If you look out at your lawn this summer and see dead patches or thinning grass, consider a soil test.
A soil test will reveal any underlying lawn issues relating to soil nutrition or pH. This is the first step towards strengthening the health of the lawn.
Nutrition deficiency can add stress to a lawn. This makes grass more susceptible to lawn diseases and less tolerant of insects. Healthy soil is a must to provide nutrients in the proper amount to the grass.
A soil test may show the need to adjust the soil pH. Soil pH is lowered with sulfur and increased with lime. The results of a soil test can determine how much sulfur or lime should be added to the lawn.
Most lawns will be given fertilizer at least once or twice a year. A good soil test will help determine the impact of the fertilizer on the lawn and help determine what fertilizer adjustments need to be made.
Of course, a soil test will identify if lawn disease is causing problems for the grass.
Let’s not forget the importance of regular lawn maintenance. Lawns need plenty of water in the summer. A lawn sprinkler system with a timer will help keep your lawn hydrated.