In Your Turf: Healthy Lawns - Applying Lime

The model in the magazine appears perfect with her straight teeth, flawless complexion and trim figure. However, although she seems to be the epitome of health, the picture fails to mention her rising blood pressure and dangerous cholesterol levels. Clearly, what initially appears healthy may not be, and unless the model visits a physician, her internal balance will remain unchecked and eventually affect her appearance.

Soil also requires this frequent testing to determine its nutrient content and acid levels, which will eventually affect plant growth. “If you don’t have healthy soil, you’re going to be bucking the system the entire time,” said Richard Pete, president, Planet Green, Charlotte, Vt.

While the model can regulate her diet to regain a healthy balance, soil can benefit from lime to regulate pH levels. Although far from a miracle drug, lime’s ability to even out soil acidity positions it as a strong player in the contractor’s medicine cabinet. 

TAKE THE TEST. Before issuing a lime prescription,  contractors should conduct soil tests with pH meters to determine soil acidity, said Jim Campanella, president, Lawn Dawg, Nashua, N.H. “We take a pH test when we’re out doing the first treatment on a lawn,” he said. Generally, if pH levels fall below 6.0, the lawn requires an alkaline dose of lime, Pete added. Soil tests are traditionally conducted in the spring before the season starts, but can occur year-round, he said.

High-acidity soils cause problems for plants for a variety of reasons, Campanella noted. “If the soil pH is acidic, the lawn can’t access fertilizer properly, and microbial activity is reduced so the fertilizer is not breaking down properly,” he explained. “With lime, the lawn will have 100 percent access to fertilizer, but if it’s acidic, the plant can draw as little as 25 percent from the lawn.”

Also, balanced soil allows plants to reach elements such as iron and nitrogen, related Bob Ottley, president, One Step Lawn Care, North Chili, N.Y.

After determining the need for lime, contractors must sell the pH cure-all to customers. Ottley sends clients a copy of the soil test and a lime recommendation based on that test. “We send a scientific form with an explanation, and then we suggest a price for applying that much lime,” he said.

Campanella sends a postcard to clients with suggested prices, asking them to check “yes” for a certain number of applications, he said. “We try to avoid extra visits to the property and keep the price of this service down,” he noted, adding that he charges $50 for lime applications that can be done during a scheduled visit.

APPLICATION POINTERS. Most prescriptions require the patient to take the full amount, even after he or she feels better. Similarly, lime applications cannot be effective if the applicator “skimps” on the application, Campanella pointed out. “When you’re liming a lawn, the rates are very high – sometimes 15 to 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet,” he said. “It’s many trips back and forth to the truck in the middle of July, but the rates are important so you’re not cutting corners.”

Further, pay attention to plant types on the property when applying lime, Pete said. For example, contractors may need to apply more lime around acid-producing plant material, like pine trees and hockweed, Campanella stated. “We do a pH test in the middle of the front lawn, but the back might have more acid problems,” he said. “Pay attention and place heavier amounts of lime in areas where there would appear to be a more significant pH problem.”

In turn, frequent soil testing establishes predictable pH levels for properties, especially those of long-term clients. “During our first three years we did complete soil tests, and after 10,000 soil tests, we have a pretty good understanding of how much lime clients need in our area,” Campanella related. Ottley said his company always tests new clients’ soil, and re-tests existing clients’ soil every four years.

Just as daily vitamins boost a person’s metabolism and energy, lime applications help guarantee an internal balance. “Some nutrients are just not as readily available to a plant,” Pete stated. “But lowering pH makes them available.” – Kristin Mohn

The author is Assistant Editor – Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at kmohn@lawnandlandscape.com.