A Common Misconception About Gypsum
Gypsum does little to soften hard soils in home landscapes, as is often believed.
If you perform a quick Google search on gypsum use in home lawns, you will notice that many online home landscape forums and gardening sites claim gypsum to be an all-in-one solution to many common lawn/garden soil problems and issues.
We highly recommend that you do not believe everything they say!
When it comes to gypsum use in lawns and its ability to improve, especially soften compacted soil, tests conducted by different universities never come to a similar conclusion. Their findings are often far too shy of what many gardening websites claim.
Even many researchers disagree on the benefits of using gypsum in home lawns. However, then why is there so much hype about gypsum?
When To Add Lime To A Lawn
Lime can take several months after application to break down and change your soil pH. A good time to test your lawns pH and adjust it is when your soil begins to warm in the spring. Lime can also be applied in the fall. The benefit of adding lime to your soil in fall is that both the freeze-thaw cycles and the abundant rain and snow common during the fall and winter months will help break down the lime and start raising the soils pH. Lime should never be applied to a lawn that is stressed or dormant.
Should You Apply Garden Lime To New Grass
If your soil test reveals that your earth is too acidic, its safe to apply garden lime to a newly turfed lawn. Unlike iron sulphate, lime wont scorch your grass.
However, its better to give new grass a starter fertiliser dont instantly jump to the lime aisle in your garden centre. Fertilise with a good starter fertiliser and use lime four weeks later.
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How Lime Treatments Work
Before we address the question of whether or not you can put too much lime on your lawn, lets quickly review how lime treatments on grass work.
The nutrients a lawn needs for healthy growth comes from balanced ph levels of the soil. Low ph levels in soil can limit access to nutrients for your grass.
Lime corrects an imbalance of acidity in the soil which leads to optimum ph levels and flourishing growth.
Lime treatments are soil amendments that are composed of ground limestone rock which contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
When added to the soil, lime alters the ph levels and improves the ability of your grass to access nutrients in your soil.
How To Tell If Your Lawn Needs Lime
A soil test is the only way to know for sure if your lawn needs lime. It will tell you whether your soil has enough calcium, magnesium, potassium and other nutrients that plants need.
Its important to take soil samples and test the pH levels before applying lime. If you apply too much lime, your lawn will not have good results its important to retest every year in order to get the proper balance of pH.
You can buy a home test kit or have a professional do it for you.
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Garden Lime: What It Is & Its Uses In Landscaping
David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Garden lime is a rock powder used to raise the pH level of soils high in acidity. An application of lime “sweetens” a soil — that is, it can make a “sour” soil more alkaline. Why might you wish to bring about such a change in the ground in which you are planting? Discover what soil pH has to do with plant performance here.
Note on usage: “lime” is both a noun and a verb. Above, the word is used as a noun. But you can also say, “I am going out to lime the garden now,” in which case the term is being used as a verb.
The capacity of lime to sweeten the ground to which it is applied also makes it useful for battling outdoor pet odors. But do not let all of this talk of sweetness lull you into a false sense of security. Garden lime is not a product to be used indiscriminately. It is a useful substance when used properly, but it is also possible to misuse it and cause harm to your plants.
What Happens If You Use Too Much Lime On Lawn
It is possible to put too much lime on your lawn. If the soil becomes too alkaline, it can damage grass roots and make it difficult for new seedlings to take hold.
In addition, too much lime can make it difficult for other plants to grow in your garden. As a result, it is important to use lime sparingly and always follow the manufacturers directions. With a little care, you can ensure that your lawn stays healthy and green for many years to come.
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How Do You Use Lime Pellets For Lawn
Use lime pellets when you want to adjust your lawns acidity levels. Some areas, such as low-lying regions near bodies of water, have naturally acidic soils that can be hard on grass and other plants that grow there.
To raise the soils pH level in these areas, spread lime pellets evenly over the area and water them into the ground thoroughly after application.
For smaller areas, spread lime pellets at a rate of one pound per square foot. For larger areas, apply lime at a rate of two pounds per square foot.
The Myth Of Gypsum Magic
Since gypsum is simply calcium sulfate, could this chemical transform soil?
I recently watched a famous gardening show on TV. I learned that adding gypsum to my lawn soil will improve my soil compaction problem by changing the soil particle size, among many other amazing things. I wondered if that was true and did a bit of research.
