What Is Your Yard Really Doing for the Air?

What is your yard really doing for the air? Project EverGreen’s Clean Air Calculator helps answer that question by showing how your lawn, trees, and landscape contribute to cleaner air. Once you’ve entered your yard’s details and received the results, the next step is understanding what those numbers mean for your family, neighborhood, and community.

The Clean Air Calculator was designed to translate the environmental benefits of healthy lawns, trees, and landscapes into something homeowners can understand and act on. It measures how your yard contributes to yard air quality, carbon sequestration in lawns, and cleaner, healthier air for people in your community.

This guide walks you through how to read your score, what each metric represents, and how small changes to your yard can make a measurable difference.

Why Your Yard Matters More Than You Think

Healthy green spaces don’t just look good. They work hard behind the scenes. Lawns, trees, and shrubs act as natural air filters, capturing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, cooling neighborhoods, and reducing airborne pollutants.

The Clean Air Calculator helps put real numbers behind the environmental benefits of healthy yards, showing how everyday residential landscapes contribute to cleaner air at a local level.

Decoding the Key Results

Carbon Sequestered: What Your Yard Stores

What it means: Carbon sequestration refers to how much carbon dioxide your lawn and landscape plants pull from the air and store in soil and plant material.

How to think about it: Your calculator result may be compared to:

Miles driven in a car
Gallons of gasoline burned
Hours of home energy use

For example, if your yard sequesters the equivalent of hundreds of miles of driving, it means your landscape is actively offsetting emissions created by everyday activities.

Why it matters: Even modest-sized lawns and landscapes play a role in reducing atmospheric carbon, especially when multiplied across entire neighborhoods.

Clean Air Produced: Oxygen and Pollutant Reduction

What it means: Plants naturally produce oxygen while also capturing pollutants such as particulate matter and ozone.

How to think about it: The calculator often expresses this in relatable terms, such as hours of air conditioning offset and equivalent clean air for a certain number of people.

This helps connect abstract measurements to real-world comfort and health.

Why it matters: Cleaner air contributes to healthier lungs, improved outdoor comfort, and reduced heat stress, especially in urban and suburban communities.

People Benefitted: Your Yard’s Ripple Effect

What it means: This estimate shows how many people could benefit from the clean air your yard helps produce over time.

How to think about it: It’s not just about your household. Air moves, circulates, and benefits neighbors, passersby, and your broader community.

Why it matters: Collectively, residential landscapes create a meaningful environmental impact when millions of homeowners maintain healthy yards.

How Different Yards Score: Three Sample Profiles

A Typical Suburban Lot

Moderate turf coverage
A few mature trees
Some foundation plantings

What the score shows: Balanced benefits across carbon storage and air quality, with solid performance and room for improvement through added trees or healthier turf.

A Heavily Treed Yard

Large canopy trees
Layered shrubs and groundcover
Healthy soil

What the score shows: Higher carbon sequestration and stronger air-cleaning benefits, highlighting the significant role trees play in improving yard air quality.

A Minimally Landscaped Yard

Limited turf
Few or no trees
Sparse plantings

What the score shows – Lower overall impact, but also the greatest opportunity. Adding even one tree or expanding turf can significantly improve results.

Where Your Yard Is Doing Well and Where It Can Do More

Your Clean Air Calculator score isn’t a grade. It’s a snapshot.

It helps identify strengths you’re already building on and small, achievable changes that can deliver big gains. Simple improvements can include:

Planting an additional tree
Expanding turf in underutilized areas
Improving lawn health through proper mowing, watering, and soil care
Adding shrubs or native plants that support long-term growth

Each change compounds over time, improving both carbon sequestration in lawns and overall air quality benefits.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Tool Exists

The Clean Air Calculator reinforces a simple truth: yards matter.

When homeowners understand the environmental value of their landscapes, they’re more likely to protect and improve them, benefiting communities, neighborhoods, and future generations.

Your yard is already doing important work for the air. The calculator helps you see it, understand it, and make it even better.

Try the Clean Air Calculator and explore how your yard contributes to cleaner, healthier air and what it could do next.

A Little Help When It Was Needed Most

A little help can make a big difference for a military family facing deployment. For Katelyn and her husband, Ryan, a member of the National Guard (last name withheld by request), that help came as they were raising two young children in the Des Moines suburb of Waukee.

