What Does Applying Lime to Your Lawn Really Do?

Applying lime to your lawn is your first defense against many pests, weeds and diseases. Why? Because lime evens out acidic soil. Georgia’s clay soil is particularly prone to low pH values, but after several years of adding lime, you may find the acidity levels itself out. The less acidic the soil, the less stress affecting your lawn.

Here are a few symptoms of low pH you can correct by adding lime:

Do you have dull or light-colored grass?

Soil with high acidity prevents your grass from absorbing nutrients from the ground. If you’re adding fertilizer to the soil to no avail, check your pH values. High acidity may be the culprit. In these situations, lime can help create the deep green look you’re after.

Does your grass struggle to grow?

Sparse grass can be a sign of a lack of nutrients, which is very frustrated for homeowners who are regularly applying a slow-acting fertilizer. Acidity levels can work against your best efforts, and in the process, you can spend a surprising amount of money just to wind up disappointed. Adding lime to your soil may help your grass grow faster and thicker. Not only just this lend itself to a lush lawn, but one that’s robust enough to fight off problems.

Does your grass have yellow or brown spots?

Lime can also cleanse the soil, remove toxicities and infuse the ground with essential nutrients. Consequently, this often clears up common grass and turf issues, leading to a healthier and better looking yard.

At the same time, too much lime can also be a dangerous thing. The grass can suffer from magnesium or aluminum toxicity. Soil that’s too acidic will inhibit your lawn’s ability to absorb nutrients, and one that’s too alkaline will prevent your grass from getting enough nitrogen, potassium and iron. This can lead to yellowing, wilting and bare patches if it isn’t resolved in time.

Finding the right pH balance can be difficult. To begin, you have to test the soil. The Georgia Extension Office can help you with the steps. A lawn’s pH values should be between 6 and 7 for most species. Bermuda, Zoysia and Centipede grass prefer slightly more acidic soil. However, there are a few techniques for adding lime—or sulfur, if a higher acidity is needed—to the soil.

Professional companies can source lime in different forms. The most popular consumer products come in pellets and can be spread by hand or a rotary spreader. And, it’s best to change application patterns if you’re applying more than one layer. Also, be sure to check your soil each year before adding any products, as pH can change over time.

Think Green Lawn Service Lime Application

So, do you want the kind of vigorous, thick lawn that\’ll turn your neighbors green this summer? If so, now is the time to start applying lime to your lawn. Call (678) 648-2556 to contact the lawn experts at Think Green. Take the right steps for applying lime to your lawn.