Don’t know how to tell if your lawn needs lime? If your grass is turning yellow or you notice patchy growth, your lawn may be screaming for you to give it some lime.
Additionally, your lawn may need lime if it responds poorly to fertilization, if you notice excessive thatch and weeds, or if you have sandy or clay soil.
Signs your lawn needs lime
Most grasses thrive when the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil’s pH level drops below this range and becomes too acidic, you can apply lime to adjust it.
Otherwise, leaving it as is can prevent your grass from absorbing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When this happens, it can lead to weak root development and poor grass growth.
According to Dr. J. Scott Ebdon, professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture, there’s limited root growth and activity when the soil pH is below 5.5 or above 7.5.
So, it’s crucial to understand the signs indicating your lawn’s soil might be too acidic and in need of lime to balance its pH level. You might have to apply lime if you see the following tell-tale signs:
1. Yellowing grass
Your grass will struggle to absorb nutrients if the soil is too acidic. As a result, your lawn may lose its vibrant green color and its health will deteriorate.
So, if your grass is still turning yellow despite proper watering and fertilizing, it may be a sign your lawn needs lime.
2. Invasion of certain weeds
Are weeds taking over your lawn? Hold off on calling a weed control expert. First, examine whether the weeds invading your lawn are those that thrive in acidic soil.
Certain types of weeds like dandelion, plantain, and moss grow in acidic soil. So, if you see these weeds sprouting across your lawn despite regular weed control efforts, you might need to add lime to balance your soil’s pH level.
3. Patchy or slow growth
Do you see uneven growth or bare spots in your lawn? It could be a sign of acidic soil, especially if you haven’t been neglecting your lawn.
With a low soil pH (below 6.0), your grassroots won’t be able to develop properly. If this happens, your grass also will struggle to grow and create bare patches all over your lawn.
4. Excessive thatch
Microbial activity helps break down organic matter in the soil. However, too much acidity in the soil slows down microbial activity and allows thatch to accumulate faster than it can break down. As a result, dead grass and roots will build up on the soil surface.
Lime can help neutralize acidic soil to encourage healthy microbial activity and prevent excessive thatch buildup.
5. Poor response to fertilizer
Your soil may be to blame if you get poor results after applying fertilizer, even when you’ve applied the right amount and type of fertilizer. Since the grass won’t be able to absorb nutrients in soils with low pH, fertilizers will be less effective.
To avoid this issue, you must ensure your soil’s pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0 before adding fertilizer. If the soil is too acidic, raise its pH level using lime. Once you’ve balanced your soil’s pH, you can apply the fertilizer after a week or two.
6. Soil test results indicate low pH
While all of the above can help you determine whether your lawn needs lime, a soil test is still the most accurate way. If your soil test results indicate a soil pH below 6.0, you’ll need lime to help neutralize it.
Pro tip: Even if one, or all, of the other signs are present in your situation, you must still do a soil test. This way, you can ensure your lawn really needs lime and determine how much of the soil amendment to add. Since they are also indicators of other lawn issues, you need to eliminate other sources of the problem as well.
FAQ about adding lime to lawns
When should I lime my lawn?
Fall is the best time to add lime to your lawn. The cooler weather and freeze-thaw cycle will help the lime to break down faster and penetrate the soil more effectively. But if you missed this window, applying lime in early spring will still give it time to adjust the soil’s pH before the active growing season.
Should I also apply lime if my soil is too alkaline?
No, you only apply lime for acidic soil. If your soil’s pH is above 7.5 or too alkaline, you may need to add elemental sulfur instead. Applying sulfur can help lower the pH level of your soil to more neutral.
Can I add lime to my lawn in the summer?
No, it’s not advisable to add lime during summer. In hot, dry conditions, the soil won’t be able to absorb the lime properly. But if you really must apply lime to extremely acidic soil in the summer, do it on a cool, overcast day. Also, water it lightly immediately afterward.
Get help from a pro
Once you’ve determined your lawn needs lime, you’ll want to add it immediately. Remember to use the right lime and apply it properly. Otherwise, you might just worsen the issue. To avoid making things worse, call a lawn care pro who can help you with liming and taking care of your lawn.
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