Why Artificial Grass Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up to Be for Play Spaces

Artificial grass has become a go-to choice for many schools, parks and families looking for a tidy, low-maintenance play area. It’s easy to see the appeal — a lawn that never needs mowing, watering or weeding sounds like a dream, right? But when it comes to outdoor play spaces, artificial turf often falls short of the hype. Beneath that picture-perfect green surface lie some big problems for kids, the environment and even your wallet.

Let’s dig into why fake grass might not be the best playground companion after all.

 

It Gets Way Too Hot

One of the biggest downsides of artificial turf is how hot it gets in the sun. Unlike natural grass, which stays cool thanks to its moisture content and living roots, synthetic turf absorbs and holds onto heat. On a sunny day, surfaces can easily reach temperatures far higher than natural grass. Center for Research+1

That’s a real safety issue for children playing outside. The surface can become hot enough to cause burns on bare skin, and even with shoes on, it can be uncomfortable to run and play. Imagine trying to play tag or kick-ball when the “grass” feels like a frying pan. Not fun.

Many parks end up having to hose down their artificial turf just to make it usable in warm weather — which totally defeats the “low-maintenance” argument.

 

It’s Not Great for Kids’ Health

Kids need to play on surfaces that are safe, forgiving and breathable. Artificial turf misses the mark on all three.

For starters, many types of artificial grass use infill materials (often rubber crumb from old tyres) that can release chemicals and tiny plastic particles (microplastics) that kids may inhale or get on their skin. Some studies have raised concerns about the potential health impacts of these substances—especially with frequent exposure. MDPI+1

Then there’s the bacteria problem. Natural grass has microbes that naturally break down waste and sanitise the soil. Artificial turf, on the other hand, can trap dirt, sweat and even animal waste, creating a breeding ground for germs if it’s not cleaned regularly. That means more maintenance and more chemical cleaners—not exactly a healthy or eco-friendly combo. Read more here on our take on using natural materials for play areas.

 

 

It’s Tough on the Environment

At first glance, artificial grass might seem like an environmentally responsible choice — no mowing, no watering, no fertiliser. But that’s only part of the story.

Most artificial turf is made from petroleum-based plastics (like polyethylene or polypropylene) which take hundreds of years to break down. When it wears out (usually after about 8-10 years) the old turf often ends up in landfills because it’s difficult and costly to recycle. That’s a lot of plastic waste.

Plus, the production and transport of synthetic turf have a hefty carbon footprint. And while it saves water, it also eliminates one of nature’s best cooling systems — living grass. Real lawns help absorb rain-water, reduce heat, and support soil health. Artificial turf, in contrast, creates a hard, impermeable surface that can contribute to run-off and flooding.

 

 

It’s Not as “Low Maintenance” as You Think

One of the biggest selling points of artificial grass is that it’s supposedly maintenance-free. But that’s a bit of marketing magic. Sure, you won’t have to mow it—but you will have to brush it to keep the fibres standing up, hose it down to remove dirt, and disinfect it to control bacteria. If you have trees nearby, you’ll need to clear fallen leaves and debris regularly, too.

And when the turf finally wears out or starts to look tired—which it will—being replaced is a major and expensive job. Natural grass, on the other hand, can be rejuvenated easily and inexpensively with seeding and care.

 

The Bottom Line

Artificial grass might look neat and tidy, but when you consider the heat, health risks, environmental impact and hidden upkeep, it’s not the dream surface it’s made out to be. For outdoor play spaces, natural grass or even newer eco-friendly alternatives like clover lawns or engineered wood chips offer safer, cooler and greener options.

Kids deserve places where they can dig, run and roll without worry—and no plastic substitute can truly replace the feel (or benefits) of the real thing.