I will share my findings here. Briefly, researchers have found:
- Gypsums effects are short-lived
- Gypsum will not improve water holding capacity of sandy soils
- Gypsum will not improve the fertility of acid or sandy soils
- Gypsum is variable in its effects on mature trees
- Gypsum can have adverse effects on mycorrhizal inoculation of roots
- Gypsum applied to sandy soils can decrease phosphorus and zinc transport
- Gypsum applied to acid soils can induce magnesium deficiency
- Gypsum can increase the leaching of iron and manganese
- Gypsum can increase the leaching of aluminum, contaminating nearby water bodies
- And lastly, gypsum does not usually change soil acidity
The myth of gypsum magic falls in the category of agricultural treatments misused in home settings. Gypsum treatment is rarely needed in non-agricultural areas.
You are much better off using organic mulch and other alternatives if you want to improve aeration and water infiltration in your lawn soil and overall soil structure.
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Best Time To Apply Lime To Your Lawn
Last modified on July 24th, 2021 by
To keep your lawn in prime condition you need to manage and control the acidic and alkaline levels within the soil, otherwise you could make growing conditions very difficult for your grass and plants. Depending on your type of soil, applying lime can be highly beneficial as it reduces the acidity of your soil. This ensures that your soil is at the right level and your grass / plants get enough nutrients to thrive. Testing your soils is very easy and inexpensive, if you want to find out more about this process, best home soil tests available click on my article Lawn Soil Testing Advice.
I think applying lime, if required, is one of the most important jobs you can carry out during the season, and one that you must keep on top of if you want a great looking lawn.
To make sure you are applying lime correctly, within this post I will show you how and when to carry it out.
Where Can I Buy Lime For My Lawn
If you are wondering where to buy lime for your lawn, we at Baker Lime are limestone suppliers who have been producing quality lime products since 1889 for a wide range of clients. Baker mines the lime in York County, Pennsylvania and provides service throughout most of the northeastern United States including Delaware, , New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
You can imagine how 126 years have enabled us to become lime experts and emerge as an acknowledged industry leader when it comes to our knowledge of lime for gardens and lawns.. We have a proven record of helping people reap high-yield fields, grow ideal yards, cultivate fertile gardens, install lush golf courses and create other beautiful spaces.
Along with technical skill and complete industry knowledge, the people of Baker Lime commit to becoming a partner to our clients and not just an institution that sells or supplies product. Youll encounter friendly people who know how to listen and have the expertise needed to respond to your needs quickly and efficiently. Let us help you cultivate an ideal lawn! Find and contact your local Baker Lime dealer today.
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Benefits Of Lime Treatment For Lawn
Calcitic lime is a primary lawn care supplement and improves the acidity of the soil. As its name suggests, lime contains a sufficient amount of calcium. In essence, Calcitic lime is four times more effective and faster than dolomitic lime.
Dolomitic lime contains a high amount of magnesium, and its application may take up to 5 years to start working. That is why it is not the right choice for residential turf.
Regular liming, however, does a wealth of good to your lawn. Still unsure why Calcitic lime is the right addition for your lawn? Here are some benefits you shouldnt ignore.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Liming
Potential need for annual application, potential for higher cost than conventional liming, and difficulty in getting large pH changes with relatively light soils are some of the disadvantages. Liming is the process of removing the topsoil and replacing it with a new layer of soil.
Liming can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to dig a trench in the ground and fill the trench with soil that has been treated with lime. The trench is then filled with the new soil, and the soil is left to dry out for a period of time.
This process can take several months to a year, depending on the amount of lime used and how much soil has to be removed. After the dry-out period is over, the trenches are filled again with fresh soil from the same area. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the entire trench to make room for the next crop.
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Gypsum Can Sometimes Still Work
It is not to say, however, that gypsum does not work at all on home lawns. Besides the uses mentioned above, gypsum increases water infiltration in saline soil.
Salt prevents water from penetrating deep into the ground and being absorbed by roots into the grass plants. It is where gypsum comes in!
The calcium and sulfate ions of gypsum remove excess salt from the ground. That way, the soil can absorb water and make it available to the grassroots.
What Is The Best Way To Put Lime On Your Lawn
The best way to put lime on a lawn depends on the type of lime that you use.
‘There are different types of lime that can be used. Dolomitic lime is the most commonly used on lawns. Dolomitic lime comes from dolomite, which is a rock that is similar to limestone but contains magnesium in addition to calcium. Since magnesium can be a beneficial addition, we always recommend using it over just an agricultural grade lime that just has calcium. Burnt or hydrated lime should not be used on lawns. They are too caustic,’ explains Chris.
