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Why Is Grass Green?
Of all the colors in the spectrum, plant life, particularly grass, tends to take on one color above all others, but why is that? If Kermit the Frog finds being green so difficult, what makes grass grow so green? And how do you get your neighbors green with envy over your lawn’s color?
Proper lawn care can make your grass greener, particularly if you keep up lawn maintenance with the help of experts and steady attention.
To understand the answer to why grass is green, though, you must start with some basics of earth science and botany.
What Is Photosynthesis?
All life must eat and breathe to survive. People do it by eating plants or eating animals that feed on plants. Plants also supply our world with new oxygen, helping the survival of other species. Plants are necessary for our survival. Most life depends upon photosynthesis.
But what does that have to do with plants being green?
Photosynthesis is a process by which plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to feed themselves and get energy to grow. In the process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and water from the air and soil. The plants break down the water into oxygen, and the carbon dioxide is reduced, turning it into sugars. Then the plants release the oxygen into the air and saves the sugars, which get ingested by plant-eating animals.
Plant cells are made up of organelles called chloroplasts, which store the energy from sunlight. Chloroplasts contain a specific green pigment called chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll has the power to absorb the light in its red and blue waves, and it reflects green-light waves, which makes the plants appear green. Its color serves a very specific purpose, absorbing the sunlight and gaining that energy.
Why Are Some Lawns Greener Than Others?
Seeing various shades of green on your lawn can lead some homeowners to plan their lawn maintenance differently. What are the factors that affect your lawn’s color?
Your lawn color can be affected by weather, water, soil, and the type of grasses you have.
Weather and watering can affect your lawn color because, if your lawn isn’t getting enough water or if conditions are too hot and dry, it will begin to wilt, turning lighter at first until it browns and dies. So controlled, even watering will help you maintain a consistent shade of green.
To keep a uniform color on your lawn, you should be mindful of what species of grass you are using and utilize the same one consistently.
A chemical issue within your soil can also affect the color of grass by determining what chemicals the plants are ingesting. A lawn care expert can test to determine the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) levels in your soil. If your grass lacks proper nitrogen, it will be lighter in appearance. A soil test will determine what you need, and the right fertilization will be able to feed your lawn well.
Other Factors Affecting Lawn Color
Lawn pests and fungal diseases can also affect the greenness of your lawn. If you have fungi in your lawn, it can make your grass appear darker. Fungi can come from organic matter under your lawn, such as rotting wood. Fungi on your lawn can also limit the amount of water your grasses get. This is why disease control is such an important aspect of lawn care; if left untreated, it will kill sections of your grass.
LawnCare.net can help you find experts in your area who will know the specific services you need in order to make your lawn appear vibrant and uniform. Contact us today to set an appointment with a local service provider who can get you started with a personalized lawn care plan.