What is a soil test?
In the Lowcountry, we have many soil types, from clay to sand and every combination in between. Soil pH is a measurement that expresses the degree of acidity in the soil. We can apply many different nutrients to lawns and plant material to help them grow and bloom. The pH level greatly affects the fertility of the soil and the quality of plant growth. A simple soil test will show you your soil’s pH level, as well as the levels of many other nutrients. Based on the results of a soil test, the proper nutrients can be applied to the lawn and plant materials to help them grow and bloom.
What is pH and why does it matter?
pH is measured in pH units on a scale from 0 to 14: extremly acidic being at 0 and extremely alkalic at 14. The “p” in pH stands for potential and the“H” is for hydrogen. For example, orange juice may be more acidic while baking soda is alkaline. Water at its purest form is neutral, with a pH of 7. Most plants grow best in a pH range of 6-7.
The Eastern and Southern United States tend to have more acidic soil. Rain, organic matter, fertilizers, and the type of soil can all effect the pH of your lawn.
Can I just apply fertilizer to my lawn to make it grow more?
Fertilizer is of little use if your soil’s pH is not in check because it cannot be absorbed. Most plants grow best in a pH range of 6-7. If you discover that you have low pH, your soil can be amended with limestone. Limestone will increase the pH and allow your soil and plants to begin to absorb fertilizers.
I would like a soil test, what should I do?
If you are a current maintenance or application customer, click here to schedule your soil test!. Our team will come out and take a soil sample from your lawn. We will then send the sample to the Upstate for testing. Once we receive the results, you will receive our recommendation for your lawn based on the analysis that we receive. With your approval, we can move forward with applying specific nutrients to the lawn.
If you are not a maintenance or application customer, you can buy your own soil test and perform it following the instructions provided. Once you receive the results, add the nutrients necessary to your soil to achieve the proper pH. You can purchase a soil at Site One.
