Is your yard not looking as lively as it should? Maybe it’s time for a lime treatment. Lime application is just one of the many lawn maintenance services provided by Bug Out Pest Control. This important step to a beautiful yard is often overlooked because most people don’t know about it.
Professional Lime Application is What Your Yard Needs
What is a Yard Lime Application?
When we talk about applying lime to your yard, we aren’t talking about the green fruit. Lime is a soil amendment made from group limestone rock. Limestone contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, which both work to increase the pH level of your soil and make it more alkaline and less acidic. While fertilizer also contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, lime application is not a substitute for a good yard fertilization. If you’re interested in having your yard professional fertilized, you can read more about our fertilization service here.
Benefits of Liming Your Yard
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what lime application is, let’s talk about about the benefits. Since liming doesn’t replace fertilizing, you may be wondering why it’s a necessary step for a beautiful yard.
The calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate in limestone increase the alkalinity of your lawn by modifying the soil pH. Big deal, right? Actually, it is! When your lawn becomes more alkaline, it is better able to absorb the nutrients from fertilizer and nature. When soil is too acidic, certain nutrients necessary for proper plant growth become unavailable to the plant. Restoring a properly balanced soil pH that is tailored to your lawn grass variety is key to a lawn your neighbors will be envious of.
Another benefit to having a lawn with a balanced pH level is that you’re less likely to grow unsightly weeds like lawn moss, and less likely to attract diseases and unwanted pests.
Soil pH FAQ
What pH level should my soil be at?
Ideal soil pH depends on the type of grass growing in your lawn. Most types of grass prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Soil with a pH level below 5.5 or above 7.5 will make growing grass difficult and the grass won’t be able to properly absorb nutrients from fertilizer. Some types of lawn grass have adapted to more extreme conditions, so it’s best to trust a knowledgeable expert like the lawn specialists at Bug Out to decide the proper pH level.
Why does soil pH change?
Soil pH levels can be affected by things like heavy rainfall, fertilizer, and other organic matter growing in your yard. Heavy rainfall is the largest contributing factor to unbalanced soil pH. As it rains, the calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate in your yard is leached. Without these important minerals, the soil becomes more acidic; and thus more hostile for your lawn grass to grow in.
When is the best time to lime your yard?
Many homeowners have a lime application performed between fall and early spring before spring storms and summer sun begin. Though you can give us a call to perform a lime application any time, fall is actually the optimal time. When you lime your yard in fall before the first frost, the calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate then have all winter to absorb the nutrients. When spring rolls around, your soil will be in top shape to produce a beautiful lawn.
Do I need a professional to lime my yard?
While lime application is something experienced gardeners can do themselves, it’s best to leave this treatment to the professionals. Bug Out Pest Control’s lawn specialists will conduct a soil pH test to get an accurate read on your soil’s condition and then make choices best matched to that pH. DIYers can accidentally over or under apply the lime, which will give unwanted results and could even worsen the condition of your lawn. Save yourself the time and hassle and give Bug Out Pest Control a call today at (573) 928-3704 , and be on your way to a better lawn!