The truth about gas-powered lawn mowers

As anyone who has ever used a lawn mower will attest, these engines are not very efficient. They emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, producing up to 5% of the nation's air pollution. A conventional lawn mower pollutes as much in an hour as driving your car for 100 miles.

In an effort to keep the lawn looking good, we annually use 800 million gallons of gas, producing tons of air pollutants. In fact, just switching to a push-type mower instead of a power mower will help reduce CO2 in the atmosphere by 80 pounds a year per lawn.

Perhaps more surprising than the gas we use, is the gas we misuse. According to the EPA, 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment. To put that into perspective, that is more than all the oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez.

Once we mow the lawn, the clippings generate over 160 million tons of solid waste annually. The second largest component of our solid waste is this yard waste.

Ironically, most grass is not meant to be cut so short. The short, well-manicured lawn does not have the same effect of shading the soil, increasing the need for water. Additionally, tall grass can have a much deeper root system, resulting in less need for watering.

Alternatives to Mowing

While a hand-powered mower would reduce pollution, one should ask, “Why plant something that needs cutting at all?”

Ecoturf is a term used to describe a variety of turf grasses selected to reduce these typical needs of mowing, watering and fertilizing. A dense mix of English daisy, yarrow, strawberry clover or perennial ryegrass, Ecoturf only grows to a certain height and will not need frequent mowing. The addition of clover in this mix provides valuable soil-fixing nitrogen, helping eliminate the need for fertilizer. Since it is so hardy, Ecoturf only requires regular watering during the hot, summer months.

Ecoturf needs to be seeded, and will take a year or two to fully take root. During this initial period, just water it regularly, as you would a regular lawn.

Be sure to consult a landscape architect to select species appropriate and native to your area.