Comparing Lawn Alternatives: Water Use, Loungeability, Environmental Impact, and Upkeep

Comparing Lawn Alternatives: Water Use, Loungeability, Environmental Impact, and Upkeep

Water Use

• Traditional lawn (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, Bermuda): 55% of Denver residential water used on landscaping.
• Synthetic lawn: No water except occasional cleaning spray.
• Native grasses (Buffalo grass, hair grass): Once established, thrive on average rainfall; may need water in extreme drought.
• Drought-tolerant blends (e.g., Wildflower Farm's Eco-Lawn): Very low water once established.

Loungeability

• Traditional: Hard to beat—cool, soft under bare feet.
• Synthetic: Looks good but has plastic crinkle sound; gets hot in sun.
• Native grasses: Often clumpy; tough but less picnic-friendly.
• Drought-tolerant blends: When mown, look/feel like real lawn; can go natural for meadow effect.

Environmental Concerns

• Traditional: Gas mowers = 11× car pollution/hour (reel mowers blame-free). Pesticide/herbicide runoff harms waterways.
• Synthetic: Petrochemical plastics, non-biodegradable, no photosynthesis, possible heavy metal leaching from tire crumb substrates.
• Native grasses: None.
• Drought-tolerant blends: None—if left unmown as meadow.

Upkeep

• Traditional: High time/attention.
• Synthetic: Near zero (except removal/disposal).
• Native grasses: Very low; no fertilizer once established.
• Drought-tolerant blends: Practically none if unmown.

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