Edition 28: Looking after the soil. 

Like the houses we live in, the soil is the “home” of the grass. And soil is just as important for the grass as our houses are for us. Our ability to create a happy and thriving soil for our grass to live in is of utmost importance to ensure the health and longevity of our grass. This time of year is essentially the last chance we have to make meaningful changes to our soil composition before winter starts.  

Things we want to focus on are:

The right amount of thatch—yes, some thatch can be a good thing, contributing to a softer lawn. Too much thatch, however, is a bad thing; not allowing water and nutrients into the soil profile, increasing the risk of pests and particularly disease, and can weaken the grass, not allowing it to germinate in the soil. 

 

Soil pH is a big deal when it comes to growing healthy, vibrant grass. It affects how easily your turf can soak up essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If the pH is too low (too acidic), those nutrients become harder for the grass to access, and harmful elements like aluminium can build up. On the flip side, if the pH is too high (too alkaline), your grass might struggle with nutrient deficiencies, leading to weak growth and dull colour. Most grasses do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (around 6.0 to 7.0). What's the best way to stay on top of it? Regular soil tests! If your pH is off, you can tweak it with lime to raise it or sulphur to lower it. Keeping that balance just right means greener, stronger grass that can better handle stress, disease, and whatever nature throws its way.

 

Ensuring these 2 factors and a full grass cover will also help the 3rd non-nutrient part of soil health - diverse and healthy microbial population. Microbes play a small but vital role in many facets of grass health.

they can help with; 

The last and potentially most important part of soil health is the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the nutrient amount within the soil itself. 
CEC is a measure of how well soil can hold onto and supply nutrients to plants. Think of soil like a sponge that soaks up and holds onto important nutrients (which are positively charged particles called cations, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium). The higher the CEC, the more nutrients the soil can store and provide to your grass over time.

 

The nutrients in your soil play a big role in how well your grass grows. The key is balance—too little, and your grass grows slowly, staying weak and vulnerable to stress. Too much, especially nitrogen, can make it grow too fast, leading to weak plants, excessive thatch build-up, and a higher risk of disease and pests. Plus, if nutrients are out of balance, some may get “locked up” and become unavailable to the grass. The best way to know if your soil has the right levels is to test it. A soil test analyses your soil’s nutrient levels and pH, giving you a clear picture of what your lawn needs. It helps you apply the right fertilisers and amendments so your grass stays strong, healthy, and resilient all season long.

 

For the Addicts keeping up with our Warm Season free lawn plans, we’re up to the big one! The basis of all our plans. Granular, Hydrolink, Kelpro, and for those who use them, UMX, Fertech Bio, Auxinone, and Hicure.

 

For the Addicts keeping up with our Cool Season free lawn plans, we’re at that time again where we are doing our monthly soil amendments. So, the Hydrolink, Kelpro, and, for those who use them, UMX, Fertech Bio, Auxinone, and Hicure.