Do you love having a lush green lawn where you can sit in the morning as you enjoy your breakfast? Everyone does, but what’s the secret behind that attractive green color? What chemical makes grass green? Well, this article explains the science behind this color. So, let’s dive in.

The chemical that makes grass green is chlorophyll, which enables the plant to convert solar energy into food, through a process called photosynthesis.

This pigment is produced by chloroplast cells as grass grows. This chemical absorbs light in red and blue wavelengths and reflects green light to our eyes. The chloroplast cells that hold and produce chlorophyll molecules only function when the right amount of light is present. When the turf is in darkness, the lawn turns white and dies due to a lack of chlorophyll production.

What Chemical Makes Grass Greener?

Grass appears green due to chlorophyll, which absorbs blue and red lights while reflecting green to our eyes. Therefore, without this pigment, you cannot achieve greener grass.

The cells that produce chlorophyll are called chloroplasts, and they only work in the presence of light. So, when there is sunlight, the turf absorbs light energy making the chlorophyll go into a high-energy state. As a result, chemical energy is produced, which helps in the plant metabolism process.

Therefore, turf can’t capture light without chlorophyll molecules, and photosynthesis would not occur. So, the right amount of sunlight is required for greener grass, which helps in chlorophyll production.

Apart from sunlight, nitrogen is also vital for the production of chlorophyll. Therefore, add a slow-release granular fertilizer to your plants for healthy green gras. Remember to water the turf deeply and regularly to maintain that green color.

Related: How to Make Grass Thicker and Fuller

What Is the Best Fertilizer to Make Grass Green?

The number one fertilizer to make grass green fast is Milorganite, which is NPK 6-4-0. This means it has large quantities of nitrogen, among the three macronutrients that promote the growth of healthy, greener turf growth. The other two nutrients are phosphorous and potassium.

Nitrogen pushes the plant to produce chlorophyll molecules and boosts photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process through which plants make their food, which helps them have stronger roots. These roots help support the grasses’ top growth, making the lawn thicker and greener.

This fertilizer’s nitrogen is slow-release and cannot burn or shock your lawn. Additionally, your grass will keep feeding longer since the fertilizer does not flush immediately.

So, if you use other fertilizers with little or more nitrogen, you’ll damage the grass. Note; with little nitrogen, chloroplasts will not produce chlorophyll. On the other hand, too much nitrogen will shock and burn the lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does lime make grass greener?

A: When you add lime to the soil, the pH rises and becomes less acidic. Therefore, lime makes the grass green quickly, especially in places with low pH. However, before liming your yard, test the pH first to check if it’s below 6.2.

Q: What makes grass green naturally?

A: To naturally have greener grass, you must water the lawn deeply and regularly. Lawn professionals recommend at least 1 ½ inches of water once or twice weekly to achieve green grass.

Q: What is the best chemical for grass growth?

A: Nitrogen plays a huge role in making your grass healthy, fuller, and thicker. For this reason, you need to apply a fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen.

Final Thoughts

Homeowners take pride in having a lush green lawn. However, achieving it is easy if you know what chemical makes grass green.

The chemical that makes grass greener is chlorophyll, a pigment produced by chloroplast cells as grass grows. This substance absorbs red and blue light and reflects green light to our eyes.

For better chlorophyll production, sunlight, nitrogen, and moisture are needed. Without enough light, the grass will turn white and die. But now you know how to make grass green fast.