Gene Caballero, Co-founder of Greenpal | GreenPal
The decision to use turf colorants on lawns is a consideration for some homeowners facing brown grass. Painting the lawn can be a quick solution for those who need an immediate aesthetic fix, such as for special events or competitive neighbors.
Several scenarios highlight when painting might be appropriate:
1. **Brown Patches in Lawn**: These are often caused by diseases, pests, fungus, or other factors. It is advised to identify and treat the root cause before considering paint as a temporary cover-up.
2. **Entire Lawn Brown in Summer**: Heat can lead to dormancy if the grass is cut too short. In such cases, painting may be an option after trying to maintain longer cuts and proper watering.
3. **Entire Lawn Brown in Winter**: Some grass varieties naturally go dormant in colder months. Aeration and overseeding with winter rye are preferred over painting, although turf colorant can still be used safely.
4. **Children and Pets Present**: Lawn paints are generally safe once dry for children and pets, offering peace of mind for households with little ones or animals.
While painting provides an immediate green appearance, experts recommend aeration and overseeding as more sustainable long-term solutions to maintain healthy lawns through seasonal changes.