How will limestone help your lawn?

Neutralizing Soil pH: Limestone is alkaline in nature and helps to neutralize the acidity of the soil. It raises the pH level, making the soil more alkaline, which is ideal for most turfgrasses. A balanced soil pH is crucial for optimal nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

Calcium Source: Limestone is a rich source of calcium, an essential nutrient for plants and turfgrasses. Calcium plays a vital role in cell wall formation, root growth, and overall plant structure. It helps strengthen turfgrass, reduce disease susceptibility, and improve drought tolerance.

Improved Nutrient Availability: Adjusting soil pH using limestone enhances the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. By raising the pH, limestone creates a favorable environment for these nutrients to be more readily accessible to the roots of turfgrasses. This promotes healthier growth and reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Thatch Reduction: Thatch, a layer of organic material that accumulates between the soil and grass blades, can hinder water and nutrient absorption. Limestone can help reduce the buildup of thatch by promoting microbial activity in the soil. Microbes break down organic matter, including thatch, into beneficial nutrients, leading to a healthier lawn.

Drought Resistance: The presence of calcium in limestone helps strengthen turfgrass roots, making them more efficient in absorbing water from the soil. This improves the drought resistance of the lawn and reduces the need for frequent watering, especially during dry spells.

Pest and Disease Control: Some pests and diseases thrive in acidic soil conditions. By raising the soil pH with limestone, the environment becomes less favorable for these problematic organisms. As a result, limestone application can contribute to a reduced incidence of certain lawn pests and diseases.

Overall, adding limestone to your lawn can improve soil health, nutrient availability, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests and diseases. It promotes healthier turfgrass growth and helps maintain a beautiful and greener lawn. However, it's important to note that the amount of limestone needed will depend on the specific soil conditions, so a soil test is recommended prior to application to determine the appropriate rate of application.