What Time of Year to Use Lime on Lawns?

Why Use Lime?

• Lime is applied to lawns primarily to raise the pH to levels that are conducive to proper turf growth and development. Lawn grasses do not typically do well in soils that are too acidic, and the addition of lime helps to make them more neutral. Care should be taken not to apply lime too often as soils that are too alkaline are no less ideal than soils that are too acidic. A good range for turf grasses is a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Other Benefits

• The use of lime in lawns not only raises the pH, but provides other benefits as well. Lime provides soils with two important nutrients that are usually lacking in soils that are too acidic: calcium and magnesium. These elements aid the roots of turf in the absorption of other important elements. Lime also helps to increase the bacterial and microbial activity in the soil that is critical for the maintenance of healthy soils and good tilth.

Types of Lime

• Lime is generally sold as either agricultural lime or ground limestone. There are actually many types of lime. Pelletized, hydrated, burned, ground and dolomitic lime are all available forms. Burned lime and hydrated lime are fast acting, but are not usually available for non-professional use as they are hazardous to apply. For large lawn areas, pelletized is the most effective, but is also more expensive than either the ground or dolomitic forms of lime.

Soil Testing

• The only sure way to know whether or not your lawn needs any lime is to have a soil analysis performed. A simple do-it-yourself kit is available at most garden stores. This will reveal your soil's pH level. You can also have your soil professionally evaluated by a private or university lab that performs these services. A report will be sent to you telling you how much lime, if any, should be applied to your lawn.