Whether it is a sustainable landscape you are after, as we discussed in our previous blog, or just an aesthetically pleasing landscape to wow your neighbors and visitors, the health of your soil is paramount. Soil compaction can be a large problem, caused by foot traffic, making it harder for water to reach the necessary areas of your soil. Similarly, the pH level of your soil can also be an issue, with too much acidity being detrimental to your landscape. In the northeast, this is especially common. The best way to alleviate this problem is with the addition of lime to the soil of your lawn. This may be a foreign concept to many, but in this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about lime and its benefits to your yard.
Lime: What is it?
A soil amendment that is composed of limestone rock, it naturally possesses calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate that work in unison to increase the pH of your soil, decreasing acidity. Calcium and magnesium are both essential nutrients for your plants, but here lime is not working in a fertilizer capacity. However, when the pH level is increased, and thus the health of the soil, nutrients are more readily available for your turf and plants.
When to Apply Lime
There are a multitude of ways to determine when your lawn is in need of lime treatment, but some are more common. The appearance of lawn moss is a good signal, as is the increase of weed, pests and disease in your lawn. Weeds thrive in acidic soil, so an unnatural amount of weed growth may be a good indicator. You also will just not get the healthy growth you would expect, especially if you know your lawn is being properly maintained. When it comes to actual timing throughout the year, fall is going to be ideal, as the cold assists the lime in breaking down into your soil. For a true analysis of your soil’s lime needs, consult a professional, like Dream Greener.
Flat Out Benefits of Lime Application
Beyond just managing the pH level of your soil, lime also offers other secondary benefits to your landscape. It is a cleanser, and removes toxins and assists in protecting your yard from heat. It also acts as a food for bacteria in your soil, which actually helps protect your soil. These bacteria are essential to the health of your soil, so nourishing them is in your best interest.
Leave Lime Application to the Professionals
At Dream Greener, we have been working with some of the best landscapes in Pittsburgh for many years, and know how important lime can be to the health of your soil. We use both a dolomitic limestone, and calcitic limestone for our lime applications, depending on the needs of your soil. Our technicians are well trained in lime application, and can consult you on the needs of your landscape. Do not mess around with your soil, and leave the heavy lifting to Dream Greener.
Dream Greener Lawn & Landscape is led by a staff of service experts, each with ten years or more of professional experience, focused exclusively on lawn care & maintenance, landscaping and snow & ice management. Let us show you how lime can help your lawn. Locally owned and operated, we are proud to serve the greater Pittsburgh area.
