Check your soil pH and nutrient needs!
Why do you need a soil test?
If your lawn is not growing properly, is off color, or shows signs of moss it is recommended that you get a soil test. Since many areas, including ours, have restricted the use of nutrients like phosphorus without a soil test, it is necessary to get a soil test every 2-3 years. These soil tests will determine if nutrient adjustments need to be made to your fertilizer program. The soil test will also tell us the pH of the soil.
How is a soil sample taken?
Multiple soil samples will be taken from various points on your lawn. Soil samples are taken with a soil probe designed to extract a 3-4 inch deep and 1/2 thick soil sample. These multiple small samples are then combined and shipped to a certified soil testing lab The results we get back will give us on overall picture of what your lawn needs. Separate soil samples will be submitted for different parts of your lawn, i.e. front lawn and back lawn, if it appears that the grass is growing differently or conditions such as shade and sun vary greatly from one area to the next.
What does a soil test tell us?
A soil test is the process of determining how available nutrients are for your lawn (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are removed from the soil and measured for their “plant available” content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer that is recommended. A soil test also measures soil pH. These analyses indicate whether lime is needed and, if so, how much to apply.
What are the benefits of a soil test?
- Determine soil pH
- Determine the amount and frequency of lime applications
- Determine nutrient needs to adjust fertilizer programs
