Should I put lime on my lawn grass in the fall? I live in Massachusetts and I was told that I should spread lime on my lawn before winter sets in. It's supposed to sweeten the soil! Is it really necessary? I put a Weed and Feed in late May on my Lawn so that I will not get a lot of weeds.

Answer #2 · Gardenality.com's Answer · Hi Dora - Since you're in Massachusetts, my guess is that you have a variety of bluegrass growing in your lawn? If so, this grass will grow in a pH between 6 and 8, though it prefers a neutral soil pH around 7. If your soil is acid (well below 7) then lime will help to sweeten the soil and your bluegrass will thrive better. If the pH is way off it prohibits your grass from taking up vital nutrients it needs to thrive. Lime isn't a fertilizer so you can put it down any time of year. If your soil is acid and needs adjusting, I'd suggest going with a fast-acting pelletized dolomitic lime rather than a slow-acting powdered lime.

Here's a link to an article that provides information about soil pH and how to adjust it:

http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/984/How-To-Info/Growing-Basics/What-Is-Soil-pH-And-How-To-Adjust-It/default.html

Hope this was helpful. Let us know if you need more details or have any other questions.

Brent)

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Dora-I am by no means an expert on specific types of grasses and their care. I do know that lime helps to balance the ph level in soil. The only way to determine whether or not liming is needed, and how much to apply, is through the results of a soil test. Many nurseries and garden centers can help you acquire a soil test. You can also contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for information on acquiring a soil test. Test kits and ph probes that can be used by homeowners are available from your local nurseries and garden centers. I would recommend a soil test done through a professional lab. Your local nursery or the extension service will collect a sample and send it out for testing by a labratory that will correctly find your soils ph level. This soils test will also help in establishing the amount of lime needed to correct the acidic condition if it exists. Testing the soil yourself will not help you in determining how much liming is needed. You want to get an accurate test of your soil and not add lime just because others say it needs to be done each year. I'm not saying they are right or wrong but over-applications of lime products if not required may cause the development of alkaline soil conditions which can be harmful to many grasses.

John)