Benefits of Sod

Lawns and the Air We Breath

Mark Leonard

We would not live long in a world without oxygen. Our very survival depends on it. The next time you are watching your grass grow, take a moment to consider how valuable it is to our air quality.

Through the process of photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and water, use sunlight to produce energy and release oxygen, helping to clean the air that we breathe.

Our lawns are incredible oxygen making machines.  A 25 square foot area will supply enough oxygen to support one person for a day.  A turf area 50' x 50' will produce enough oxygen to meet  the daily needs of a family of four.1

The grass along our interstate highways produce enough oxygen to support 22 million people.  Every acre of grass will supply enough oxygen for 64 people a day.2

It may be that turf contributes to our air quality more than any other plant including trees.  An average golf course will produce enough oxygen to support 4,000 to 7,000 people.  A state like Georgia with 430 golf courses, will produce enough oxygen for more than 1 million people.3

Our lawns play a major role in improving our air quality.  By taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen they are helping to clean the air that we breathe.

  • 1 The Lawn Institute
  • 2 Maryland Agricultural Statistics Service
  • 3 Turf Resource Center