An Economic Lawn

As a homeowner, I am currently in the process of killing all my grass to replace it with native flowers, plants, and crops to effectively utilize the space to create a sustainable environment. 

It’s important to consider what’s more important: a neat lawn or the survival of our environment? “More than 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants need a pollinator to reproduce; and we need pollinators too, since most of our food comes from flowering plants. One out of every three bites of our food, including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, nuts, and spices, is created with the help of pollinators” (Randall, 2020). This statement perfectly outlines the purpose of no-lawn culture. In dedicating our space to grass only, we are robbing wildlife of many plants and nutrients they need to survive. Though it might not seem like a detriment to humanity, the cost will have long-term effects that could make it extremely difficult for our species. This is even more apparent when you consider “Over 83% of land in the United States is privately owned. This means that every bit of care, whether on a small plot or a vast estate, plays a huge role in the fate of wildlife in this country” (Randall, 2020).

Bees are currently facing endangerment, and several species are nearly extinct. By using pesticides, pulling flowering weeds, and keeping the lawn short, humanity is effectively making their properties a “no life” zone for many species who are quickly running out of space. Why? For the aesthetic of having a well-manicured lawn? Unfortunately, like most climate change issues, humanity is failing to consider what happens after the bees go extinct due to our own negligence. “Honey bees alone pollinate 80 percent of all flowering plants, including more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables” (Randall, 2020). 

Similarly, did you know that fireflies are quickly approaching the endangered species list? “Fireflies are the latest insect to be considered endangered amid a so-called 'bug apocalypse’. It was reported earlier this year that monarch butterfly populations dipped 59% in their winter migration” (Dunbar, 2024). Why is that? The answer is quite simple with a few key questions: Where do fireflies lay their eggs in the fall? On fallen leaves, which humans are quick to get rid of. Part of the “no lawn” culture includes leaving the fallen leaves. Not only do fireflies lay their eggs on these leaves, but many insects, amphibians, and reptiles use the leaves to hibernate or keep warm until spring arrives. After May passes, the leaves become safe to remove. However, by removing them in the fall, we are effectively contributing to the extinction of several species that rely on them to survive. And honestly, what’s a few leaves left behind? By leaving them, you no longer have to rake, which reduces your yardwork. Not to mention, do we even use our yards in the winter? What is the actual purpose of raking our leaves besides keeping up with a pointless aesthetic? 

Many people involved in no-lawn culture limit the number of pesticides and fertilizers sprayed in their yards. If fertilizer is used, we try to keep it as natural as possible. “Pesticides and lawn chemicals are major limiting factors. Mosquito spraying kills nontarget insects, including fireflies. And homeowners douse their lawns with all manner of elixirs deadly to firefly larvae and their prey, both of which live in soil and leaf litter” (Williams, 2023). Furthermore, where do the pesticides go after they are sprayed? With every rain, they are carried down storm drains into lakes, rivers, and oceans. These pesticides hurt many plants and all animals that come into contact with them, even humans and children who may be swimming where pesticides currently reside. Furthermore, “Professor David Wolfe found that, for every ton of nitrogen created to make lawn fertilizer, four or five tons of carbon are added to the atmosphere” (Maceachern, 2022). 

In this day and age, with the climate crisis rising, every individual must take part in restoring the ecosystem wherever possible. This includes more than recycling and turning off lights when not in use. “Climate change will also trigger a catastrophic rise across several climate-sensitive disease outcomes, including vector-borne disease, which will likely impact previously less affected regions such as Europe and the United States. By 2050, an additional 500 million people may be at risk of exposure to vector-borne diseases” (World Economic Forum, 2024). So we must do whatever we can to aid against the climate crisis NOW, before it’s too late. 

I understand this lifestyle is not for everyone, and I’m not asking you to remove every spec of grass from your property. I acknowledge that children deserve a place to play, and I intend to have plenty of space for my potential future children in the backyard. However, we must consider our environment as much as we do ourselves in the age of the climate crisis, and I know that a biodiverse yard helps the climate more than keeping a standard yard. 

In conclusion, I plan to fill my property with beautiful native flowers and plants that will help support the biodiversity of species native to my area. “You can create a sanctuary by: eliminating outdoor lights or at least putting them on timers; reducing or eliminating pesticides and lawn chemicals; switching to natural fertilizers; planting native forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees; keeping property moist by creating pools and water gardens; and, the easiest and most popular of all, resisting requests to mow grass and rake leaves” (Williams, 2023). 

If you’ve read this far, I want to give a warm thank you. I hope it’s clear how near and dear to my heart this issue is, and how vital it is that we protect our planet in ways we never thought possible. In reading my post, I request that you ask yourselves a few key questions. What do you hope to get out of your yard? Is your yard being regularly used? Would it be possible to give some of your yard back to the pollinators to assist the environment and fight the climate crisis? For ideas and inspiration on how to have a fun, beautiful, and climate-friendly yard, there are plenty of ideas around the internet that show just how decorative and lovely a no-lawn yard can be. 

Works Cited

Dunbar, M. (2024, September 30). Firefly species may blink out as US seeks to list it as endangered for first time. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/30/firefly-endangered-species-list 

Maceachern, D. (n.d.). Ditch the Lawn for a Drought-Tolerant Garden. https://www.momscleanairforce.org/ditch-the-lawn-drought-tolerant-gardens/ 

Randall, B. (2020, June 22). The Value of Birds and Bees. https://www.farmers.gov/blog/value-birds-and-bees

Renusch, T. (2024, August 30). Why We Shouldn’t Have Lawns. https://blog.nwf.org/2024/04/why-we-shouldnt-have-lawns/ 

Williams, T. (2023, September 14). A Summer Light Show Dims: Why Are Fireflies Disappearing?. https://e360.yale.edu/features/fireflies-glow-worms-lightning-bugs-decline 

World Economic Forum. (2024). Climate Crisis May Cause 14.5 Million Deaths by 2050. https://www.weforum.org/press/2024/01/wef24-climate-crisis-health/