Is Grass Paint Bad for Your Lawn?

Green grass next to dead grass

If you want an instant color fix, grass paint is the perfect solution. But homeowners with yellow or brown lawn spots may wonder if grass paint is bad for the lawn. There is no need to worry. Lawn paint is safe for grass and is an excellent option for homeowners who want a temporary aesthetic fix for lawn discoloration. It won’t hurt you, your grass, your pets, or the environment.

What is grass paint?

Grass paint is a non-toxic pigment that sticks to grass but won’t block the sun’s rays. It’s made from biodegradable materials such as pulverized kaolin (soft stone) or decaying plants. The non-toxic spray paint is safe for children, pets, and lawns. Once you learn how to apply grass paint, the process is easy, fun, and relaxing. 

Is grass paint safe?

Painting your lawn is completely safe for the following reasons:

  • Eco-friendly: Grass paints don’t typically contain harmful chemicals and are made with natural, biodegradable ingredients. 
  • Sunlight penetrable: Sunshine gets to the grass blades through the paint.
  • Non-toxic: It’s also safe for pets and children. Just let the paint dry before you let them play on the lawn. 
  • Grass roots: Grass paint doesn’t impact the grass’s roots.
  • Density: It doesn’t thin the grass.
  • Natural green-up: Lawn pigment won’t slow down natural greening.

What causes brown grass?

dead grass and yellow spots
Photo Credit: Pixnio

Brown spots in lawns are typically caused by one of the following:

  • Improper fertilizing: Before fertilizing your lawn, conduct a soil test to see what the grass needs, then choose the best lawn fertilizer for your soil and grass type. Avoid overfertilizing the lawn, as it can cause nitrogen burn, which turns the grass brown. 
  • Soil compaction: Aerating and dethatching the lawn prevents soil compaction, which can starve the grass of nutrients and water, eventually causing it to turn yellow or brown. 
  • Dog urine: Grass can fade in color or even die from dog urine.

Will grass paint fix my lawn?

Although grass paint is a great short-term fix for lawn discoloration, it won’t fix the underlying issues. It’s essential to diagnose and treat the cause of the discoloration. Lawn treatments and lawn care will cure the condition, while lawn paint masks it. Failure to treat the problem can lead to dead grass.

How to choose the best grass paint

We researched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart to find the best lawn paints. When selecting paint for your lawn, please consider the following:

  • Quantity: Make sure you have enough to finish the job. Deeper greens require higher paint concentration. 
  • Equipment: Most lawn paint requires a pump sprayer, but some companies sell ready-to-use pigment in a spray bottle.
  • Color: Grass color varies by type of grass, and many companies sell shades for different grass types.

Our favorite paints include Colorback Liquid Grass Colorant and Endurant Green Grass Paint.

FAQ about grass paint

1. How do I avoid getting turf colorant on mulch?

You can use a cardboard screen or splash guard to prevent paint from getting on mulch, borders, and other areas you don’t wish to paint green.

2. What are the best weather conditions for painting the lawn?

It’s best to paint the lawn on a sunny day without strong wind or rain. You shouldn’t apply lawn paint to wet grass, and it takes up to 24 hours to dry completely. 

3. Is grass paint expensive?

Most grass paints cost $10 to $90 for 100 to 5,000 square feet of coverage.

4. Will grass paint stain the driveway?

Grass paint can stain driveways, fences, and hardscape features. You can use masking tape and plastic sheeting to protect these areas. 

5. Is grass paint safe for golf courses?

Yes, grass paint is safe for golf courses. In fact, many golf courses use grass paint to improve the grass’s appearance. 

When to call a lawn care pro

Consider calling a lawn care pro if your grass turns brown or yellow. A pro can adequately diagnose and treat the problem behind the discoloration so your grass doesn’t die. Landscapers also do all the routine lawn maintenance needed for a lush green lawn. So contact a local lawn care pro today and get a free quote on regular services.

Main Photo Credit: pornpra | Canva Pro | License

Michelle Selzer

Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.