The U.S. Congress has acknowledged the positive benefits of turf grass sod to our environment by stating:

"Turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can aid in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating the heat inland effect, reducing energy consumption
and contributing to efforts to reduce global warming trends."

How Does Sod Improve The Environment?

Pollution Control

Today's improved turfgrass varieties are very effective in reducing pollution. Turfgrass traps and removes dust and dirt from the air. 2,500 square feet of lawn absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and releases enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe.

Nature's Air Conditioner 

Another benefit that everyone enjoys, usually without notice, is turfgrass' tremendous cooling effect. On a hot summer day, lawns will be 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 14 degrees cooler than bare soil. The front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning. That's amazing when the average home has an air conditioner with just a three or four ton capacity. The cooling effect of irrigated turf reduces the amount of fuel that must be burned to provide the electricity which powers the air conditioners. Turfgrass cools the atmosphere by reflecting as much as 50% of the sun’s heat.

A Natural Filter...Runoff water in urban areas carries many pollutants. Turfgrass acts as a natural filter, reducing pollution by purifying the water passing through its root zone. A sodded yard will absorb more rain than a seeded yard; even after three years of growth. A healthy, sodded yard absorbs rainfall six times more effectively than a wheat field and four times better than a hay field. Water is actually purified as it passes through the turfgrass root zone allowing for cleaner water leaving the turfgrass root zone than what had entered into the turfgrass. This process helps restore our groundwater supplies.

Noise Control

Established lawns can reduce noise by as much as 30%

Other Benefits of Sod

Erosion Control

• On a small scale - erosion is unsightly, unsafe and will significantly reduce the value of your property.
• On a large scale - erosion causes serious environmental problems that could result in downstream neighbors or government officials bringing a law suit or other action against property owners who do nothing to stop erosion.
• If not corrected, erosion can expand to a major wash-out, with costs of repair increasing proportionally.
• Fortunately, there is an efficient, cost-effective and proven way to stop erosion.  The solution...Turfgrass Sod Stops Erosion Immediately!  

Scientists have documented turfgrass sod as the most highly effective erosion control material available. Turfgrass sod, because of its high density of grass blades, thick root mass and total weight, stops erosion immediately, even on severe slopes where it may have to be pegged temporarily to keep it in place.

Long Installation Season 

• In the North Carolina and Virginia region, sod can be installed year-round. Therefore, customers don’t have to wait for a specific time of year for their new lawn.
• Seed can be planted in the spring, but most manufacturers recommend only planting in the fall. Therefore, customers have to wait even longer for their lawn.

• Sod provides an instant lawn.
• When a yard is seeded, it can take as much as 3 years before reaching maturity.
• It's like buying a finely woven sweater instead of buying a bag of raw wool. 

Financial Benefits

• Lower Maintenance Cost Than Seed - In order to get a seeded yard to the same maturity level as a sodded yard, the final expenses will be greater than if sod was installed in the first place. The seed will need much more water, fertilization, weed control, and general maintenance than established sod. Sod is grown from seed or sprigs, and it takes time, money, labor and a great deal of maintenance to get the seed or sprigs established into mature sod. Again, it's like the difference between a bag of wool and a finely woven sweater.
• Sod Increases Property Value - The Gallup Pole reported that more than 60% of homeowners felt that investments on landscapes were good or better than other home improvements – well maintained landscapes add about 15% to the value of a home according to buyers. Would you rather buy a home with a sodded yard or a seeded yard?