Signs that your Lawn Needs Lime:

What is lime?

Lime is a mineral that comes from ground up limestone rocks that are high in calcium and magnesium carbonates. It is commonly added to the soil to balance the pH and lower soil acidity. Grass prefers a neutral pH of 6.5-7.0 for optimal growth, anything too acidic can affect the health and look of your lawn. Overtime, it’s natural for the pH of your soil to change as minerals leach out and organic matter breaks down in your soil.

Signs you need lime on your lawn:

• Excessive Weed Growth: weeds tend to like acidic soil conditions and thrive when grass can’t compete as well.
• Moss Growth: like weeds, moss loves acidic soil. If you notice moss popping up in shaded areas, it’s a sign to check your soil’s pH.
• If Fertilizers Aren’t Helping Your Lawn: fertilizers are naturally acidic, if they aren’t promoting growth it may be a sign that the soil is too acidic for it to be effective.
• Yellowing Grass: acidic soil can affect nutrient uptake and cause grass to lose its color, resulting in less vibrant or yellow coloring.
• If you have Sandy or Clay Soil: these soil types are naturally more acidic. Sandy soil encourages runoff which will leach your soil and drain it of essential minerals. With these soil types, it’s best to apply lime every 2-3 years.
• Excessive Rainfall: rain can also leach your soil of nutrients, causing an imbalance in your soil pH.

How often do I need to apply lime to my lawn?

Every lawn is different, and things like weather conditions, organic matter, fertilizer use, and natural soil type can affect the frequency of applying lime. In the Midwest where sandy and clay soils are common, applying lime every 2-3 years is ideal. If you aren’t sure, regularly check the pH of your soil with pH test kits. Green Oasis offers regular soil testing free of charge to all of our customers! If you’d rather DIY, there are easy at home solutions available as well as inexpensive test kits that can be ordered online.