FAQs - Lawn Soil Tests
Lawn Soil Tests
Choosing the best lawn fertiliser involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal grass health and growth.
Start by conducting a soil test to determine the nutrient levels and pH of your lawn soil, which can help identify any deficiencies and guide your fertiliser selection. Look for a balanced fertiliser that contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in appropriate ratios for your grass species and soil needs.
Consider slow-release or controlled-release fertilisers, which provide nutrients gradually over time and reduce the risk of nutrient leaching or runoff.
Select a fertiliser formulation that matches your lawn's growth stage and seasonal needs—for example, choose a fertiliser with a higher nitrogen content for promoting lush growth in the spring and early summer, and a lower nitrogen content for maintaining turf health during the cooler months.
Additionally, consider environmental factors such as water quality, runoff potential, and local regulations when choosing a fertiliser product.
By selecting the right lawn fertiliser based on soil test results, grass species, growth stage, and environmental considerations, you can promote healthy turf growth while minimising environmental impact.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below:
LawnPride Blog – How to Choose the Right Fertiliser for your lawn
Testing the soil in your lawn is a crucial step in understanding its nutrient content, pH level, and overall health.
To test your soil, start by purchasing a soil testing kit from LawnPride. Follow the instructions provided via email to collect soil samples from various areas of your lawn, using a clean trowel or soil probe to obtain samples at a consistent depth of around 50 to 100mm. Combine the samples in a clean zip lock bag and mix them thoroughly to create a representative composite sample.
Allow the soil to air dry if it's wet, then package it according to the instructions and send it to our reputable soil testing laboratory for analysis.
Alternatively, some hardware kits can provide immediate results using color-coded test strips or electronic meters.
Once you receive the results, interpret them carefully to determine any nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or other soil issues. Based on the findings, you can then take appropriate measures to amend the soil and promote healthy turf growth.
Regular soil testing every couple of years allows you to monitor changes in soil fertility and adjust your lawn care practices accordingly.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below:
LawnPride Blog – How to Test your soil
LawnPride Blog – pH levels and how they affect your lawn
LawnPride Blog – Guide to Soil Amendments and Nutrition Management
The best soil pH for your lawn depends on the type of grass you're growing, as different species have varying pH preferences.
In general, most turfgrass species prefer soil pH levels between 6.5 and 7.3, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Maintaining soil pH within this range ensures optimal nutrient availability and uptake, promotes healthy root growth, and helps to minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. However, it's essential to consider the specific pH requirements of the grass species in your lawn, as some varieties may tolerate slightly lower or higher pH levels.
Conducting a soil test can provide valuable insights into your lawn's pH level, allowing you to adjust it as needed through soil amendments such as lime to raise pH or sulphur to lower pH.
By maintaining the appropriate soil pH for your lawn, you can create an ideal growing environment that supports lush, vibrant turfgrass growth.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below:
LawnPride Blog – How to Test your Soil
LawnPride Blog – pH levels and how they affect your lawn
LawnPride Blog – Guide to Soil Amendments and Nutrition Management
Adjusting soil pH involves applying soil amendments to raise or lower the pH to the desired level for optimal turfgrass growth.
To raise soil pH (make it less acidic), apply agricultural lime according to the recommendations provided by a soil test.
Spread the lime evenly over the lawn using a broadcast spreader, and water the area thoroughly to help incorporate the lime into the soil.
Keep in mind that it may take several months for the effects of lime to be fully realised, so plan accordingly.
To lower soil pH (make it more acidic), apply elemental sulphur or acidic organic materials or via the use of Descend.
Follow the recommendations provided by a soil test and apply the amendment evenly over the lawn. Water the area thoroughly after application to aid in the breakdown and incorporation of the amendment into the soil.
Regular soil testing is essential to monitor changes in soil pH over time and adjust soil amendments as needed to maintain the optimal pH range for healthy turfgrass growth.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below:
LawnPride Blog – Guide to Soil Amendments and Nutrition Management
Applying fertiliser in Winter is generally not recommended, as some turfgrass species will go dormant during this time and do not actively take up nutrients.
Fertilising during winter can lead to nutrient runoff and leaching, which can contribute to water pollution and harm the environment.
Instead, focus on applying fertiliser in the Autumn before the onset of winter to promote root growth and winter hardiness, or in the spring as the grass begins to actively grow again.
Conducting a soil test can provide valuable insights into your lawn's nutrient needs and help guide your fertiliser application timing and rates.
By following recommended fertilisation practices and timing applications appropriately, you can promote a healthy and resilient lawn while minimizing environmental impact.
For more information and to explore our available product range, click on the links below:
Product Page – LawnPride Soil Test
Product Page – LawnPride Turfmaxx Slow-Release Fertiliser