Application of Lime

Liming is one of the most important and cost effective applications for your lawn. When this step is overlooked, several problems can develop that include disease, excessive thatch, and weeds. The soil's pH can also influence the activity of beneficial microorganisms. Bacteria that decomposes the organic matter found in thatch layers are hindered in strong acid soils. This prevents organic matter from breaking down, resulting in an accumulation of organic matter and the tie up of nutrients, particularly nitrogen that is held within this organic matter. These problems compound over time and can take several applications and several seasons to resolve. It will not happen over night.

The following are the recommended applications of lime based on your lawn's pH level. There is also an explanation of the effects each key nutrient found in fertilizer has on your lawn from.

• 4-5 Two to three additional lime treatments recommended.
• 5-6 One to two additional lime treatments recommended.
• 6-7 No additional lime applications required.
• 8-10 Suggested applications of gypsum or sulfur.

Nitrogen provides: shoot growth, color, disease, and drought resistance.

Phosphorous provides: new growth and root growth

Potassium provides: resistance to heat, drought, heavy traffic areas, cold weather and disease.

The major causes of acidic soil conditions derive from acid rain and acid loving plants. If soil is too acidic, the plants (your turf) cannot receive the correct percentage of nutrients required for healthy plant growth. Turf grass grows best in neutral soil conditions that are between 6.5 and 7 (as depicted in the chart above). Notice from the chart how deprived your lawn can be from essential nutrients, even on a fertilization program. For example, a lawn that has a pH of less than 6 (acidic) is usually found to be deprived of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These pH levels of less than 6 also lead to the increased availability of aluminum and manganese in amounts that may be toxic to your lawn.

The level of acidity in the soil will determine the application rate and price of this application. A typical maintenance application is 25-lbs. per 1,000 square feet, and we recommend this be done every season. This maintenance application not only keeps your soil's pH level acceptable, but it provides key elements that are not found in fertilizers. For lawns with a pH of 4-6, an application of 50-lbs. per 1,000 square feet would be required, with possibly a second application in 5 to 6 months.

Our technicians will regularly monitor your lawn throughout the season before deciding whether it requires a second application. Because limestone takes time to break down in the soil, starting early with regular applications is most important.

Soil acidity is determined by a soil test, which can be performed onsite by our technicians at no charge during our initial consultation. All Island Landscape, in addition to onsite pH testing, can send soil samples to The University of Massachusetts for a more detailed breakdown of the soil's composition. We do this when a lawn does not respond to our five-step program and may need further attention. These laboratories provide not only the breakdown of the soil's composition, but they offer solutions as well. In extreme cases, All Island Landscape may schedule a professor from The University of Rhode Island to visit the site for further diagnosis.