We all know a healthy green lawn makes any Sydney home look amazing — but did you know your grass is doing far more than just looking good? From cooling your backyard on hot summer days to producing oxygen for your family, grass plays a surprisingly powerful role in our environment. Here are six fascinating facts about grass you probably didn’t know.
Fact 1 – 1 Acre of Grass (4,047m²) Supplies Enough Oxygen for 64 People a Day!
That’s right — just 63m² of grass can generate enough oxygen for one person per day (Maryland Agricultural Statistics Service). To put that in perspective, trees only produce enough oxygen for 18 people per acre per day (Growing Air Foundation). So, when you’re maintaining your lawn, you’re not just creating a beautiful outdoor space — you’re also helping to keep the air cleaner and more breathable for everyone.
Fact 2 – Wheat is a Type of Grass!
It might surprise you to learn that wheat, one of the world’s most important food crops, is actually a grass species. In fact, all grains — including rice, corn, barley, and oats — belong to the grass family. So next time you’re enjoying a bowl of cereal or a slice of toast, remember — you’re eating grass in disguise!
Fact 3 – The Leaf of Grass is Made Up of Around 75%–85% Water
Grass is mostly water — just like many of our favourite fruits and veggies. For comparison, lettuce contains around 96% water, celery and tomatoes are around 95%, and cauliflower is about 92%. That high water content helps grass stay resilient and cool, which is one reason lawns feel so refreshing underfoot on a hot Sydney day.
Fact 4 – A Natural Lawn Can Be Up to 40°C Cooler Than Synthetic Grass
On a typical Sydney summer day, a natural lawn can be 10°C cooler than bare soil, 20°C cooler than concrete or pebbles, and a massive 40°C cooler than artificial turf. A Turf Australia study recorded synthetic fields reaching up to 88°C on a 28-degree day — hot enough to cause burns! Natural turf not only looks better but also keeps your backyard, pets, and family cooler and safer during heatwaves.
Fact 5 – There Are Over 11,500 Accepted Species of Grass (and Counting)
Grass is one of the most diverse plant families on the planet, with more than 11,500 known species — and around 1,500 more still being studied and classified. From the finely textured turf grasses we use in Sydney backyards to tall native grasses found across Australia’s outback, this humble plant family has adapted to nearly every environment on Earth.
Fact 6 – Grass Grows on Every Continent (Even Antarctica!)
Yes — even Antarctica has grass! One of the few species that can survive there is Deschampsia antarctica, or Antarctic Hair Grass. This hardy little plant thrives in freezing temperatures, proving just how adaptable grass can be. From the icy Antarctic coast to the warm Sydney suburbs, grass has truly conquered the globe.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re passionate about your backyard or just love learning new facts, there’s no denying that grass is an incredible plant. It cleans our air, cools our homes, and forms the foundation for countless ecosystems (not to mention family picnics and backyard games).
If you’d like to learn more about caring for your Sydney lawn, explore our other turf and lawn care blogs for expert local advice, seasonal tips, and product recommendations.
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