Why Early Years Services Should Choose Real Grass Over Artificial Turf
Protecting Children's Health and the Environment
Australia is known for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and lush natural landscapes. For children growing up in the Sunshine State, outdoor play is an essential part of their physical, emotional, and social development. However, many childcare centres in Australia are increasingly turning to artificial turf to create low-maintenance play areas. While artificial turf may seem like a practical solution, it presents hidden dangers that could compromise the health and well-being of young children.
Now, we know we’re not Landscape Architects, but we have an opinion anyway :) and here are just some of the reasons we recommend real turf, over artificial turf, wherever possible.
1. Off-Gassing: Harmful Chemicals in Artificial Turf
Artificial turf may look attractive, but it is made of synthetic materials such as polyethylene and rubber crumb that can off-gas harmful chemicals when exposed to the intense Australian sun. Over time, these chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, are released into the air, potentially causing respiratory issues, headaches, and eye irritation for children.
Given Australia's hot climate, the risk of off-gassing is even higher. The combination of UV rays and high temperatures can exacerbate the release of these toxins, making it especially dangerous in places like childcare centres where children spend a significant amount of time on the ground. Children’s developing respiratory systems are particularly vulnerable, and long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health problems such as hormone disruption and cancer.
In contrast, real grass is a natural air purifier. It doesn't release harmful chemicals but instead contributes to a healthier environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. By choosing real grass, childcare centres can ensure that children are playing in a healthier, toxin-free environment.
2. The Danger of Burns: Artificial Turf Gets Too Hot
Australia's intense sun means that outdoor play can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous, without proper precautions. A 2002 study conducted at Brigham Young University found that the surface temperature of synthetic turf was a striking 20.6°C higher than asphalt and a scorching 30.3°C hotter than natural turf. Artificial turf frequently registers temperatures that range between 20° and 30°C above those of natural grass, according to the Penn State University's Center for Sports Surface Research. This is especially concerning during Australia’s hot summer months when children are more likely to be outside during midday heat and these surfaces are unbearable to play on.
Excessive heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and reduced physical endurance. The scorching surface temperatures of artificial turf can increase the likelihood of skin abrasions and second-degree burns, which can become entry points for infections. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures may also elevate the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, potentially putting children's health and safety in jeopardy.
Real grass, by contrast, remains significantly cooler. Natural grass can maintain a surface temperature of around 29°C, in full sun, even during the hottest days. Real grass also remains cooler than the surrounding air. The reason is simple: natural grass blades transpire or release water vapor, and this evaporation causes cooling. It’s a cooler, safer option, allowing children to play comfortably without the risk of burns or discomfort. This is crucial in Australia, where children are often playing outside for extended periods of time. When you add the fact that heat-related injuries can have long-term consequences, real grass stands out as the clear winner in creating a safe and comfortable environment for outdoor play.
3. Ingestion of Plastics: A Hidden Risk in Synthetic Turf
Artificial turf is often made using crumb rubber from recycled tyres, which can be a significant hazard to young children. The small rubber granules often come loose and pose an ingestion risk. Children, particularly younger ones, are naturally inclined to put things in their mouths. Ingesting small pieces of plastic or rubber from artificial turf can expose children to harmful chemicals like lead, benzene, and other carcinogens found in recycled rubber.
4. The Environmental Impact of Artificial Turf vs Real Turf
While artificial turf might seem like a low-maintenance solution, it comes with serious environmental costs. Unlike real grass, which absorbs carbon and supports local wildlife, artificial turf is made from petroleum-based plastics and other synthetic materials that do not biodegrade. The result is significant waste when the turf is eventually replaced, contributing to landfills and long-term environmental damage. Moreover, the production of synthetic turf has a high environmental cost due to the energy-intensive manufacturing process.
In contrast to synthetic turf, real grass serves as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is essential for all living organisms. Beyond its role in combating climate change, grass improves air quality by capturing airborne pollutants and aiding in their breakdown, with moisture from rain and dew enhancing this process. The root mass and soil microorganisms further act as natural filters, trapping and breaking down pollutants, while also promoting healthy soil and improving water retention—critical for preventing erosion in Australia's often-dry conditions. Additionally, grass lawns help reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound from traffic, animals, and human activity, much like an insulation panel. Given Australia’s environmental challenges, including water conservation and land degradation, choosing real grass for childcare centres not only offers a safer and more enjoyable play surface but also supports a sustainable, healthy future for the local ecosystem.
5. Real Grass Promotes Biodiversity
Unlike synthetic turf, which creates a sterile, lifeless surface, natural grass supports a vibrant ecosystem. Real grass provides a habitat for a variety of microorganisms, insects, and small animals, all of which play important roles in the local food chain. This biodiversity helps to maintain a healthy, balanced environment by promoting pollination, decomposing organic matter, and contributing to soil health. For children in childcare centres, this offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with nature, observe wildlife, and learn about the interconnectedness of ecosystems. By choosing natural grass, childcare centres contribute to the health of their local environment, while giving children a chance to experience the rich diversity that is essential for their education.
6. A Little Dirt and Mud Won’t Hurt: The Benefits of Real Grass for Children's Development
It’s natural for parents and educators to be concerned about the mess that comes with outdoor play. However, a little dirt and mud can actually be incredibly beneficial for children’s development, and Australia's outdoor climate offers the perfect opportunity to embrace this natural aspect of play.
Studies show that exposure to natural environments — including the dirt and microbes found in soil — can boost immune system development, improve mental health, and foster a deeper connection to nature. The microbial diversity in soil plays a crucial role in building children’s immune systems, helping them develop resistance to infections and allergies. This is particularly important in Australia, where outdoor play is often a way of life. Children who play in the dirt and mud are not only building physical strength and coordination, but they are also boosting their resilience against illnesses.
Furthermore, studies have found that children who spend time outdoors in natural settings are often more emotionally resilient and show better cognitive function and social skills. Playing in real grass allows children to explore a range of sensory experiences, from the texture of the grass beneath their feet to the feeling of cool mud in their hands. This hands-on exploration fosters creativity, problem-solving, and an appreciation for the environment.
Real Grass is the Safer, Healthier, and More Sustainable Choice for Early Years Services in Australia
In Australia’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle, real grass offers clear advantages over artificial turf. It’s safer for children, cooler to play on, free from harmful chemicals, and offers valuable environmental benefits. Additionally, a little dirt and mud won't hurt children — in fact, it’s a natural and essential part of their development. By choosing real grass over synthetic turf, childcare centres can create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment for children to explore, play, and grow.
It’s time to move beyond the synthetic options and return to the natural benefits of real grass. After all, outdoor play is about more than just physical activity — it’s about fostering a lifelong connection to the earth and supporting the holistic development of our children.
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