Soil Test for Lawns: What, When, and How to Test

Soil testing gives you the exact solutions your lawn needs. At Portage Turf Specialists, we begin every lawn care program with soil testing and analysis so we can understand your lawn’s specific needs, skipping the guesswork and focusing on results.

Why Test Your Soil?

If your lawn care company is not testing, they’re more likely just guessing. A soil test shows exactly what your lawn is missing, whether it’s nutrients, the right pH balance, or organic matter. It helps you avoid over-fertilizing, under-fertilizing, or applying the wrong products altogether. 

A soil test for lawns and gardens can help you: 

• Identify nutrient deficiencies like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• Adjust soil pH for optimal plant growth
• Avoid over-fertilizing and wasting money on unnecessary products
• Improve lawn health and boost grass resilience
• Reduce the risk of pests, weeds, and diseases
• Minimize environmental impact by preventing fertilizer runoff
• Tailor your lawn care plan for better, faster results

What to Test 

A soil test measures several parameters that influence your lawn’s growth and health. Generally, it includes: 

pH Levels

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is. Most grasses prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (around 6.0–7.0). If the pH is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline), it can block nutrient absorption, making fertilizers less effective. Adjusting pH with lime or sulfur can correct imbalances and help your grass thrive.

Nutrient Levels

Soil tests check for the primary nutrients your lawn needs: nitrogen (N) for growth and greening, phosphorus (P) for root development, and potassium (K) for disease resistance and overall health. A nutrient deficiency can lead to weak, patchy grass, while excess nutrients can cause problems like fertilizer burn or environmental runoff.

Organic Matter 

Organic matter, such as decomposed leaves and grass clippings, improves soil structure, retains moisture, and feeds beneficial microbes. A healthy level of organic matter ensures your lawn has a consistent supply of nutrients and better water retention.

Micronutrients

Trace elements like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, and zinc are essential for supporting various biological processes in grass. Even though they’re needed in smaller amounts, deficiencies can cause visible problems, such as yellowing or stunted growth. A soil test ensures all micronutrient levels are balanced.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

CEC measures your soil’s ability to hold onto and exchange nutrients with plant roots. A higher CEC means your soil can retain more nutrients, while a lower CEC might require more frequent fertilization. It’s especially important for sandy soils, which have a lower nutrient-holding capacity.

Soil Texture

The ratio of sand, silt, and clay in your soil affects drainage, aeration, and how easily roots can grow. For example, sandy soil drains quickly but struggles to hold nutrients, while clay soil holds water and nutrients but may compact easily. Understanding your soil texture helps you choose the right lawn care techniques, like aeration or adding soil amendments.

When to Test Your Lawn Soil

For Warm-Season Grass (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine)

Test in late spring or early summer, just before the active growing season begins. This allows you to make adjustments, like fertilizing or applying lime, to support peak growth.

For Cool-Season Grass (e.g., Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass)

Test in early spring or early fall. These are the prime growing periods for cool-season grasses, so any soil amendments can be applied at the right time for maximum benefit.

For New Lawns

Test before planting or laying sod. This helps you address any major pH imbalances or nutrient deficiencies upfront, giving your new grass the best start possible. If you’re preparing soil for seeding, test a few months ahead to allow time for soil amendments to take effect.

How Often to Test Your Soil

For established lawns, test your soil every 2–3 years, or more frequently if you’re addressing a specific problem like patchy growth or yellowing grass. You should also consider testing after major changes, like applying lime or fertilizer, to make sure the adjustments worked. Regular testing keeps your lawn healthy and helps you avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary treatments.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Soil Tested​? 

The cost of a soil test can range from $10 to $50, depending on the type of test and where you get it done. Basic tests that measure pH and primary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are typically on the lower end of the range. 

More comprehensive tests, including micronutrients, organic matter, or CEC analysis, may cost more. When you hire Portage Turf Specialists, soil testing is included in our lawn care package. We analyze your soil and customize treatments to give your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive.

Why Consider Organic Lawn Care in Ohio?

Organic lawn care is safer for children, pets, and wildlife, eliminating exposure to harsh chemicals. It also supports sustainable landscaping practices, reducing reliance on synthetic products and encouraging biodiversity.

By using natural fertilizers and products, organic methods improve soil health, support beneficial microbes, and promote thicker, healthier grass. They also reduce chemical runoff, protecting Ohio’s waterways and local ecosystems.

At Portage Turf Specialists, we offer a 100% Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certified organic lawn care program tailored to Ohio’s unique climate and soil conditions. Our approach focuses on building healthy soil naturally to create a lush, green lawn that’s safe for your family and the environment.

Call us to get a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote today. We serve homes in Ravenna, OH, and nearby areas, including Kent, Streetsboro, Aurora, Stow, and Tallmadge. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lawn care soil testing essential?

Lawn care soil testing identifies nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, and other issues, so you can apply the right treatments and achieve a healthy, green lawn.

How to test your lawn soil?

To test your lawn soil, collect samples from different areas of your lawn (4–6 inches deep), mix them thoroughly, and send the sample to a professional lab or use a DIY soil test kit for quick results.

How long are soil reports good for?

Soil reports are typically accurate for 2–3 years. After that, it’s a good idea to retest as nutrient levels and pH may change over time.