How to Repair Bad Lawn Soil

Grass needs a few basic things to live: Sunlight, water, and soil. However, in order to thrive—and to give you the lush, green lawn you’re striving for—your grass needs those things in specific quantities and qualities. While it’s relatively easy to determine how much sun or water your lawn is getting, determining the quality of your soil takes a bit more effort. That’s why soil testing is so important! Take a look below the surface to find out if your yard is in need of soil restoration, soil remediation, or top-dressing…And learn how to improve soil quality with these tips from the Atlanta lawncare experts at Simply Green. 

Do You Have Bad Lawn Soil?

If your lawn is patchy, wilted, or dying, it’s important to determine the cause and find a solution as early as possible to mitigate the damage to your landscaping. Instead of experimenting blindly, call us for a soil test to learn exactly what your lawn is asking for. Whether it’s a pH imbalance, a nutrient deficiency, or pollution, we can help you discover the culprit and make a plan for fixing it. 

How to Improve Bad Lawn Soil

Some of the most common soil ailments can be remedied with these methods:

Aeration

If your lawn is compacted from foot traffic or other causes, aeration can make a huge difference in improving the quality of your soil. The aeration process removes small plugs of soil to allow for increased air flow, and allows water and nutrients to more efficiently reach the roots. 

Fertilizing

Soil can become “worn out” from repeated planting over the years, or a lack of organic matter in the soil. Professional lawn fertilization can revive the soil with much-needed nutrients, giving your grass the “food” it needs to fuel its growth, giving you a strong, hardy lawn. 

Introducing Beneficial Microorganisms

While lawn fertilization is important, remember that there can be too much of a good thing. Excessive fertilization can throw your lawn soil out of whack, killing the good microorganisms that decompose organic materials and negatively altering the pH balance of the soil. Lack of oxygen due to compacted soil can also kill off those vital microorganisms. 

The microorganisms in your lawn include bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Just as humans need the right balance of gut flora to properly digest food, your lawn needs the proper balance of microbes. Soil microbes process atmospheric nitrogen, which your grass needs to grow. If those microbes die, it’s crucial to re-introduce microorganisms to the lawn by adding compost, mulch, or the needed microbes themselves. Soil additives like mycorrhizal fungi or soil nematodes can restore the balance and get your lawn back on track for healthy growth this spring!