Step 3: Adjusting Soil pH

Identify Soil Structure

As you map your yard, pay attention to the texture of your soil. It will tell you if it needs amendments to make it more “plant friendly”. Does it contain lots of organic matter (dark and moist), have a dense clay texture or a porous sandy composition? It is important to know how easily water, roots and air will penetrate.

A clay soil can become compacted and may have too little pore space. Sandy soils can be too porous, allowing for poor nutrient retention and too quick drainage. Your Southern States lawn expert can help you decide if you need to add compost, humus or top soil to improve these different soil types.

Selecting and Adding Soil Amendments

Now you’re ready to improve the growing condition of the soil. Based on the results of your soil test, your Southern States lawn expert can explain:

• The best way to correct your soil’s pH
  
• Which fertilizer will give you the best results
  
• When and how to apply the treatments
  
• Which tools to use for even distribution
  
• How to prepare the existing soil to receive the treatments (you may need to break-up compacted soil, add additional top soil or enrich the texture with compost or organic humus)
  
• Anything you don’t understand about lawn care, just ask us – we can help

Adjusting Soil pH

To get the most from your fertilizer applications, your soil pH needs to have about a 6.5 value. It is best to have the pH analyzed with a soil test each year or anytime you notice a decline in the look of your lawn.

Liming can be done in spring or fall, but is not recommended during the hot summer months. To raise the pH of your soil, add lime (see chart below).

Soil Conditioners
Pelleted Lime Helps adjust soil pH for optimum grass growth Dissolves easily Applies easily Clean and dustless Non-burning #102-37218
Pulverized Lime Non-burning Dissolves naturally Enhances fertilizer effectiveness Supplies calcium and magnesium #102-00315
Fast Acting Lime 30 pounds covers 5,000 square feet per application 1 application per year for maintaining pH, 2 applications per year for correcting pH Starts working immediately Causes pH to change, putting dormant fertilizer and nutrients to work Applies easily with any lawn spreader #102-06723
Pelleted Gypsum Aerates, ventilates and softens hard clay Helps air, water and fertilizer reach grass roots Improves soil moisture retention #102-37301

• Additional Fertilizer Information
• 2008 Grow Like A Pro Program Brochure

On to Step 4: Choose the right grass seed