In Australia, where outdoor living is central to family life, having a real grass lawn is more than an aesthetic preference—it’s a crucial contributor to childhood development. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that “nature play” enhances children’s emotional well-being, cognitive abilities, and physical health. Grass-covered backyards provide unstructured, sensory-rich environments that synthetic turf simply can’t replicate. Children benefit from walking barefoot, touching soil, and observing the biodiversity around them—experiences proven to support immune development and emotional regulation.
Furthermore, natural turf supports exposure to beneficial microbes in the soil, which research suggests can help reduce allergies and auto-immune issues later in life. The feel of damp grass, the sight of insects moving through blades, and even the seasonal changes of real turf provide vital sensory input. Unlike synthetic lawns, which remain uniform and sterile, real grass encourages curiosity and environmental awareness. It also promotes physical activity. According to a Nature Play WA report, outdoor play boosts children’s ability to self-regulate and improves academic performance.
Safety First: Why Real Grass Minimises Injury Risks
Safety is another critical reason why real grass should be prioritised in Australian homes and schools. Natural turf acts as a natural cushion, helping to absorb impacts from falls during active play. Synthetic turf, in contrast, tends to be firmer and more abrasive. A publication compiled by Turf Australia notes that artificial surfaces have been linked to increased incidences of injuries, including turf toe, abrasions, and knee strain—especially during active use in high temperatures.
Australian schools have seen the benefits of reverting back to natural turf. For example, at Toolern Vale Primary School in Victoria, the installation of new natural turf fields has led to a decrease in playground injuries and an increase in student engagement with physical activities. The school found that kids played longer and more confidently on real grass, and teachers reported a positive effect on behaviour during and after recess (Cool Turf Australia).
Another growing concern in Australian summers is the surface temperature of artificial turf. Synthetic lawns can reach temperatures above 70°C under direct sunlight, making them dangerously hot for children and pets. In comparison, real grass remains much cooler, offering a safer, more comfortable play surface during heatwaves—especially important in cities like Perth and Adelaide, where heat extremes are becoming more common.
Environmental Impact: Supporting Australia’s Biodiversity and Climate
Australia is home to some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, and real grass supports environmental sustainability in ways synthetic turf cannot. Natural lawns capture and filter carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and help reduce the urban heat island effect. According to LawnPride Australia, well-maintained lawns can be up to 30°C cooler than synthetic turf and surrounding hard surfaces, which can reduce the need for air-conditioning inside nearby homes.
Real turf also assists with water absorption and drainage, helping to prevent flash flooding during heavy rains—especially relevant in flood-prone parts of Queensland and New South Wales. Conversely, synthetic lawns create a barrier that can prevent water from seeping into the soil, contributing to increased stormwater runoff and degradation of nearby waterways.
Crucially, natural grass supports native biodiversity. Birds, insects, worms, and pollinators like bees thrive in grass environments. These species contribute to the health of urban and suburban ecosystems. Synthetic turf, by comparison, offers no food, shelter, or habitat for wildlife. A comprehensive position paper by Turf Australia warns that artificial grass can become an ecological dead zone, limiting Australia’s ability to sustain native species in residential areas.
Home Value and Real Grass: A Long-Term Investment for Aussie Families
Australians understand the value of outdoor space, and real lawns play a significant role in property valuation. A survey conducted by Raine & Horne found that a healthy, well-maintained lawn can increase a home’s sale price by up to 20%. Buyers look for usability, beauty, and liveability, all of which are enhanced by natural turf.
Real grass also creates a welcoming space for barbecues, birthdays, and outdoor relaxation—icons of the Aussie lifestyle. In contrast, artificial lawns, while low-maintenance initially, fade over time, absorb odours (especially from pets), and can look plasticky after a few years of wear. They also carry hidden replacement costs. Most synthetic lawns need replacing every 8–10 years, while a real lawn, with basic care like mowing, watering, and occasional fertilising, can thrive for decades.
In fact, state governments have begun to take environmental stances against synthetic turf. The NSW Government Planning Portal has advised councils to evaluate synthetic turf installations due to concerns over urban heat, pollution, and landfill contribution. As environmental consciousness grows, homes with natural landscapes will likely gain value over properties with synthetic features.
Why Real Grass Is the Right Choice for Aussie Homes
For Australian families, choosing real grass is about more than looks—it’s about health, safety, sustainability, and lifestyle. Natural turf supports children’s development, prevents injuries, cools your environment, and boosts biodiversity. It’s also a smart long-term investment that aligns with growing eco-conscious values across the country.
Artificial turf might promise convenience, but in the Australian context, it fails to meet the long-term needs of families and the planet. Whether you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or a rural town, embracing real grass is a commitment to creating healthier, more vibrant communities for our kids to grow up in.
