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why lime works

Lawn Lime Needs -

pH is a measure of soil acidity. Most soils in this part of the country are in the pH 5.5 - 6.5 range. If the actual measure is too low, or too high, the less the plant can ingest nutrients occurring naturally or through fertilizer application.

All plants have an ideal pH which is that range within which it can maximize its use of nutrients.

Lime for Grass

Generally, grass on the Vineyard and in the northeast suffers from too acidic a soil. In severe cases of pH deprivation, moss develops and moss will crowd out fine grasses even more quickly than weeds. Here on Martha's Vineyard, rain which is normally slightly acidic can greatly exacerbate the problem of low pH when it lands on oak leaves or pine needles and then washes into the soil. Applying lime (ground limestone) will not rid a lawn of moss, but it will prevent it from spreading.

There are 2 types of liming done by Island Lawn & Garden for lawns. A "maintenance" liming designed to raise the pH by 3 or 4 tenths requires 10 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. For most lawns whose existing chemistry is in balance, this type of "light" liming is appropriate every 12 months. A lawn under pines or oaks will require a little more lime.

A "corrective" liming can require anywhere from 20 to 50 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. Applying more than 50 lbs. at any one time is not recommended.



			Lawn Lime Needs - pH is a measure of soil acidity. Most soils in this part of the country are in the pH 5.5 - 6.5 range. If the actual measure is too low, or too high, the less the plant can ingest nutrients occurring naturally or through fertilizer application. All plants have an ideal pH which is that range within which it can maximize its use of nutrients.
		Lime for Grass Generally, grass on the Vineyard and in the northeast suffers from too acidic a soil. In severe cases of pH deprivation, moss develops and moss will crowd out fine grasses even more quickly than weeds. Here on Martha's Vineyard, rain which is normally slightly acidic can greatly exacerbate the problem of low pH when it lands on oak leaves or pine needles and then washes into the soil. Applying lime (ground limestone) will not rid a lawn of moss, but it will prevent it from spreading. There are 2 types of liming done by Island Lawn & Garden for lawns. A "maintenance" liming designed to raise the pH by 3 or 4 tenths requires 10 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. For most lawns whose existing chemistry is in balance, this type of "light" liming is appropriate every 12 months. A lawn under pines or oaks will require a little more lime. A "corrective" liming can require anywhere from 20 to 50 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. Applying more than 50 lbs. at any one time is not recommended.