Lawn Care Blog

Last week we talked about soil testing and focused on potassium. Your soil tests will also show pH levels. The University of Maryland Extension recommends testing every three to four years to check for acid levels. Emphasizing the importance of good soil for plant growth, its website uses an ideal quote, “It’s better to plant a $2 tree in a $25 hole, than a $25 tree in a $2 hole.”

Harford County and Maryland soil in general is often acidic, blocking the ability of nutrients to get to the lawn. If the soil is acidic, dolomitic limestone pellets can be applied in the winter months. This will lower the acidic levels and provide nutrients for the lawn. Wisegeek.com defines dolomitic limestone as “limestone that has been replaced with 10-50 percent dolomite and 50-90 percent calcite.” Dolomite forms within the limestone naturally, and according to this resource, it has also been known as magnesian limestone, dolostone, or dolomite rock. Dolomitic limestone usually contains at least 30 percent magnesium. Hillside Lawn Service offers dolomitic limestone applications for acidic soil. But be sure your soil needs it, because too much can be harmful to the soil. In addition, it takes several months for the limestone to have an effect, so it is wise to apply it before spring arrives.