Master Gardener Lawn Care would like to share this excellent soil testing video produced by the University of Kentucky.  Master Gardener lawn fertilizing service provides this service for our lawn care customers in Macomb County, MI.  We utilize the lab at Michigan State University to perform our soil test.  Our cost to come to your property and gather the samples and send them to MSU is $45. We will also explain the results with you when they are returned.  If you would like to do it your self you can contact the MSU extension office in Macomb County or Oakland County.  If you do it yourself, please give us a copy of the results so that we can adjust your program if needed.

About Soil Testing

The best lawns and gardens tend to have one thing in common, great soil. Testing the soil in your lawn is a relatively inexpensive task and will allow you to adjust the fertilizing program for your turf.

The soil testing kit is able to analyze the soil in order to diagnose the pH level, soil type, amount of organic material, how much salt is in the soil, and any deficiencies in the nutrient levels that may exist. This will assist you and your Michigan lawn fertilizing service in making the correct decisions regarding the addition of any supplemental application.

All this involves is simply digging up a soil sample from each area to be tested, seal it in a bag and ship it to the lab. After a short wait, you will receive easy to understand test results, along with guidelines for any needed soil improvements.

The only way to be certain which nutrients are lacking in your lawn is to carry out a soil test. Without the benefits that you would be gaining from using soil test kits, you could be applying too much, too little, or the wrong nutrients

Most soil testing will include recommendations for the following:

• Organic Matter
• Available Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium
• Calcium and Hydrogen
• Soil pH
• Cation Exchange Capacity
• Sulfur
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Iron
• Copper
• Boron
• Sodium Bicarbonate Phosphorus

Two of the items that Master Gardener Lawn Care looks at very closely are the pH and organic matter.

A high pH over 7.0 means the soil is alkaline or sweet and needs acidic amendments such as sulphur to reduce the alkalinity.  A low pH is under 7.0.  The ideal is a soil in the (6.5-6.8) range.

Please note that the majority of soil tests that we have performed in our area have had a high pH.  Do not use lime until you have your soil tested!  The best way to determine the pH of your soil through soil pH kits or by sending a soil sample to a soil testing lab. If it’s too low you add lime to bring it up.  If it’s too high you add gypsum to bring it down.

Also note, in the areas of new development (homes under 10 years old) and on clay subsoil, we see very low organic matter.  This also has a very negative effect on the turf’s health.  Anything you can do to add organic matter will greatly improve the overall appreance and health of your lawn.  We have a few Master Gardener secrets that will greatly help.