Their introduction to military life was anything but gradual. Ryan joined the Guard shortly before the birth of their first child and, not long afterward, began preparing for his first deployment.

“We had absolutely no military background whatsoever, so everything was a new experience,” says Katelyn. “There were so many logistical things we needed to figure out, starting with how to manage the pets, the kids, and the maintenance of the house. It was pretty overwhelming.”

As the deployment approached, Katelyn reached out to a friend and fellow military spouse for advice.

“She told me she had signed up for GreenCare for Troops during her husband’s deployment and was matched with a volunteer who mowed her lawn at no cost,” Katelyn recalls. “She said it was an amazing program, really easy to sign up for, and having one less thing to worry about made such a difference.”

Katelyn contacted GreenCare for Troops and was soon matched with a local volunteer who cared for her lawn throughout Ryan’s six-month deployment.

“He did a fantastic job and was so humble. He didn’t want anyone to make a big fuss,” she says. “But it was a big deal to us. We were so grateful for the help when we needed it most.”

When Ryan deployed a second time, Katelyn was unable to be matched with a volunteer and had to manage the lawn herself. While she was fortunate to have family nearby who could lend a hand, she knows many military families don’t have that same support system.

“I can only imagine what families without that kind of support go through,” she says.

The experience reinforced for Katelyn just how valuable GreenCare for Troops volunteers can be. She knows firsthand that something as simple as mowing a lawn can provide meaningful relief during one of the most challenging times in a military family’s life.

“I’m sharing my story because I hope more people learn about GreenCare for Troops and decide to volunteer,” says Katelyn. “Believe me, it makes a huge impact. Having even one responsibility taken off your plate during a deployment means more than most people can imagine.”

A Little Help Can Make a Big Difference – Register Today!

When a loved one is deployed, taking care of things at home can feel overwhelming. GreenCare for Troops is here to help ease the burden.

The program connects eligible military families with lawn and landscape professionals who volunteer their services during deployment. If your family could use an extra hand, we encourage you to register.

Receive help with lawn and landscape services
Connect with a volunteer in your community when available
Take one more task off your plate during deployment

You don’t have to manage everything on your own. Register your family with GreenCare for Troops today and let us help connect you with a volunteer in your community.

Sign up today

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is proudly endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.

Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch Opens in Wappinger Falls Following Community Field Restoration

The newly restored Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch at Martz Field is once again ready to serve young athletes and families in Wappinger Falls, New York.

On July 22, Project EverGreen joined Scotts®, U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team standout Tyler Adams, Every Kid Sports, the Town of Wappinger Falls and green industry partners to celebrate the completion of the community athletic field renovation. The project transformed a worn natural grass playing surface into a safe, healthy field where the next generation of athletes can play, learn and grow.

Supported through Scotts’ Keep It Real initiative, the renovation is the latest GreenCare for Communities project led by Project EverGreen. It demonstrates how collaboration across the green industry can create lasting benefits for local communities by investing in healthy green spaces.

A Homecoming for Tyler Adams

For Adams, the ribbon-cutting was more than the opening of a renovated soccer field. It was a return to the place where his own soccer journey began.

“Growing up in Wappinger, this field played an important role in shaping who I am, both as an athlete and as a person,” said Adams. “It’s meaningful to return home and see it ready for the next generation of players. Every kid deserves access to safe places to play, and I’m proud to help bring that opportunity to my hometown community.”

Following the ceremony, Adams met with local youth and families, celebrating a project that reflects his commitment to giving back to the community that helped launch his career.

Green Industry Partners Make the Project Possible

Project EverGreen coordinated the restoration alongside Scotts, Every Kid Sports, the Town of Wappinger Falls and numerous green industry partners that donated products, equipment, expertise and volunteer labor.

Contributing partners included:

Together, these organizations restored the natural grass field while demonstrating the environmental, recreational and community benefits of professionally managed landscapes.

“Projects like this demonstrate what’s possible when the green industry comes together around a common purpose,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “From manufacturers and suppliers to contractors and volunteers, every partner played an important role in creating a field that will benefit local athletes and families for years to come. We’re grateful to Scotts, Tyler Adams, Every Kid Sports and everyone who helped make this transformation possible.”

