Why Lawns are Bad Why Gardens are Good

• Turfgrass emits more carbon dioxide than it sequesters
• In 1996, the U.S. used over 2,650,000 tons of fertilizer on non-agricultural land
• Fertilization releases nitrous oxides and other greenhouse gasses
• Pesticides are damaging to natural ecosystems
• Irrigating lawns uses about 200 gallons of water per day
• Lawns offer very little habitat for most species and are linked with decreases in natural plant and animal life

• Increase natural biodiversity
• Support animal life
• Increase property value
• Decrease stress

Lawn information from Mark Hostetler, Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, University of Florida