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What Effects Does Lime Have on Grass?

Liming grass is a common cultural practice that raises the soil's pH. Gardeners should not apply lime to their soil without first conducting a soil pH test, because you run the risk of making the soil too alkaline for grass growth. Furthermore, soil that is left too acidic prevents grass from absorbing essential nutrients.

  1. Effect of Lime

    • Grass needs a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0 to properly absorb nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and other nutrients, according to the University of Rhode Island. Lawns need these nutrients for healthy grass blades, root development and growth. A soil pH that is too acidic may also burn up grass root systems. An application of lime gradually causes the soil to become more alkaline or promote nutrient availability. In fact, it takes lime up to six months to raise the soil pH, according to Garden Simply.

    Soil Test

    • Gardeners may conduct a yearly soil test or check their soil's pH before planting grass. To test your soil, dig several 3 to 4-inch holes in the yard. Collect half a cup of soil samples from each hole. Mix up the soil in a bucket. Remove any vegetation or debris from the soil. Send your local cooperative extension office one cup of soil. Wait a few weeks for the results and to find out how much, if any, lime needs to be applied.

    Applying Lime

    • Excessive amounts of lime will burn your grass. Also, liming the lawn when air temperatures are hot dehydrates grass blades. To prevent burning up your lawn, use the correct amount of lime on your grass. For example, those with a soil pH between 5.6 to 6.0 should apply 50 pounds of limestone to their soil, as suggested by Cornell University. Water your lawn after applying lime. Leaving lime on the grass prevents the soil amendment from absorbing into the lawn.

    Other Factors

    • Proper lime applications promote grass growth. Gardeners should retest their soil in six months to see how their soil pH has been altered. Those who have soil that is too alkaline should use sulfur to amend their soil rather than lime. As with lime, gardeners should not use too much sulfur or they can end up with a soil pH outside of 6.0 to 7.0. Use the amount indicated on your soil test.

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Growing Grass
  1. Why Does My Grass Have Tassels?
  2. The Effects of Sugar on Grass
  3. What Does Tilling Soil Do?
  4. The Effects of Lime on Grass Production
  5. What Kind of Root Does Grass Have?
  6. What Grass Grows in Clay Soil?
  7. What Does Fertilizer Do to Grass?
  8. What Does Limestone Do for Grass?
  9. What Kind of Lime Should I Spread on My Grass?
  10. What Does a Soil Profile Have to Do With Erosion?
  11. What Does Lime Do for Cucumbers?
  12. What Does Lime Do to Vegetables?

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