Research from Utah State University shows that well-managed lawns store carbon in soil for decades, acting as carbon sinks. Removing turfgrass not only stops carbon uptake but also releases stored soil carbon back into the atmosphere. Lawns also provide cooling and reduce runoff, but these benefits depend on management practices like mowing height, fertilization, and irrigation. To maximize carbon storage, leave grass clippings, raise mower blades to encourage deeper roots, use electric mowers, and install smart irrigation. The article argues that the goal should not be to eliminate lawns but to manage them efficiently, balancing water conservation with environmental benefits. This challenges the common perception that lawns are inherently wasteful.
