If your Adelaide investment property has a yard, the question of whether to install artificial turf or keep real grass is one that comes up more often than you might expect. Fake grass has become increasingly popular in South Australia's rental market, and it's easy to see the appeal. Less mowing, no watering restrictions to worry about, and a neat appearance year-round. But there's more to the decision than convenience. Here's a balanced look at both sides to help you make the right call for your property and your tenants.
- No mowing or watering required
- Stays green year-round in Adelaide's dry summers
- No lawn grub or patchy bare patches
- Lower ongoing maintenance for tenants
- Can appeal to tenants without time or inclination to garden
- Better for children and families
- Cooler underfoot in Adelaide's hot summers
- Positive environmental and health benefits
- More natural appeal for quality long-term tenants
- Doesn't end up in landfill at end of life
The environmental case against artificial turf
Artificial turf is made from plastic, which is worth keeping in mind at a time when reducing plastic waste is a genuine community priority. Many artificial turf products sold in Australia are imported, which means their environmental footprint extends well beyond the material itself to include the production and freight costs of getting them here. At the end of their lifespan, which is typically between 8 and 15 years, most artificial turf products end up in landfill since recycling options remain limited.
For Adelaide landlords who want their property to appeal to environmentally conscious tenants, which is an increasingly common renter demographic across South Australia, this is worth factoring into your decision.
Real turf and its benefits for families
If your Adelaide investment property is a family home, real grass has genuine advantages that are easy to overlook when you're focused on maintenance. Research supports the idea that children who have regular access to natural soil and outdoor play environments tend to develop stronger immune systems. A real lawn also gives kids a natural place to play, run around, and spend time outdoors without leaving the property.
In Adelaide's suburbs where family tenants make up a significant portion of the long-term rental market, a well-kept real lawn can be a genuine drawcard that helps your property lease quickly and attract tenants who are looking for somewhere to settle in for the long term.
The heat problem with artificial turf in Adelaide
This is a practical consideration that's particularly relevant in South Australia. During Adelaide's hot summers, artificial turf can reach surface temperatures significantly higher than real grass, sometimes hot enough to be uncomfortable or even unsafe for bare feet, especially for young children. On a 35 degree Adelaide day, the surface temperature of artificial turf can be considerably higher than the air temperature, which limits how usable the outdoor space actually is for tenants during the warmest months of the year.
The honest case for artificial turf
To be fair, real turf comes with its own list of considerations. Over the life of the lawn, you're looking at the cost of lawnmowers, weed treatments, and potentially lawn grub products. Real grass doesn't always handle Adelaide's dry summers well without adequate irrigation, and patchy or dead lawns can make a property look poorly maintained and unappealing in listings.
For investment properties where tenants may not have the time, equipment, or inclination to maintain a lawn, artificial turf can genuinely reduce the friction around outdoor maintenance responsibilities. The key is making sure those responsibilities, whatever you decide, are clearly set out in the lease from the start.
Ultimately, the right choice for your Adelaide investment property comes down to the style of property, the type of tenant you're targeting, and what you think will serve the outdoor space best over the long term. Both options have merit and both have trade-offs. What matters most is that your outdoor area is well presented, clearly maintained, and adds to the overall appeal of the property rather than detracting from it. Whatever you decide, make sure maintenance responsibilities are clearly outlined when you list and lease the property so there's no ambiguity for your tenants.
At Waterman Property Management, we help Adelaide landlords make decisions like this one with confidence. From property presentation advice to managing your tenancy end to end across South Australia, we're here to help you get the best result from your investment. Call us on 08 8231 5407 or request a free property appraisal at watermanpm.com.au.