In terms of the application of the lime, ‘it comes in both pellet and powder form and both are equally effective in stabilizing the pH of the soil. That being said, using a pellet or granular form of lime is easiest to apply and it can be applied using a rotary spreader,’ explains Chris.
‘Powder forms of lime are not recommended as the powder can be a concern if you breathe it in and it is recommended that you wear a mask when applying it. It’s best to leave the application to a professional, when possible,’ he adds.
‘It’s important to cover your entire lawn to avoid patches. I use a pellet spreader and start off by walking from north to south up and down the garden. Once I’ve covered the entire lawn I’ll repeat the process but walking east to west,’ adds Andrew Porwol of Garden Centre Shopping.
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How To Apply Lime
Lime should only be applied to a dry lawn, and never to a lawn that is dormant, wilted, or stressed. Limestone is most effective at changing the soil pH when it is mixed in with the top 5 inches of soil, which means its easier to adjust your soils pH before planting grass seed or laying sod than it is to add it to an established lawn. Once youve applied lime to correct your soils pH, chances are you will not have to re-lime for several years.
Before adding lime to an established lawn, aerate the lawn with a core aerator to open up space for the lime to move into the soil. Next, using a drop or rotary spreader , apply the limestone to your lawn. Apply half while walking over your lawn in one direction, then apply the other half in a direction that is perpendicular to your first. This will ensure that every part of your lawn is covered with lime.
The Benefits Of Adding Lime To Your Lawn And When To Apply It
When lawns are weedy, patchy in spots or turn yellow, it may be a sign that the pH balance of your yard is out of whack. One of the primary methods of correcting the problem is to add lime to your lawn to restore depleted nutrients and repair the damage. Liming a neglected lawn can eventually return your grass to a lush green oasis, although the positive effects may not happen overnight.
Raising the PH level
If your soil is below the ideal pH zone and has turned sour, the calcium carbonate in lime can help neutralize your soils acidity. Lime is commonly sold as ground agricultural limestone. It is considered a natural soil amendment rather than a fertilizer and furnishes important plant nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. Lime also reduces soil toxicity while promoting the regulation of nutrients such as zinc, copper, and especially phosphorous. Do not over apply lime to your soil as this will cause big issues with any crops including grass. Attaining a soil pH reading of 7.0 is ideal.A well-kept, green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, and it can also be a source of stress when things start to get patchy. One popular secret to lush, green, healthy grass is lime!
Lime Adds Necessary Nutrients
Lime Nourishes Essential Bacteria
Testing Your Soil
We can test you soil and make sure the right levels of everything are present. We help our residential and commercial clients with their lawns and landscaping all year round!
Contact Us for a Free Consultation!
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How To Lime A Yard
Before you begin, a few liming lawn tips should be considered.
There are several types of lime and your local garden center can help you determine the best type for your grass, soil type, and climate. However, most gardeners find that pellet forms are easier to apply than powders. Once youve decided on the best type of lawn, refer to the label to determine the proper amount, which will depend largely on your soil pH.
Depending on the type of lime, you can use a drop-style or rotary spreader. A spreader is the best tool for applying lime. Apply half of the recommended amount of lime by walking back and forth horizontally with the spreader, then add the second half by walking vertically. This way, your criss-cross pattern ensures the grass is evenly and completely covered.
Water lightly after your lime lawn treatment to help the soil absorb the lime.
It Adds Calcium To The Soil
Calcium stimulates the lawn and the plants metabolism and enzyme activity.
Grass needs nutrients, including calcium, to maintain healthy growth and resist pests and diseases. Calcium is a micronutrient that acts as a defense between your grass and various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A calcium-rich lawn also has more nitrogen.
Without nitrogen, plants, mainly grass, can not grow well. Calcium is considered one of the primary essential micronutrients for grass, along with magnesium and sodium. It:
- Reduces pest and disease challenges
- Stimulates plants metabolism and enzyme activity
- Enhances overall nutrient availability
- Maintains soil pH
- Strengthens cell wall integrity
You can also use limestones to add calcium to the soil. However, as stated above, solid lime, generally used in yards, must be first broken down and dissolved in the soil to be effective.
It can take as many as two to three years, and this is where gypsum can be of immense help. It takes only a few months to get broken completely and dissolved into the soil and shows rapid results as it gets used by the grass in the yard.
However, gypsum is not an alternative to regular lawn fertilizer. It is only intended to be used as a soil amendment. It helps plants and grass utilize more potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other cations that are difficult to consume directly from the soil.
Still not convinced and want to keep using lime to add calcium to your lawn?
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