Adjust Your Soil pH This Fall to Set Your Lawn Up for Spring Success
Fall is the perfect time to take a closer look at your lawn’s soil health. One key factor that often gets overlooked is soil pH. Testing your soil before winter sets in allows you to make important corrections so your lawn emerges healthy and strong in the spring.
Why Soil pH Matters
Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is, which directly affects your lawn’s ability to absorb nutrients. Most turfgrasses thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0–7.0). If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, your grass may struggle to take in essential nutrients—even if you’re fertilizing correctly.
The Fall Advantage
During the fall, your lawn is slowing down and preparing for dormancy. Applying NutraLime OP® Hi-Mag Lime to raise pH or Elemental Sulfur pH Down to lower pH during this period gives the amendments time to adjust the soil naturally. By the time spring arrives, your soil pH will be in the ideal range for rapid growth and nutrient uptake.
Steps for Fall pH Correction
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Test Your Soil: Use The Andersons Soil Test Kit or send soil samples to your local extension office to analyze your soil’s pH and nutrient levels.
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Adjust Accordingly: Apply NutraLime OP® Hi-Mag Lime if the soil is too acidic or Elemental Sulfur pH Down if it’s too alkaline. Follow recommended rates for your lawn type.
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Water and Wait: After application, lightly water the area to help the amendments penetrate the soil. The winter months will allow the soil chemistry to balance naturally.
Pro Tip: Fall is also a great time to combine pH correction with other lawn care steps like aeration and overseeding. This ensures your turf has the best foundation for spring recovery.
Fall is the time to prepare your lawn for success. Don’t wait until spring—test your soil pH now and give your lawn the advantage it deserves.
