by Carla McMahon
In Florida, especially along the Indian River Lagoon, being "green" is great—unless you're a lawn. The American obsession with the “perfect lawn” is alive and well here, but Florida’s sandy soils, droughts, and unpredictable weather make it one of the worst places to maintain traditional turf grass. So why do we keep trying?
Thirsty Grass
Water, water everywhere… and lawns want all of it! Turf grass is thirsty, and in this climate, it needs constant watering to stay green and healthy. The state faces periodic droughts, yet residential water use, especially for lawns, remains extremely high. According to estimates, around 50% to 60% of residential water use in Florida goes to landscaping, primarily watering lawns.
The water needed to sustain turf grass places a significant strain on Florida's aquifers, the underground sources that provide drinking water to millions of people. Over-extraction of water can lead to reduced water tables and increased saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, a critical issue in coastal areas. Hint: Most of residential Florida is coastal. Essentially, every time you turn on the sprinklers, you are contributing to the state’s water scarcity problems.
A Disastrous Chemical Cocktail
Of course, watering isn’t the only requirement for a perfect lawn. Fertilizers and pesticides are a major part of the turf care routine, especially when growing non-native grasses like St. Augustine or Zoysia, which are commonly used in Florida. Unfortunately, these chemicals don’t just stay on the grass- they have a habit of running off. Destination; Indian River Lagoon.
Florida’s heavy rains and frequent storms cause runoff from fertilized lawns to flow into nearby canals which all end at the lagoon. This runoff is packed with nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, which act like rocket fuel for algae blooms. These blooms can and certainly have contributed to harmful algal blooms, depleting oxygen in the water and choking out plant and animal life.
The Silent Habitat Killer
Turf grass doesn’t just have environmental consequences in the form of water waste and chemical runoff—it’s also an ecological dead zone. Traditional lawns, especially those made up of non-native grasses, offer very little in terms of biodiversity. Compared to natural landscapes like Florida’s native prairies, wetlands, or pine scrublands, a turf lawn is a biological desert.
Florida is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species that rely on native habitats to survive. When turf grass replaces these natural areas, it displaces pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Additionally, lawns offer no real protection against soil erosion, particularly along the coasts, where native plants are vital for stabilizing sandy soils and protecting against storm surge and flooding.
The Alternative: Eco-Friendly Lawns and Landscaping
So, what’s a Florida homeowner to do? The good news is that there are alternatives that don’t involve endless watering, fertilizing, and mowing. A movement toward more sustainable, eco-friendly landscaping is growing in popularity, especially in Florida, where water conservation and protecting local ecosystems are critical.
Native Plants: Florida is home to a stunning variety of native plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses that are perfectly suited to the state’s climate. Once established, these plants require far less water and maintenance than turf grass and provide critical habitat for wildlife.
Rain Gardens and Bioswales: These are designed to capture and filter stormwater, reducing runoff and preventing pollutants from reaching waterways. They also provide habitat for local wildlife and help recharge groundwater.
No-Mow Lawns: Ground covers like Sunshine Mimosa, Frogfruit, and Golden Aster provide a beautiful low-maintenance lawn that doesn’t need frequent mowing or chemical treatments. These plants also often require far less water than traditional turf grass.
Time to Rethink the Lawn?
The green lawn may be iconic up north but in Florida it’s a symbol with some serious environmental baggage. From water shortages to chemical pollution, the perfect patch of turf comes with a cost far greater than most people realize. But by embracing native plants, eco-friendly landscaping, and smarter water usage, Floridians can enjoy beautiful, sustainable yards that help protect the state’s unique ecosystems rather than harm them. Maybe it’s time to reconsider the pursuit of the perfect lawn—and instead aim for the perfect balance between beauty and environmental responsibility. After all, there’s nothing greener than that!