Your lawn requires proper soil acidity or alkalinity to grow its best. The degree of acidity or alkalinity of soil is measured as soil pH.
Most lawn grasses prefer a slightly acid soil between a pH of 5.5 and 6.5. An alkaline soil has a soil pH above 7.0, while a soil pH less than 5.0 is too acidic for healthy lawn growth. A soil test can help you determine your soil’s pH.
In most areas of the country the soil’s natural pH is determined by its makeup and the climate. For example, in the Mid-Atlantic soils are naturally more acidic than soils in the Midwest. In the West soils are naturally more alkaline. A soil pH outside the range preferred by lawn grasses reduces the grass plant’s ability to grow healthy roots and absorb nutrients essential to its color, health, and vigor.
Soil tests can determine if an application of Lime or Sulfur is needed to bring you soil back into balance. Soil amendments such as these help to change the pH of your soil. Lime reduces your soil’s acidity, while sulfur causes soil to be less alkaline.
