Artificial Turf vs. Natural Grass: The Carbon Truth

As more homeowners weigh the pros and cons of artificial turf vs. natural grass, the conversation often centers on aesthetics, maintenance, and water savings. But one of the most overlooked—yet crucial—factors is carbon. When it comes to your lawn’s environmental footprint, which surface is truly greener?

Let’s take a clear-eyed look at the carbon truth.

Natural Grass: The Living Carbon Machine

Healthy turfgrass acts as a carbon sink, pulling carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and storing some of it in the soil. While not as powerful as a forest, a typical residential lawn makes a meaningful contribution.

By the numbers:

• A 2,500 sq ft natural grass lawn absorbs approximately 0.3 to 0.6 kg of CO₂ per day
  (Source: Environmental Management of Turfgrass Systems, Springer, 2017)

• Over 15 years, that’s 2 to 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide removed from the air

• Grass also produces oxygen, cools the surrounding area, and reduces stormwater runoff

And while grass does have maintenance emissions (think gas mowers or fertilizer production), they are modest—typically around 0.5 to 1.5 tons of CO₂ over 15 years for a 2,500 sq ft lawn.

Artificial Turf: The Hidden Carbon Cost

Artificial turf may seem “green” at a glance, but its carbon footprint tells another story.

Production & Installation

Manufacturing synthetic grass involves petroleum-based plastics (like polyethylene and polypropylene), rubber infill, adhesives, and heavy-duty installation equipment. Add in long-distance shipping and you’re looking at:

• 3.5 to 6 metric tons of CO₂ emissions for a typical 2,500 sq ft install
  (Source: Environmental Science & Technology, 2021)

Heat Island Effect

Unlike grass, artificial turf doesn’t cool itself. In fact, it often radiates heat, pushing surrounding temps 40–60°F hotter than natural surfaces. This increases local energy demand for air conditioning, further raising indirect emissions.

• Turf surface temps have been measured as high as 180°F in full sun
  (Source: Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research)

End-of-Life Waste

After 15–20 years, artificial turf typically ends up in a landfill. Recycling is rare, and disposal adds to its net carbon load.

The Carbon Balance Sheet (Over 15 Years)

The Verdict

Natural grass quietly does work—cleaning the air, cooling the climate, and storing carbon. Artificial turf, by contrast, is a carbon emitter, with a large upfront footprint and no environmental upside beyond low maintenance.

If carbon matters to you (and it should), grass is the clear winner.

Smart Sod Tip

Want to maximize your lawn’s environmental impact? Consider:

• Using electric mowers or manual reel mowers

• Mulching grass clippings instead of bagging

• Avoiding over-fertilization

• Planting trees along with your turf for added carbon storage

At USA Sod, we believe natural is better—not just for the look and feel underfoot, but for the legacy you leave above it.

Looking for the right sod for your yard?  Call us at 855-4-USASOD to schedule a measurement.