Why is My Grass Different Shades of Green?

Take a look outside your lawn and observe. Do you notice anything odd or different about it?

If you notice there are parts of your lawn that are a different shade of green, you are not alone in this dilemma.

No matter how you tend to your lawn, there will be a higher chance that they will grow differently. We’ll discuss more on this in this article. But first, let’s answer your question: why is my grass different shades of green?

There are 3 different factors that can cause your grass to be different shades of green, the first factor is based on your grass species, second is the type of fertilizer used, and the third reason would be based on the weather. 

According to a study, from an experiment, they planted four different species of grass together. They applied different soil conditioners or fertilizers with different NPK ratio and observed how green they are during each season.

While the grass specie and the weather affected the grass color in a very minimal way, they found out that the different shades of green on the grass were because of the different NPK ratio’s they received from different fertilizers.

NPK = Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium

Your garden soil is composed of key elements that nourish the growth of your grass. Mainly, it has nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is the element responsible for a plant’s chlorophyll or its green color.

However, you can add and boost this by adding fertilizers containing these elements. You can supplement these nutrients by doing a soil test to know which among the three vital elements does your soil lack, and then look for a fertilizer with the proper NPK ratio to compliment this.

So, if given that your lawn has the same grass species and that they were all planted in the same season, the different shades of green on your grass may be a result of excess nitrogen or a nitrogen deficiency.

Light Green Grass Patches in Lawn

If you spotlight light green patches in your lawn, it may be because it lacks nitrogen.

As mentioned earlier, it is the element that is largely responsible for a plant’s green color. The lack of nitrogen can cause the grass to grow into a lighter shade or even to yellow.

Let’s say you applied the same nitrogen-rich fertilizer all over your yard, but there’s this particular spot that the grass is lighter. The cause might be the uneven application of fertilizer. You may have missed this patch or that only a small amount of fertilizer reached that part.

Another reason for this light green grass patch is the lack of water.

Most light lawns that have light green patches are experiencing moisture stress. It is because they are receiving inadequate water supply from rainfall, irrigation, or sprinkler system.

Patches under the shade of a tree may not receive as much rainfall. It could also be because your irrigation may not pass off much water in an area; thus, not receiving an equal amount of water. You can also check the area that your sprinklers cover. Maybe the light green patches are parts that your sprinkler is unable to reach.

What to do about light green grass?

To amend the light green grass patches, you can apply more nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the concerned area. Make sure to not over-fertilize, too, since too much of it can burn the grass. It will either turn brown or, worse, die.

Dark Green Patches in Lawn

Compared to light green patches, having dark green spots can be considered a healthy lawn. After all, when your grass gets enough nutrients, especially nitrogen, it grows lush and green.

However, not all dark green patches are signs of a healthy lawn. There are other possible reasons why they grow in that shade.

One of the main concerns for dark green patches is the existence of fungi, specifically fairy rings.

Fairy rings feed on any buried organic matter – a rotten wood, perhaps – that’s under your yard soil for a while that you might not have noticed. They also thrive on thatches or grass clippings, and they occur mostly during the dry season.

These fungi are dangerous for your lawn because they disturb the water flow on your turf to the grass’s roots. Thus, your grass will eventually turn dry and die.

Early detection is vital in fighting off fairy rings. Once you spot them in your yard, you can apply fungicide like Brandt Consan 20, which contains Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride that’s great in getting rid of fairy rings in your lawn.

Once you get rid of it, make sure to aerate and water the area regularly until it grows back to its natural green color. And when you mow your lawn, make sure not to leave the clippings behind.

How to Get Deep Dark Green Grass?

It is not enough to aim for just a deep dark green color in your grass. It is best to aim for a healthy one, too.

To grow a healthy and green lawn, you must first have your soil tested before you plant your chosen grass specie to make sure what nutrients is already there. This is also to make sure that there are no other harmful chemicals or materials buried under it.

Once you have your soil tested, then you can go on and choose grass seeds that do not only grow to be naturally dark green but also the ones that thrive best in your zone.

The health of your entire yard depends on four things: aerating, watering, fertilizing, and mowing. All these done regularly, and the right way can do wonders for your lawn.

Aerating or raking your yard can help remove any debris that any fungi or pests might feast upon. So, make sure you rake out any lawn clippings and other decaying organic matter.

Also, check your irrigation and water systems to ensure proper and even water flow.

Make sure also to give your grass the proper supplement to avoid nutrient deficiency that would result in light green patches on your lawn. Choose the right NPK ratio and distribute it evenly on your entire yard. You can use Ironite Mineral Supplement for your grass to grow greener and more vibrant.

Lastly, mow your grass regularly and up to the proper height. Make sure that your lawn mower’s oil tank does not leak, and that it has sharp blades to avoid damaging the grass in your yard.

Dark Green vs. Light Green Grass

Whether you have dark green or light green grass patches in your lawn, you’re never too sure if your yard is entirely healthy.

The reason why your grass is dark green or light green grass is that they are both a different species, this is why grass can be slightly different shades of green.

We mentioned the things that could go wrong with your lawn, causing it to have light green patches, but did you know that some grass species are light green by nature?

Standard lawn grasses like the centipede grass are naturally pale green. If you happen to plant these on your lawn, then the pale or light green shade comes naturally.

On the other hand, dark green grass patches also don’t mean it is healthy. While a green lawn is a good sign of grass health, sometimes, it could be a sign of pests or disease.

As mentioned above, some dark green patches in your lawn are because of fairy rings, a type of fungi that is harmful to your garden.

A healthy lawn always depends on how you take care of it. It needs constant attention so you would know when to fertilizer, fix or amend any damages, and check for pests and diseases. As long as you keep an eye on its growth, you can monitor its health and make sure it grows lush and green just like you want it.