You may remember pH levels from high school chemistry class. What it means is that an aqueous solution may be alkaline or acidic. Generally speaking, a number below 6 or 7 is considered to be acidic, and a number higher is considered to be alkaline. For example, lemon juice, which is considered to be very acidic, has a pH level of 2.2.

You may also be familiar with pH levels if you have a pool. It is important to test the pH levels – and adjust the acidity – in order for the water to be clean and safe to swim in. The same goes for lawn soil pH balancing. You need to test your lawn’s pH levels to make sure it’s in balance if you want to have a healthy, green lawn. If your lawn is too acidic, or too alkaline, it will not be healthy or lush or green, and it may not be getting the nutrients it should be getting. Learn why lawn pH levels matter how to test soil pH.

The Benefits of Balanced pH in Your Soil

Having the perfect pH level in your soil is important for plants, like your lawn, to be able to absorb nutrients they need to grow. Lawns with a low, or acidic, soil pH also tend to grow unwanted plants like weeds or moss.

When your lawn’s pH is just right, you’ll notice:

• Lush, green grass growth
• Improved disease- and pest-resistance
• Better water absorption and retention
• Enhanced nutrient uptake
• Increased fertilizer effectiveness

So if you want to have a beautiful lawn, you need to test the soil pH levels on a regular basis and adjust accordingly. The exact number for your soil’s pH level should, generally speaking, be around a range of 6.0 to 6.5 to 7.0, depending upon what type of turf you have for your lawn. A pH level below 6 is considered acidic, and a level above 7 is considered alkaline. The levels between 6 and 7 are considered neutral.

Lawns thrive in soil that is slightly acidic, so making sure your soil is in the right range is key to getting a beautiful lawn. Each grass type can survive in a different pH level. You can talk with your Lawn Doctor lawn care professional about what is the optimum soil pH level for your lawn.

Also, keep in mind, though, that you should have the type of grass that is ideal for your climate, and your area’s soil. If you do not, you will be fighting a losing battle when it comes to your soil’s pH level, and when it comes to having a lush, healthy lawn.

How to Raise pH in Soil

If your soil’s pH is too low (acidic), your grass may struggle to grow. Signs of low lawn pH include:

• Yellow or brown grass
• Moss and weeds
• Slow grass growth
• Increased susceptibility to diseases

To increase lawn pH and create a more alkaline environment, we recommend adding lime or wood ash to the soil or applying bone meal or oyster shells. Remember, raising soil pH should be a gradual process that may take several months.

How to Lower pH in Soil

On the flip side, if your soil is too alkaline (high pH), your grass may also face challenges. Alkaline lawn symptoms include:

• Pale or yellowing grass (chlorosis)
• Poor nutrient absorption, especially iron
• Stunted grass growth
• Increased susceptibility to certain pests

To lower pH in your lawn and create a more acidic environment, add sulfur to the soil by applying organic matter like compost or pine needles. Use aluminum sulfate for quicker results.

As with raising pH, lowering it is also a gradual process that requires patience.

Soil Testing Kits

While at-home soil testing kits are readily available, they come with downsides. These tests are often not as accurate as professional lab tests and may require multiple tests for consistency. Some limitations of DIY soil tests include:

• Potential for user error in sample collection or test interpretation
• Limited range of nutrients tested
• Inability to detect certain soil issues or imbalances

To save yourself time and hassle, we recommend collecting a soil sample and sending it to a professional lab for analysis. At Lawn Doctor, we can take care of this entire process for you, ensuring accurate results and tailored recommendations for your lawn’s specific needs.

Professional soil testing provides a comprehensive analysis of your lawn’s pH levels and nutrient content, allowing us to develop a customized treatment plan. This approach not only saves you time but also ensures any pH adjustments or fertilizer applications are precisely what your lawn needs to thrive.

Achieving the ideal lawn pH is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustments. With our expertise and professional soil pH balancing services, we can help you maintain the perfect pH levels for a lush, healthy lawn year-round.