So you think you’re ready for spring. You’ve got your mower tuned up. You’ve raked away the thatch and the residue from winter. You are ready to wait for the green grass to grow. Not so fast, one mistake homeowners often make is to treat their spring lawn like a miracle waiting to happen. Where lawn soil test plays a very big role.

Clearing away the withered leaves winter left is the obvious first step. The other one you should not be forgetting is your lawn soil test. Your lawn care experts at All American Beauty Turf has a thing or two to share about how to test your soil ph.

What is soil ph?

Soil ph is the measure of acid or alkaline in soil. Generally, ph levels range from 0 to 14, with 7 as the neutral level. Ph ranges below 7 indicate acidic soil and those above 7 are alkaline. The ideal range for most plants to thrive is 5.5-7.0. The first step of knowing your soil is testing the soil ph.

This determines the success you’ll make in growing your grass. Knowing your soil ph also helps you determine what type of plants will thrive in your garden. Soil can be naturally acidic or alkaline. There may also be external factors that can change the ph level of your soil. Be aware of the ph value of your lawn soil before you grow your spring grass. This is when you should get a soil test kit. Your soil test kit may only have three readings of your soil’s ph level: acidic, alkaline, or neutral.

Why does soil ph matter?

The right ph level ensures healthy grass growth. Different plants thrive on different soil ph levels. Do not be too quick to blame pests or any other diseases for poorly growing grass. Chances are, the problem may be your soil ph. It is important to keep ph level within the normal range for most grass and plants to grow. When the ph level of your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, some nutrients in the soil do not efficiently get dissolved and absorbed. Soil ph is determined and affected by several factors like the amount of rain, the temperature, and the previous growth in the soil. Generally, more rainfall means more acidic soil. Dry climates, on the other hand, give you alkaline soil.

Lawn soil test

Getting your soil spring-ready means understanding what you have so you would know the right kind of amendments to apply. Although you can test your soil anytime throughout the year, the best time to test your soil is right about now. Spring. A common way to do this is through your county extension service or laboratory. Lawn tests are no better than the sample soil. Know how to accurately get a sample of your soil and send it to your local extension service.

They perform the test and circle back to you with the results. If you are doing your soil testing for the first time, this may be your best option. Extension services give you specific instructions on how to collect your soil. They also provide recommendations and action items depending on the results of your lawn soil test. Primarily, this is an essential start to have a precise evaluation of your soil before opting for DIY.

Another option for soil testing is to get a DIY soil test kit. This is preferable if you wish to perform several types of tests. This is also ideal for follow-up tests or routine tests as you maintain your lawn after the initial test from the lab. Soil test kits are available at garden supply stores, hardware stores, or Amazon.

The best lawn treatment starts with a sound diagnosis of what’s wrong with it. Start your lawn maintenance right and strong with lawn soil testing.

For more expert tips, contact All American Turf Beauty at 1-800-365-8873 or visit our website today.