Saskatchewan business paints lawns green to save water

It's a dry year across Saskatchewan. With very little recent rain, many cities are asking citizens to be prudent when watering their lawns.

A Saskatoon-area man has come up with an innovative way to do that. His business, Lawn Boyz, will come and paint your lawn for $250.

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"A few people have been surprised because it hasn't really been thought of," said owner Travis Dyck. "It's really new to Canada and I think it should be done a lot more than we've been doing. We should be trying to conserve our water."

The practice of painting lawns has become popular in drier parts of the U.S. like California. Dyck said the paint is an environmentally-friendly water based paint that lasts for about 12 weeks.

He said his system makes a lot of sense.

"Definitely turning off your water, preserving our precious water and curb appeal," said Dyck. "It's a lot more time to enjoy your lawn than mowing it and taking care of your lawn."

Dyck is just getting the business started, but said his schedule is already filling up.

"With the dry season right now, we just don't have the option to water on a regular basis," said business owner Jenn Martin. "This is the alternative for us, and it turned out great."

Dyck said the paint generally needs to be touched up every twelve weeks. He said the paint slows down the growing process, and doesn't need to be mowed as much.

If the idea really takes off, he's even considering more artistic measures.

"A lot of cities are taking it to Canada Day," he said. "I'm thinking maybe Saskatchewan Roughriders sign could go on the front lawn in the future."