Lawn painting may sound odd, but it is a common practice. Groundskeepers at golf courses and football fields have been using paint to keep grass green for decades.
Purchase lawn paint at a garden center or landscaping service. Read the label and follow the directions. Wear gloves and old clothes. Cover anything you do not want to be painted with plastic sheeting, tarps, or drop cloths.
1. Gather Your Tools
In many areas, lawn painting is a common practice for green frost-affected winter or drought-stricken summer lawns. It can also be used to hide discoloration caused by dog urine, disease, and other conditions. While it isn’t a permanent fix, it can help you hide the problem until you have the time to deal with it, much like using a decongestant while your sinus infection heals.
To get the best results, you should use a pump sprayer that is specifically designed for lawn painting. It is recommended that you read the product’s instructions and follow them carefully. You should also wear protective gloves and clothing you don’t mind getting stained with paint, as even non-toxic lawn paint can sting or irritate the skin. It is also a good idea to choose a sunny day when the wind is calm and there is no rain in the forecast. You should also cover any plants, pavers, footpaths, or other surfaces that you don’t want to be painted using plastic sheets, tarps, or drop cloths.
Finally, you should practice first in an inconspicuous area to make sure that your spraying technique is consistent and that you are achieving the desired shade of green. You may find that you need to apply several coats for a darker shade or you may need to dilute the paint for a lighter tone.
2. Test the Paint
As with any project involving chemicals, it’s important to test your lawn paint before applying it. Even though most grass paints are non-toxic, they can sting and stain skin and eyes. The best time to test the paint is a dry, sunny day when you can see how the color will look. Choose a secluded area of the yard and spray the paint onto it to see how dark or light it is. This will also help you determine the concentration of paint needed for your lawn. The higher the proportion, the darker the green, while lower dilution results in a lighter color.
Before you start your project, mow the lawn and rake it thoroughly to remove any debris or dead grass. It’s also a good idea to cover any walks, driveways, pavers, or footpaths that may be painted with grass paint so they don’t get discolored. Finally, have a hose handy in case you need to wash away any overspray from hardscapes or other parts of your yard that might be affected by the lawn paint.
Grass paint is a great short-term aesthetic fix for discolored grass. However, it isn’t a substitute for treating and caring for the root of the problem. If your lawn is yellowing or brown due to drought, climate stress, or aging, grass paint will mask the issue. Until you address the underlying cause, your grass will continue to discolor or eventually die.
3. Spray Consistently
If you’re a first-time lawn painter, it’s a good idea to wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Regardless of whether you’re purchasing ready-to-use lawn dye or powder, mixing it yourself, or having a professional landscaper do it for you, the sprayer will likely become stained as well. A dedicated sprayer for lawn painting works best, but a standard garden sprayer can also work if you’re careful.
Choose a day without wind to minimize overspray and ensure the colorant dries properly. Test the spray color in an inconspicuous area, adjusting as needed for the perfect shade. During the actual painting, spray in a random, circular motion to avoid striped looks. It’s also helpful to practice on small areas before working on the larger lawn.
It’s important to understand that while a turf colorant may make the grass greener, it will not solve underlying problems such as disease, insects, or nutrient deficiencies. It is “a masking rather than a fixing product,” says Waltz.
If you are looking for a solution to deal with brown patches or drought conditions, consider aerating and overseeding the lawn instead. Grass paint can help, but these other techniques are typically more effective and cost-efficient than simply coloring the lawn. Generally, lawn paint lasts for two to three months if the weather and mowing are regular, but it can be reapplied as needed.
4. Clean Up
Grass painting is an easy way to turn brown grass green for a special event or season. It is a temporary solution, though, that does not address the root causes of lawn discoloration. If you want a beautiful green lawn, check out my home turf for more permanent solutions and the right lawn care tips to keep it healthy year-round.
It’s easy to forget that a lush green lawn isn’t just aesthetic — it also adds to the value of your home. One survey found that a well-kept yard could increase your home’s value by 20-30% or more. But keeping your lawn green can be difficult in droughts, hot summers, and winters when lawns need extra watering and care.
Grass paint, also known as turf colorant or grass dye, can give your lawn that lush green look you’ve been missing without intensive work or breaking the bank. While the results are not permanent, they can be effective for several months and make your home stand out in the neighborhood. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your lawn paint, follow these tips for a successful application. Be sure to wear gloves, goggles, and a breathing mask when applying the paint to avoid staining your skin or clothing. Prevent overspray by wetting pavers, sidewalks, and surrounding concrete with clean water before spraying and during the process. If accidental overspray occurs, be sure to rinse it quickly before it dries.