Investing in Youth Sports Through Keep It Real

The Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch project is part of Scotts’ Keep It Real initiative, which helps improve access to high-quality natural grass playing fields so more children can experience the benefits of youth sports and outdoor play.

The initiative partners with organizations like Project EverGreen and Every Kid Sports to create healthier places where children can develop confidence, teamwork and lifelong memories.

“This project represents what Keep It Real is all about – investing in the places where kids can learn, grow and build confidence through playing sports,” said John Sass, senior vice president and general manager of North America at ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Seeing Tyler return home and celebrate a transformation alongside the Wappinger community makes this renovation really special.”

Continuing to Restore Community Green Spaces

The Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch follows another GreenCare for Communities renovation completed in June at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club of Roxbury in Boston, where Project EverGreen, Scotts and industry partners restored a heavily used natural grass baseball field.

Through GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen continues to partner with companies throughout the green industry to restore parks, athletic fields and other public green spaces. Each project helps create healthier neighborhoods while showcasing the lasting value of professionally maintained landscapes.

Two Decades of Giving Back: Why KEI Enterprises Continues to Answer the Call for Military Families

Two decades of giving back have given Chris Kujawa a front-row seat to the remarkable growth of Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops programs.

As president of Oak Creek, Wisconsin-based KEI Enterprises, Inc., Kujawa was one of the early supporters of the initiative 20 years ago and has remained a dedicated supporter ever since.

“To be honest, from the beginning the concept was very simple,” Kujawa explains. “Let’s pair lawn and landscape contractors in local communities with military families who are facing the challenge of a mom or dad being deployed and taking care of their lawns while they’re away.”

Chris Kujawa proudly displays an American flag presented by a deployed service member whose family received support through GreenCare for Troops. The flag, flown on a combat mission over the Red Sea, serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a simple act of service can have on military families.

Snow and ice removal services were added later, but the mission has remained the same.

“We’re helping individuals who are literally putting it all on the line, often in places where they may never return.”

For KEI, participating in GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops has generated tremendous goodwill throughout the community, strengthened connections with military families, and reinforced the company’s culture of service.

“There’s nothing about it that’s self-serving,” Kujawa says. “Our people are proud to be part of it, and they’re proud to serve these families.”

KEI recently completed service for two military families and has already been matched with another household requesting assistance. Most of the families they serve are connected to the National Guard, meaning they are often middle-income families with young children navigating the challenges of deployment.

“From our standpoint, we’re helping families who aren’t living on sprawling estates,” he says. “These are hard-working Americans facing a major disruption to their lives and their income. We can provide what amounts to a minimal investment of labor that makes a tremendous difference for them.”

Sometimes that difference is acknowledged with a simple thank-you. Other times, it becomes a memory that lasts a lifetime.

“We had a deployed soldier from one of the families we helped last winter stop by recently and present me with an American flag displayed in a custom case,” Kujawa recalls. “He had actually flown that flag on a combat mission over the Red Sea.”

The moment was deeply moving.

“I was emotional. I had tears in my eyes,” he says. “I couldn’t thank him enough. He told me there were times during the biggest snowstorms when our crews came out multiple times to keep everything clear. His wife never had to worry about it. She already had enough on her plate taking care of the kids, getting them ready for school, and managing everything at home. Not having to shovel snow or spread deicer made a huge difference for her. I was the one who was blown away.”

As Project EverGreen celebrates the 20th anniversary of GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops, Kujawa believes there has never been a better time for companies to get involved. The need continues to grow. Since January 1, 2026, 387 military families have registered for lawn care or snow removal assistance, while 48 new volunteer organizations have joined the effort.

“I would recommend that any company in an area where military families need help participate in GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops,” Kujawa says. “Just do it. It’s only a few hours for a couple of employees. From my perspective, it’s not a significant expense. It’s great for company culture because our employees genuinely enjoy helping. And the impact you have on a military family is incredible. They truly appreciate it.”

For KEI Enterprises, two decades of service have reinforced a simple truth: a few hours of work can ease the burden on families that sacrifice for our country, and those small acts of kindness often leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Deployed families need support now. Step up with GreenCare for Troops and put your expertise to work.

The need is rising and every new volunteer means one less worry for a military family at home. GreenCare for Troops connects lawn and landscape professionals with families to provide essential services during deployment. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, this is the moment.

