They say that the grass is always greener on the other side. This, of course, means that you think other people are in a better situation than you are. But what if your lawn is brown and your neighbor is a beautiful grass green color? Would you paint your grass?
The manufacturers of lawn paint say that it is formulated to be biodegradable and therefore safe for the environment. Unlike the paint we use for our houses and other buildings, lawn paint only retains its color for a few months. It’s not bad for your grass, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect your lawn.
Will paint hurt my lawn?
First of all, you need to be clear that lawn paint isn’t regular paint. It’s made completely differently, and when applied correctly, it’s not going to hurt your lawn.
If you run out and buy a regular spray can of green paint to color your lawn, it will be harmful. Green grass paint is made for spray painting grass!
The other question people ask is, Will it harm humans, pets, and other creatures? Manufacturers vouch that green grass paint is totally safe and non-toxic.
It doesn’t pose any risk to humans, animals, insects, or our waterways.
What are the ingredients of your lawn paint?
Lawn paint is manufactured so that we can paint grass green. It is a paint made from natural materials and is 100% non-toxic.
Manufacturers of lawn paint explain that it may be made from pulverized kaolin, which is a type of soft stone. Sometimes it is made from decayed plants.
The green color is achieved with a pigment-based dye that won’t block out natural sunlight.
There are, of course, various different brands of grass paint. But they all seem to be supplied in a concentrated form that must be mixed with water before it is used.
Why Use Lawn Paint?
This is the million-dollar question. The answer isn’t to simply cover up brown grass that is dying and transform it with color.
Originally, green grass paint was developed to keep golf courses green during the winter months. By spray painting it a typical grass green color, golf course managers didn’t have to Overseed the courses with perennial ryegrass and other warm-season grasses.
More recently, homeowners have discovered its advantages. The obvious advantage is that if you paint your grass green, it will look lush throughout the winter months.
According to Grady Miller who is a professor and extension specialist at North Carolina State University, lawn paint has become the standard alternative to overseeding in the fall. He maintains that it is ideal for keeping lawns looking more attractive.
It does this by hiding problems like blemishes caused by pet urine or stress from disease. It is also ideal for camouflaging grasses that are suffering from drought or water restrictions.
But it isn’t just an aesthetic solution. Lawn painting with a good quality product will also increase the surface temperature and improve plant growth during cold weather.
This, in turn, lowers the challenge of maintenance when temperatures are high. Using a grass spray to temporarily turn your lawn green is an alternative to using more water and fertilizer.
It is also a proven solution for lawns that are turning yellow and brown and need attention. The paint makes it look good for a few months until it starts to turn green again.
What lawn paint won’t do
Lawn paint isn’t a quick fix for a dead lawn. You can paint your lawn and hide the dying grass for a while, but eventually, you’ll have to remove and reseed your lawn.
It isn’t a hydroseed solution. This is a completely different long-term solution that contractors use to establish new lawns.
The only thing that hydroseeding and spray painting grass have in common is spraying. With hydroseeding, they mix fiber mulch and fertilizer with seed and spray it onto the soil.
Lawn paint isn’t a life-support solution either. While it will certainly reduce the amount of water you need to keep your grass lawn alive, you must still water it or it will die.
How Long Does Lawn Paint Last?
There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question because it depends on many factors. These include the season, how the grass is growing (e.g. vertically or horizontally), and how healthy the grass is.
Other factors that will affect the longevity of your grass paint include heavy foot traffic, mowing, and rain.
But, on average, it should last between two and three months. It also depends on the product – some last longer than others.
Another factor is application. If it’s applied correctly, a good quality product will definitely last longer.
If you are lawn painting yourself, it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the last letter. For example, don’t add more water to try and make it go further.
Lawn paint is made so that it binds with the blades of grass. If you dilute it, it won’t bind properly, and this is likely to affect how long the paint will last.
Things to consider when using lawn paint
Non-toxic lawn paint is relatively simple to use. Essentially, all you do is spray it onto the grass.
One of the challenges is getting the color right. For instance, the darker brown your lawn has turned, the more paint color you are going to need.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the color somewhere that is reasonably inconspicuous. If the color is too light,t you can adjust it.
You will also have to mask off adjacent areas to the lawn that you don’t want painted green.
Generally, you should always apply lawn paint when the grass is completely dry. If it is wet, the color may run off before it dries.
That said, once your grass paint is dry, it’s not going to wash off when it rains. And it won’t rub off on your clothes.
Conclusion
Lawn paint is non-toxic and it isn’t bad for your grass. But before you use it you need to assess why you are using it.
You also need to be sure that you continue to take good care of your lawn. This means cutting and watering it, although, depending on the season, these chores may be reduced.
Just remember that lawn paint can be a brilliant short-term solution. But it won’t save grass that is dead or dying.
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