APPLICATION OF LIME:

     Liming is one of the most important cost effective applications for your lawn. When this important step is overlooked several problems can develop such as, disease, excessive thatch, and weeds. The soil's pH can also influence the activity of beneficial microorganisms. Bacteria that decompose the organic matter found in thatch layer 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 over several seasons to resolve, it will not happen over night.

     The following are the recommended applications of lime based on your PH level; there is also an explanation of what each key nutrient found in fertilizer does for your lawn.

·        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 the soil is too acidic, the plants (your turf) can not receive the correct % 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.

     Depending on the level of acidity in the soil will depend on the application rate and price of this application. A typical maintenance application is 25 lbs per 1000 ft² and we recommend this be done every season. This maintenance application not only keeps your soil's PH level acceptable, but provides key elements that are not found in fertilizers.  For lawns with a PH of  4-6 an application of 50 lbs per 1000 ft² would be required with possibly a second application 5-6 months following. Our technicians will regularly monitor your lawn throughout the season and then make the decision of a second application. Because it takes time for the limestone to breakdown in the soil, it is most important to start early with regular applications.

     Soil acidity is determined by a soil test, which can be done on site by our technicians at no charge during our initial consultation. All Island Landscape, in addition to on-site PH testing, can send soil samples to The University of Massachusetts for further more detailed break down of the soil's composition. This is usually done when a lawn is not responding to our five step program and may need further attention. These laboratories provide not only the break down of the soil's composition, but 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.