If you get nervous when you hear the word “testing” and flashback to eighth-grade algebra class, don’t worry — this test isn’t for you. It’s for your soil.
Lawn soil testing can be an important part of your Idaho lawn care.
What is soil pH testing, exactly?
A soil pH test measures the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. An acid soil has a pH value below 7.0. Above pH 7.0, the soil is alkaline.
Why should you care?
A balanced lawn soil pH is key to a healthy, thriving lawn. You can use all the fertilizer you want, but if your lawn’s pH level is off, it won’t do any good. Your lawn won’t be able to absorb all those great nutrients.
Both lime and sulfur work to balance your lawn's pH level, a sort of soil pH correction. Once your lawn has the right pH, your soil can actually use the nutrients in your fertilizer and flourish.
It’s all pretty cool and can improve your lawn's health.
Keep reading to find out more, including:
This simple test measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in your lawn’s soil.
The results will let you know if your lawn needs lime or sulfur to bring its pH into balance.
Fertilizer is super important for your lawn’s health. It’s how it eats.
If your lawn’s pH level is off, your fertilizer will not be effective. Your lawn will not be able to absorb all those great nutrients.
Both lime and sulfur work to balance your lawn's pH level. Once your lawn has the right pH, your soil can actually use the nutrients in your fertilizer and thrive.
A simple soil pH test will tell you if your lawn’s soil needs a boost.
Soil pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. Extreme acidity is at the low end of the scale, extreme alkalinity is at the top end.
Soil at the midpoint, number 7, is neutral soil — neither acidic nor alkaline. Most lawns thrive at a pH range of between 6.0 and 7.0.
Important nutrients for grass are available in soil when the pH is balanced at that mid-level. The right pH unlocks your lawn’s ability to absorb those valuable nutrients.
That’s your goal: perfectly balanced soil.
How to get it?
If your lawn soil pH is too low, it’s time for lime, a soil amendment made from ground limestone rock, which contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
Lime restores balance in overly acidic soil.
If your grass isn’t growing well, even if you’re keeping up with your fertilizer, or if you see moss in your lawn, it might need lime.
Some lawns in Idaho Falls and Boise, ID already naturally have a higher pH level.
In that case, those lawns need added sulfur to balance the lawn pH. Otherwise, the higher pH will lock up the micronutrients like iron, and they won’t be as readily available to your lawn.
When you partner with lawn care and landscaping services in Boise and Idaho Falls, you’re paying for fertilizer so your grass can grow green and healthy.
Get a soil pH test to make sure it can do its job and that you’re getting your money’s worth.
But that’s just one small part of a comprehensive lawn care plan.
If you want simple, hassle-free lawn care in Idaho Falls or Boise, ID, with quality core lawn care services for a healthy, impressive lawn, it doesn’t get easier than Lawn Buddies.
No stressing about which complicated combination of lawn care services will get you beautiful, healthy grass.
You don’t have time to fuss with all that. Give yourself a break.
Welcome to one premium, six-visit lawn care program that includes everything your lawn needs to grow healthy and green.
Fertilizer, weed treatments and grub control, all wrapped up in six visits, each perfectly timed throughout the season, so your grass is green and strong and resists weeds.
We’ve got your back. Got a few minutes? That’s all you need to get started. Just fill out the form on this page, call us at (208) 656-9131 or read more about our services. Then, you can kick back and relax in your healthy, thriving yard.