Lime and pets ?

[cleancutlawncare5382]

I offered to lime a customers lawn to help green up and thicken. He had a concern about his dog coming in contact with it. Is this a valid concern and if so what do you recommend to your customers to help a thin lawn?

[swstout]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by cleancutlawncare5382 I offered to lime a customers lawn to help green up and thicken. He had a concern about his dog coming in contact with it. Is this a valid concern and if so what do you recommend to your customers to help a thin lawn? First, did you test the lawn pH. You can get an electronic pH tester at Lowe's for under $5.00. Adjust pH. The soil pH should be adjusted during the lawnsdormant time. Soil amendments such as Aerify and Nature's Magic tend to buffer pH so adjustment should be performed first. For best overall results, adjust to your lawn turfs ideal pH.>> Grass pH Ranges >> pH Low >> pH High >> Ideal >> BAHIAGRASS ARGENTINE, PENSACOLA, TIFTON >> 6.0 >> 7.5 >> 6.7 – 6.8 >> BENTGRASS *****IAL & CREEPING >> 5.6 >> 7.0 >> 6.3 >> BERMUDA HYBRIDS & COMMON >> 5.6 >> 7.0 >> 6.3 >> BLUEGRASS >> 5.7 >> 7.4 >> 6.5 – 6.6 >> BUFFALO >> >> 5.6 >> 7.0 >> 6.3 >> CARPETGRASS >> 4.5>> 5.5>> 5.3>> CENTIPEDE >> 4.3 >> 5.8 >> 5.0 – 5.1 >> FESCUE RED & CREEPING >> 5.6 >> 6.8 >> 6.2 >> FESCUE TALL >> 5.6 >> 7.0 >> 6.3 >> ST. AUGUSTINE >> 6.3 >> 7.8 >> 7.0 – 7.1 >> ZOYSIA >> 5.5 >> 7.0 >> 6.2 – 6.3 >> Note: Most broadleaf weeds like soil pH above 7.0. With the exception of St. Augustine grass, ideal pH is a deterrent to broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass. Do you use granular or liquid lime? Granular takes 4-6 months to be incorporated into the lawn. liquid 4-8 days! Lime does not harm soil biolife ( it even improves it) so I doubt it will harm pets. Iron and sulfur will green up a lawn quickly with out adverse health effects. Micronutrients will improve turf health, I use Nature's Magic. Aerifying the lawn will help root development. I use Aerify. Steve

__________________

[cleancutlawncare5382]

No I haven’t tested for PH yet, around here we seem to get away with a good dose once a year or maybe every other year.

I took on this lawn a few weeks ago and wasn’t sure what the guy was asking me to do. When I arrived for the estimate the lawn was mowed way low – around 1” to 1.5” with many areas being scalped. Large areas where the snow plow has removed the sod.

So I am going to talk with him, try to up sell a fertilizer / reseeding / lime program. Get the grass growing again and raise the mower deck (2.5” ¬¬¬¬to 3”)

BTW – I have been using the granular lime but the liquid sounds like a better option. Where do you buy the Natures Magic from? Might give that a try. I would like quick result so he knows our plan is working.

[swstout]

Originally Posted by cleancutlawncare5382

No I haven’t tested for PH yet, around here we seem to get away with a good dose once a year or maybe every other year.

I took on this lawn a few weeks ago and wasn’t sure what the guy was asking me to do. When I arrived for the estimate the lawn was mowed way low – around 1” to 1.5” with many areas being scalped. Large areas where the snow plow has removed the sod.

So I am going to talk with him, try to up sell a fertilizer / reseeding / lime program. Get the grass growing again and raise the mower deck (2.5” ¬¬¬¬to 3”)

BTW – I have been using the granular lime but the liquid sounds like a better option. Where do you buy the Natures Magic from? Might give that a try. I would like quick result so he knows our plan is working.

Nature’s Magic tends to buffer pH so you need to apply the lime first if you need to raise the soil pH (test first). You can get liquid lime at TruValue hardware (to Try) http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-77651/Detail

Nature’s Lawn http://www.natureslawn.com carries a full spectrum of liquid organic lawn products and a wealth of information about lawn care and soil building. Take the time to go over the entire site and sign up for their newsletter. It is well worth the time.

Steve