If the only lime on your mind right now is the lime you need to squeeze into your margarita or mix into your new guacamole recipe, we caught you just in time.
(Also, can we come over?)
Let’s talk about the limestone kind of lime your lawn might need, and its trusty partner, gypsum.
If your lawn isn’t looking too great, even though you’re staying on top of your fertilizer applications, it could mean its pH is off, and needs lime or gypsum to balance it.
Pass the chips, and we’ll explain.
First, What Exactly is Lawn Soil pH?
Soil pH is a way to measure the amount of acidity or alkalinity in your lawn’s soil.
It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 14. Extreme acidity is at the low end of the scale, extreme alkalinity is at the top end. 
Soil at the midpoint, number 7, is neutral soil — neither acidic nor alkaline. Most grasses thrive at a pH range of between 6.0 and 7.0.
That’s what you want. A perfect balance.
Does My Lawn Need Lime?
If your lawn soil pH is too low, it’s time for lime, a soil amendment made from ground limestone rock, which contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
Add lime to your soil, and these compounds increase the soil's pH, making soil less acidic and more alkaline.
Does My Lawn Need Gypsum?
Or, if your lawn soil pH is too high, your lawn might need gypsum, a mineral that contains hydrated calcium sulfate. 
Whether it’s lime or gypsum, we call both of these treatments “balancer,” because they both work to balance the pH level of your lawn.
A balanced lawn soil pH is key to a healthy, thriving lawn.
Why Should You Care About Lawn Soil pH?
Is this really important? If you’ve made it this far in life without asking yourself, “Does my lawn need lime?” or understanding soil pH, does it really matter?
Well, have you had a perfectly green and healthy lawn your whole life?
We didn’t think so.
You might blame pH for that.
Important nutrients for grass are available in soil when the pH is balanced at that mid-level. If your pH is off, your grass won’t get the nutrients it needs, no matter how much you fertilize.
The right pH unlocks your lawn’s ability to take in nutrients and thrive.
So it might finally be time to ask yourself, “Does my lawn need lime? Does my lawn need gypsum?”
Here’s how to find out.
What’s Your Lawn Soil pH? Time for a Test
Our lawn care technicians will insert a meter into your soil to check the pH level. 
Lawn soil pH varies from city to city, and even from lawn to lawn in the same neighborhood.
Lawn soil in Eau Claire, WI tends to be acidic, while the soil in Minneapolis often leans toward alkaline.
Once your lawn is balanced with the right pH, your soil can actually use the nutrients in your fertilizer, and flourish.
Does Your Lawn Need Lime or Gypsum? Ask RainMaster
Here at RainMaster, we consider lawn soil pH so important, we include pH testing in all three levels of our lawn care programs. And we include pH balancer in our top two lawn care program levels.
You’re paying for fertilizer so your grass can grow green and healthy. Make sure it can do its job, and you’re getting your money’s worth.
Does your lawn need lime or gypsum? Want to be sure your fertilizer is working? Request a quote today! We’ll review your lawn care options together so you can make a great choice. Then, you can finally enjoy your lawn and stop worrying about it.
