Picture the lawn of your dreams. It’s probably lush, vibrant green, and perfectly manicured. Everyone desires to have their dream lawn and it can be obtained with the proper care and maintenance.
However, what are you supposed to do when you have done all the right things and your lawn still isn’t what you dreamed it to be? Soil testing might be a good option for you.
After you’ve tested your lawn and you want to help your lawn grow green and lush, speak with a lawn care specialist for more help.
Below we will discuss everything you need to know about lawn soil testing, from what it is to the practical steps you should take to obtain a sample yourself.
What Is A Soil Test?
A soil test is a tool used to determine the nutrients that your soil possess, what it lacks, and possible contaminates it may have. A sample of soil is obtained and sent off to a laboratory to be analyzed.
4 Reasons to Test Your Soil
No two lawns are the same, which means they all can pose their own unique challenges. Sometimes to get to the root of the problem, you must look beneath the grass and test the soil. So what situations and circumstances would lead you to analyze your soil?
1. Moving to a New Home
When buying a new home, a lot of unknowns and uncertainties may arise. Your lawn is no different. It may be beneficial to learn more about your soil right off the bat, especially if the lawn is already less than ideal.
2. Your Grass & Plants Aren't Healthy
It could be very apparent that your lawn is not healthy just by visualizing dying plants and dead grass spots.
3. You Plan to Increase Your Lawn/Garden
Before spending money and devoting time to expanding your lawn, it could be helpful to know if your soil is healthy. Why waste lots of cash or time when your lawn could be destined to fail due to the soil.
4. What Fertilizers & Treatments You Need
Testing before applying fertilizers and other lawn additives could save you time and money. Also, this method could prevent you from overfertilizing or soil degradation.
What Information Will Soil Testing Give You?
- Soil pH
- Macronutrient levels such as potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N).
- Micronutrient levels
- Organic matter percentage
- Soil contaminants
- Soil texture
- Management tips and suggestions
When to Collect Your Soil Sample?
If you are noticing problems currently with your lawn it’s best to send in a sample right away. Soil can be collected any time of year except when the ground is frozen.
Methods to Obtaining A Soil Sample
When collecting a soil sample there are a few different routes you can take. One is to have a professional company come and collect it for you.
Another way is to purchase an at-home test kit and collect the soil sample yourself. These can be bought online or at garden stores.
In addition, you can check out your state’s cooperative extension service. Most county extension soil tests are very low-cost or even free.
Check here to find your local cooperative extension.
How to Collect Your Own Soil Sample
- Gather all your supplies in your testing kit including a clean, rust free trowel or soil probe.
- Take several samples of soil from different areas in your lawn. This will give you a more accurate analysis of your entire yard. The sample should be about 6-8 inches in depth.
- Place all soil samples together in a clean container.
- Label the sample per the testing kit instructions to ensure proper identification.
- Refer to kit instructions on how to send off your sample to be analyzed.
Leave it to the Professionals
If you opt to do a home test kit to assess your lawn problems, it’s crucial to know that most of these kits will not give you very detailed information. They often only test for very basic and limited factors.
To truly understand what’s going on with your lawn, call us at Gecko Green and we will be happy to discuss the best options for your lawn and what should be tested. Have you already done a home test kit?
Confused about what all the results mean? Gecko Green can break down the information and get your lawn back on track! Give us a call today for a free quote.
