In recent years, turf colorants have emerged as a popular choice for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of lawns, sports fields, and golf courses, particularly in warmer southern climates where outdoor activities continue year-round. These colorants provide an efficient and cost-effective way to keep turf looking green and vibrant, even during dormancy or drought conditions.

Common Applications and Uses

Turf colorants are widely used across the turf management industry. Kevin Lewis, a Technical Services Manager from Ewing Outdoor Supply explains, “The uses for turf colorants or turf paints span all sectors of the turf management industry. From a geographical perspective, they are used more often in warmer, southern climates as outdoor activity persists into the winter months.”

Their primary applications include:

• • Maintaining the appearance of dormant turf
  • Revitalizing damaged or thinned grass areas
  • Adding color to divot mixes on golf courses

Residential lawns, sports fields, and golf courses are the main users of these products, especially in regions where maintaining natural grass is challenging due to climate conditions. The ability to maintain a lush, green appearance without the need for overseeding makes turf colorants a popular choice for many.

What Are Turf Colorants and How Do They Work?

Turf colorants are acrylic-based paints designed specifically for use on grass. Unlike dye indicators or pigments used during the growing season, these colorants are intended to "paint" over dormant or stressed turf, giving it a natural green color.

“Turf colorants are in fact acrylic-based paints which do not harm dormant or actively growing turfgrasses,” said Lewis.

The paint adheres to the grass blades, providing a uniform appearance that can last for several weeks.

Benefits Over Traditional Grass Maintenance

One of the main advantages of using turf colorants is the cost savings compared to traditional methods like overseeding.

“The cost of overseeding and transitioning bermudagrass is quite high and can weaken the existing bermudagrass stand if performed improperly. Some may opt for turf colorants as a more budget-friendly option,” said Lewis. Turf colorants offer a budget-friendly alternative, allowing property owners to maintain the look of green grass without the additional costs and labor associated with overseeding and transitioning grasses.

Application Methods and Equipment

Turf colorants are typically applied as a spray solution, mixed with water, and applied using various equipment such as small self-contained sprayers, tank sprayers, or boom sprayers. Ensuring even coverage is key, which can be achieved by applying the colorant with higher volumes of water and using a perpendicular application pattern.

Environmental Impact and Safety Considerations

Concerns about the environmental impact of turf colorants are minimal, as these products are slowly broken down over time and considered low toxicity. They have little to no detrimental effects on the soil or surrounding environment. 

However, safety precautions should be observed during application to protect both the applicators and the public. Users should avoid direct contact with skin, use safety goggles, and wear chemical-resistant gloves. It is also important to avoid overspray onto unintended surfaces, as staining can occur.

Maintenance and Reapplication

After application, maintaining the appearance of the colored turf involves avoiding traffic on the area until the paint has dried to prevent rub-off or staining. Turf colorants can last up to 10 to 14 weeks under optimal conditions, but high-traffic areas may require more frequent reapplication. The frequency of reapplication will depend on the specific type of turf and its usage.

Tips for First-Time Users

For those considering turf colorants for the first time, it is advisable to start with a test area to determine the appropriate color intensity and application rate. Additionally, users should ensure that their spray equipment is compatible with the product, as some turf paints may require specific types of pump seals.

Turf colorants offer a practical and efficient solution for maintaining the green appearance of lawns and fields, providing both aesthetic and economic benefits. As more communities' face challenges related to water usage and drought, the demand for these products is likely to continue growing. For those interested in exploring turf colorants, Ewing Outdoor Supply can provide valuable resources and guidance.

Lean on Us for Turf & Ornamental Solutions

If you want to explore more about turf colorants, visit your local Ewing location or contact Ewing’s Turf Tech Team for more information at klewis@ewingos.com or call/text 480-669-8791. We’re happy to help.