The Benefits of Adding Lime to Your Lawn and When to Apply It…

When lawns are weedy, patchy in spots or turn yellow, it may be a sign that the pH balance of your yard is out of whack. One of the primary methods of correcting the problem is to add lime to your lawn to restore depleted nutrients and repair the damage. Liming a neglected lawn can eventually return your grass to a lush green oasis, although the positive effects may not happen overnight.

Raising the PH level

If your soil is below the ideal pH zone and has turned sour, the calcium carbonate in lime can help neutralize your soil’s acidity. Lime is commonly sold as ground agricultural limestone. It is considered a natural soil amendment rather than a fertilizer and furnishes important plant nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. Lime also reduces soil toxicity while promoting the regulation of nutrients such as zinc, copper, and especially phosphorous. Do not over apply lime to your soil as this will cause big issues with any crops including grass. Attaining a soil pH reading of 7.0 (neutral) is ideal.A well-kept, green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, and it can also be a source of stress when things start to get patchy. One popular secret to lush, green, healthy grass is lime!

Lime Adds Necessary Nutrients

Lime can also cleanse the soil, removing toxicities and infusing the ground with essential nutrients. This often clears up common grass and turf issues, leading to a healthier and better looking yard. Made of limestone or chalk, lime’s main component is calcium carbonate. It adds calcium and magnesium to the soil. The nutrients are important to preserve a lawn’s color and lushness, and they mitigate damage caused by drought, heat, or high traffic.

Lime Nourishes Essential Bacteria

Lime has the ability to nourish beneficial bacteria in soil, especially when the lime is used in combination with compost. Lime can be applied throughout the year but tends to be most effective in the fall since rain and cold temperatures help work lime into the soil. Lime shouldn’t be applied to grass and yards that are wilted or covered in frost. Since it can take two years for lime to move 2 inches into your soil, avoid over liming by applying lime only every three to five years.

Testing Your Soil

If you have a healthy, vibrantly green lawn, chances are it doesn’t require lime. If your lawn, on the other hand, isn’t as lush as you’d like, testing your soil is the first step before heading to the store for lime. You can pick up a testing kit at their local nursery or garden-supply store. Or call our professionals for assistance in testing your soil’s pH levels.

We can test you soil and make sure the right levels of everything are present. We help our residential and commercial clients with their lawns and landscaping all year ’round! 

 

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