There are several factors that can cause the formation of acidic soil conditions. One primary cause is the leaching of base nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium from the soil. This occurs more frequently in areas of heavy rainfall or on heavily-irrigated turfs. A second cause is the use of acidifying nitrogen fertilizers. Most of the fertilizers applied to lawns have the potential to cause acidic conditions. However, the extent to which fertilizer application will affect soil pH is dependent on a number of factors, including: type of nitrogen applied, amount applied, types of other nutrients present in the fertilizer, soil type, and irrigation frequency.

Does My Lawn Need Lime?

Nearly every homeowner is aware of the importance of applying lime to the home lawn. However, few probably have a complete understanding of why liming can be an important aspect of the home lawn care program, how to determine if liming is needed, and how one should go about applying lime to the lawn. The only way to determine whether or not liming is needed, and how much lime to apply, is through the results of a soil test.

Lime on the lawn will help neutralize the acidity of the lawn. If the lawn is acidic (a pH of below 7.0), lime can make it healthy and beautiful once again. If the lawn is not acidic, the lime is not only unnecessary, but it can hurt and kill the lawn. You will want to get the soil tested before applying lime.
The annual treatment of limestone each spring or fall helps to bring soil pH into the proper range of 6.2-7.0.

Veron Company will test your lawn and give immediate results. If the lawn is acidic and needs lime, the best time to lime is either in early spring or in the fall. Don’t wait until its too late, give us a call today!