also eliminated. This helps to further minimize your lawn’s carbon footprint.
5. Energy Consumption for Irrigation
Natural lawns require regular watering, especially during dry periods or in arid regions. The energy used to pump, treat, and distribute water for irrigation purposes contributes to carbon emissions, as it often relies on fossil fuels to generate electricity.
An artificial turf installation in Virginia doesn’t require regular watering, significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with irrigation. This not only saves water resources but also lowers your lawn’s carbon footprint. After all, it eliminates the need for energy-intensive water pumping, treatment, and distribution.
Embrace Eco-Friendly Landscaping
With Virginia Artificial Grass, you can achieve your dream lawn and guarantee that it’s eco-friendly in no time.
We have high-quality synthetic turf products on hand, and our team is always ready to take on projects. So our experts can start turning your yard into a green haven immediately.
Contact us online or call us at 757-210-7690 for a free quote!