If your grass isn’t looking as healthy and vibrant as it should, the issue might not be your watering or mowing habits—it could be your soil’s pH. Many homeowners ask, “Does my lawn need lime?” because lime can make a big difference in lawn health. Knowing the signs your lawn needs lime can help you correct the problem early and restore lush, green grass.

In this guide, we’ll cover exactly how to tell if your lawn needs lime and the telltale symptoms you should watch for.

Why Lime Is Important for Your Lawn

Lime is a soil amendment made from ground limestone. Its main purpose is to raise the soil’s pH level, making it less acidic. Most grass types thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0–7.0). If your soil is too acidic, essential nutrients become less available, and your lawn struggles to grow—no matter how much fertilizer you use.

How to Tell If Your Lawn Needs Lime

Below are the most common signs your lawn needs lime:

1. Persistent Yellowing or Fading Grass

If your lawn has a dull, yellow, or pale green appearance despite proper watering and fertilization, acidic soil could be the culprit. Low pH prevents your grass from absorbing vital nutrients like nitrogen.

2. Poor Grass Growth (Even with Fertilizer)

One major clue in answering “Does my lawn need lime?” is slow or stunted growth, even after applying quality fertilizer. When the pH is too low, nutrients get locked in the soil and can’t be absorbed by the grass.

3. An Increase in Weeds, Moss, or Bare Spots

Acidic soil creates a favorable environment for moss and certain weeds. If you notice moss spreading or weeds like sorrel and plantain taking over, your soil may be too acidic for grass to thrive.

4. Thin or Patchy Lawn Coverage

When your grass is struggling to grow, bare patches often appear. If reseeding doesn’t help, it could be a sign your lawn needs lime to rebalance the soil pH.

5. Soil Test Results Show Low pH

The most accurate way to tell if your lawn needs lime is to conduct a soil test. A pH below 6.0 typically indicates your soil is too acidic, and adding lime can help bring it back into the healthy range.

How to Test Your Lawn’s pH

While visual signs are helpful, a soil test is the only way to confirm whether your lawn needs lime. You can purchase an at-home pH test kit or bring a soil sample to a local garden center for analysis. Here in Connecticut, this is an especially useful step, as our region often has naturally acidic soil.

The Benefits of Applying Lime to Your Lawn

  • Improved nutrient absorption – Your fertilizer becomes more effective.
  • Stronger, greener grass – Your lawn will look healthier and more vibrant.
  • Reduced weed and moss growth – Balanced soil pH favors grass over weeds.
  • Better soil structure – Lime can improve the overall condition of your soil.

How River East Power Equipment Can Help

At River East Power Equipment, we know that healthy lawns start with healthy soil. Whether you need lime products, spreaders, or expert advice, our team can guide you through the process from soil testing to application. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Connecticut with quality equipment and lawn care solutions.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering “Does my lawn need lime?” and notice yellowing grass, poor growth, or an invasion of moss and weeds, chances are your soil pH is too low. Recognizing these signs your lawn needs lime and taking action will help you grow the lush, green lawn you’ve always wanted.