Soil Testing
In order for your turf to respond correctly to fertilizers, a
proper soil pH is needed. We strive to maintain a pH
somewhere between the 5.8–7.2 range, with 6.5 being
ideal. The only way to identify if your soil pH is ideal or not is
through a soil test.
Gentry Lawn Care sends our soil tests to Spectrum Analytic
in Ohio rather than doing them in-house. This will provide a
more complete and accurate soil pH test and give valuable
information on other possible soil nutrient problems on your
lawn. With this basic soil test, we’ll also be able to
determine other deficiencies your soil may have, such as
Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and organic
matter. This test will also provide us with lime or sulfur
recommendations to correct any pH problem.
Soil pH is a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is
neutral, a pH below 7 is acid, while a pH over 7 is alkaline.
Most turfgrasses will tolerate pH ranges between about 5.5-
7.5. However, turfgrass will perform best in the range from
6.0-7.0, with 6.5 being ideal.
The soil pH is dependent upon may factors, such as
geography. Many western soils are high in pH, while soils in
the eastern part of the country may be more acidic. In urban
landscapes, pH may be all over the board, with native top
soils being scrapped away, irrigation water, previous
fertilization, and other factors.
Nutrient Availability
Essential plant nutrients are tied up and not available to the
plant. For example, Phosphorus is usually found in
adequate amounts in most soils, but will not be absorbed by
plants effectively if pH is too high or too low. Iron
deficiencies will be found when soil pH levels are over 7.0.
Beneficial Microorganisms
Bacteria that decompose organic matter are hindered in
strongly acidic soils. This will lead to thatch problems. If a
lawn has a thatch problem, it is often because the soil pH is
too acidic. Microorganisms also play a role in breaking down
certain nitrogen sources.
Certain turf diseases are more damaging with low pH soils.
Some elements can become toxic to turfgrass when soil pH
is extremely out of balance.
Fertilizers will not be as effective, so your turf will not green-
up as much.
A soil test is used to determine soil pH. If it is determined
that soil is too acidic (under 6.0), then granular lime
applications will be needed to eventually correct that. If a
soil is too alkaline (over 7.0), then granular sulfur
applications are in order. These can be done at any time of
the season. They are particularly effective when done in
conjunction with core aeration. In most cases, several
treatments of lime or sulfur are needed over a season or
even two in order to bring the soil pH into the proper range.
If you would like Gentry Lawn Care to complete a soil test
for you, simply submit the following form. There will be a
small $20 fee to help cover our expenses for this. Once
completed, we’ll send you the results and any
recommendations.
To request a quote on the above service or any that we
offer, you can fill out the simple form below. Whether you
are a current or new customer we can get you a quote
quickly so that we can start your service as soon as
possible.
Making Your Neighborhood
More Beautiful!
GENTRY LAWNCARE
215 The Green Way
Tool, TX 75143
903-880-7898
Making Your Neighborhood More Beautiful!
Call Gentry Lawn Care
today for a free estimate.
903-880-7898