Sod & Lime

Why pH Matters

• Soil that's either too acidic or too alkaline causes health problems for grass. Certain nutrients in the soil are only available to grass when the pH is within the grass' preferred range. For example, iron or magnesium can't be absorbed from the soil when the pH is outside of the plant's preferred range. If grass can't absorb nutrients then it's at risk of chlorosis, a condition in which the plant can't produce chlorophyll because of alkaline soil. Liming the lawn correctly will raise the pH level and prevent the soil from becoming too alkaline.

Conducting a Soil Test

• Gardeners can find out their existing soil's pH and discover which nutrients are lacking by sending a soil sample to their local cooperative extension office. While soil tests can be performed at home, an analysis from your local extension office will explain which soil amendments must be made. To collect soil, dig 10, 6-inch holes in the yard and collect 1/2 cup of soil from the bottom of each hole. Mix the soil in a bucket and pour 1/2 cup in a container to mail to the extension office. Gardeners may have to wait roughly two to three weeks to receive results.

Rule of Thumb When Applying Lime

• There are ways of getting around sending out a soil sample to your local cooperative extension office. Gardeners can spread 50 lbs. of dolomite lime over 1,000 square feet of lawn to achieve an adequate pH range, according to the University of Rhode Island. Distribute the lime and work the soil amendment into the first 6 inches of topsoil. Avoid using more than 50 lbs. of lime at a time, because you can burn up plants or make the soil too alkaline.

Starter Fertilize

• Once you've limed your lawn for installing sod, it's time to add nutrients from a starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers are high in phosphorous, which is important for root development. Use a starter fertilizer with an NPK amount of 5-10-5. Spread 20 lbs. of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet, as suggested by the University of California. Work the starter fertilizer into the first 2 to 4 inches of soil. Install the sod right after spreading the fertilizer to keep weed seeds from popping up from the extra nutrients in the soil.