Learning Center / Lawn care basics
Does your lawn need lime, and should you test your soil?
Most Northern Virginia lawns benefit from lime, because the clay soils here tend to be acidic. A soil test tells you how much, and keeps fertilizer from being wasted. Testing every few years is plenty.
- By David Obeid, founder
- Reviewed
- 5 min read
The short answer
What does lime do for a lawn?
Lime raises the soil's pH, so the grass can actually use the nutrients that are already there and the fertilizer you put down. In acidic soil, much of what you feed the lawn stays locked up where the roots can't get to it.
The clay soils common across Arlington, Falls Church and the rest of Northern Virginia tend to run acidic, which is why lime is a standard part of lawn care here. Lime works slowly, so it goes down in winter, ahead of the spring growing season.
Soil tests
Why test your soil?
A soil test shows your lawn's pH and nutrient levels, so lime and fertilizer go where they are actually needed instead of by guesswork. It keeps applications right-sized, which saves product and keeps excess fertilizer out of local streams.
It also matters legally: Virginia limits phosphorus on established lawns unless a soil test shows a need. Every few years is usually enough, unless you are trying to fix a specific problem.
Signs
What are the signs your soil may be off?
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Fertilizer doesn't seem to work
The lawn stays pale or thin even on a regular feeding program.
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Moss is moving in
Moss often shows up where grass is weak, and acidic soil can be part of the reason. More on moss.
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Weeds outpace the grass
Some weeds handle poor soil better than tall fescue does.
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It has never been tested
If you don't know your pH, you are guessing at lime and fertilizer.
How we handle it
How do you get a soil test?
A soil analysis is included free with our Package 2 and Package 3 lawn programs, and winter lime is part of every lawn program. See what the lawn program includes.
If you would rather do it yourself, Virginia Cooperative Extension offers soil test kits through local extension offices. Follow the lime recommendation on the results rather than guessing.
Related questions
What people also ask
When should lime go down?
Winter is a good time. Lime works slowly, so putting it down in winter helps balance the soil before the lawn starts growing in spring.
Do I need a soil test?
A soil analysis is included free with Package 2 and Package 3. It isn't required, but it's helpful every few years because it keeps applications right-sized and avoids wasting product. It also matters in Virginia, which limits phosphorus on established lawns unless a soil test shows a need.
Can you put down too much lime?
Yes. Too much lime pushes the pH too high, which causes its own nutrient problems. That is the main reason to follow a soil test instead of guessing.
Keep reading
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