Put your skills to work
Support a family in your community
Make an immediate, meaningful impact

Join a nationwide network of professionals stepping up when it matters most. Volunteer today. A military family near you is waiting.

Sign up today

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is proudly endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.

Weed Man Launches Challenge Coin Initiative Honoring GreenCare for Troops Families

Weed Man has launched a Challenge Coin recognition initiative to honor military families participating in Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program. A charter supporter of Project EverGreen and one of North America’s leading lawn care franchise organizations, Weed Man continues to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to those who serve. Currently, Weed Man serves 275 military families in 29 states through the program.

Rooted in military tradition, challenge coins are symbols of service, sacrifice, camaraderie, and appreciation. Select Weed Man franchisees will present a custom challenge coin to every GreenCare for Troops family they serve as a lasting reminder that their sacrifices are recognized and valued by the communities they call home.

Madison, Wisconsin-based Epic3 franchise group, which currently provides complimentary lawn care services to 102 military families across 16 states, is one of the drivers of the Challenge Coin initiative.

“Weed Man is both excited and honored to expand our partnership with Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops,” said Cam Cundiff of Epic3. “We want to do our part in giving back to the service members and families who sacrifice for our country every day, and this program allows us to do exactly that.”

Cam Cundiff of the Epic3 franchise group displays the custom Weed Man Challenge Coin that will be presented to GreenCare for Troops families as a symbol of gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices they make while a loved one serves our country. Epic3 currently provides complimentary lawn care services to 102 military families across 16 states.

Cundiff said they designed this challenge coin as a token of their profound respect and appreciation for deployed service members and their loved ones.

“Each family benefiting from GreenCare for Troops through an Epic3 franchise will receive a coin, letting them know we have their lawns covered while they serve and protect our country,” added Cundiff. “We hope it serves as a comforting reminder of home.”

Joe Schaffel, Weed Man franchise owner in Fort Worth, Texas, and an Army veteran said they want every family we serve to know their sacrifice matters.

“The challenge coin is a simple but meaningful way to express our gratitude and let military families know they are supported and appreciated,” said Schaffel.

“Since the beginning of GreenCare for Troops, Weed Man franchisees have stepped forward to serve military families in communities across the country,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Their commitment reflects the best of our industry by combining service, community support, and environmental stewardship. The lawns and landscapes they maintain help create healthy outdoor spaces where families can gather, children can play, and military families can enjoy a sense of normalcy while their loved ones are serving our country.”

In addition to supporting military families, the healthy lawns and landscapes maintained through GreenCare for Troops provide measurable environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, improved air quality, stormwater management, reduced urban heat, and safer outdoor environments for families.

Collectively, the properties served by Weed Man through GreenCare for Troops generate environmental benefits that include sequestering carbon, cleaning the air and creating cooler yards and homes.

During its 20^th anniversary year, Project EverGreen is encouraging lawn care operators, landscape contractors, irrigation professionals, arborists, sports field managers, snow and ice professionals, and green industry suppliers to join the growing network of volunteers serving military families nationwide.

Since its inception in 2006, GreenCare for Troops has connected more than 15,000 volunteers with 20,000 military families and generated more than $20 million in donated lawn and landscape services. Today, more than 1,600 volunteers continue to serve military families across the United States, helping ease the burden of deployment one property at a time.

The need remains significant. Since the start of 2026 alone, nearly 400 military families have registered for assistance through the program. Every new volunteer helps ensure those families receive the support they deserve while a loved one serves our nation.

“As we celebrate 20 year serving military families through GreenCare for Troops, we’re reminded that the program’s success is built on the generosity of volunteers and partners like Weed Man,” Code said. “For two decades, lawn care and landscape professionals have stepped forward to support military families in a meaningful way. Their commitment continues to strengthen communities, improve outdoor spaces, and show military families that their sacrifices are appreciated.”

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Deployed families need support now. Be like the dedicated volunteers at Weed Man and step up with GreenCare for Troops and put your expertise to work.

Put your skills to work
Support a family in your community
Make an immediate, meaningful impact

Join a nationwide network of professionals stepping up when it matters most. Volunteer today. Someone near you is waiting.

Sign up today

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is proudly endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.