Using Lime On Your Lawn? Does It Really Work?
Many homeowners wish they could swap their spotty lawns with the ones in the movies or TV shows. These common fantasies about having lush green backyards are consistent for homeowners all over the country. Unfortunately, growing a lawn that is the envy of your neighborhood requires ongoing work. In New Jersey, some have found success with fertilizing, mowing, aeration, and even using lime! But does this really work?
What is Lime?
Lime is an additive made from limestone rocks that is applied to your grass to increase the soil’s pH levels. An increase in pH levels reduces the acidity in the dirt and helps to improve the overall nutrient levels. Higher nutrient levels are beneficial to the grass, plants, and trees to help them grow.
The Benefits of Lime
Lime is beneficial for lawns that have a low pH level. Performing a soil test is the best way to determine how using lime on your lawn could be beneficial. Look out for the following warning signs in your yard:
- Presence of lawn moss and other weeds.
Moss and weeds thrive in acidic soil and are quick to take over a yard if the pH balance is off. Because of the weeds, your grass is unable to absorb the nutrients it needs, resulting in dead grass if the low pH isn’t corrected. - Increase in lawn disease.
When grass doesn’t get the nutrients it requires to maintain health; it is more susceptible to lawn disease and fungus. Both of these create brown or yellow patches in the grass, depending on the type. - Increase in lawn pests.
Another unwelcome sign that you need lime is an increase in insects in your backyard. While most lawns benefit from pest control, if the soil is acidic, pests will continue to be attracted to it. - Fertilizer isn’t helping the grass grow.
Homeowners apply fertilizer to a yard to help the grass gain the necessary nutrients it needs to grow and flourish. Investing in fertilizer with no results can be frustrating and a waste of money. If the soil pH is too low, your fertilizer will be useless for lawn growth.
If you see any of these signs, there is a good chance you have highly acidic soil, and lime could potentially help balance it.
Best time to Apply Lime
Lime should be added to a lawn in the spring or fall. The rain that comes with the spring season helps break the lime down, absorbing into the ground faster than during dry seasons like summer.
If you have questions about using lime on your lawn, contact our team of lawn care professionals today. Perennial Lawn Care helps New Jersey homeowners with their lawn, tree, and pest control needs!
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