What’s an organic lawn?

Just like the organic produce you can get at the grocery store or farmers market, an organic lawn is grown without synthetic chemicals. That means no synthetic fertilizers & no synthetic weed killers.

Why is it so important that we get away from synthetic lawn chemicals?

With around 40 million acres of turfgrass in the continental United States, grass is by far the largest irrigated crop in the country. We have three times as much land set aside for growing turf as we do for irrigated corn. ​

Each year, Americans apply around 90 million pounds of synthetic chemical fertilizer to their lawns, either themselves or with a lawn company. These chemicals destroy the composition of our soils, pollute our waters and damage the creatures responsible for natural decomposition processes. ​

Chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides also introduce toxins to humans, pets and wildlife, which are known to cause disease and other health problems.

How can an organic yard help heal the planet?

Natural lawn care isn't about pumping nutrients into your lawn, it's about building up organic matter in your soil. Having healthier soil will mean thicker turf and less weeds, which means less need for herbicides. Having healthier soil will mean less watering, because organic matter locks moisture into the soil. Plus, healthy soil sequesters carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere where it becomes a greenhouse gas.

Removing synthetic chemicals from our yards also keeps those chemicals out of our watershed-- something that we as an organic lawn company work at every day. Applying organic fertilizer, soil amendments and microbial drenches will build up your soil and give you a healthier lawn. Natural fertilizer also locks carbon into your soil, which is great for the environment.

What it means to have an organic yard.

An organic lawn does not mean letting your yard look messy, neglected or out of place in your neighborhood. A well-managed organic lawn is grounded in soil science, plant physiology and ecology, and it can look just as intentional and attractive as any conventional turf. The key difference lies below the surface, where management focuses on feeding soil life rather than forcing rapid turf growth.

A natural lawn functions as a balanced living system. Beneficial bacteria and fungi break down organic matter and make nutrients available to grass roots through natural cycling. This improves root depth, water retention and stress tolerance during heat, drought and foot traffic. Healthier roots lead to denser turf, which naturally reduces weed presence without constant intervention.

Concerns that an organic lawn will appear uneven or unruly are understandable, but appearance is shaped by maintenance choices, not chemistry. Proper mowing height, overseeding and watering keep turf uniform and clean-edged. Organic lawn fertilizer releases nutrients slowly, avoiding the surge-and-crash growth common with synthetic products. That steady availability produces consistent color and growth, with no chance of patchiness or “burnt” turf.

Natural lawn care also supports balance beyond the grass itself. Soil organisms, insects and plants interact to create resilience over time. Using lawn fertilizer derived from natural sources protects waterways by limiting runoff while supporting long-term soil structure. The result is a yard that fits comfortably into the neighborhood while quietly delivering environmental benefits, healthier soil and a stable landscape that improves year after year. Good Sweet Earth is a non-profit lawn company that can help you grow a lawn you can feel good about.