Pelletized lime is a soil amendment made of finely ground limestone, typically calcium carbonate, compressed into uniform pellets. This processing makes the material easier to handle and spread than traditional, dusty agricultural lime. Applying lime neutralizes soil acidity by raising the soil’s pH level. This adjustment allows turfgrass roots to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium more efficiently, promoting healthier growth.
Determining the Necessary Application Rate
The precise amount of pelletized lime to apply depends on a professional soil test, which measures the soil’s current acidity level. Turfgrass generally thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral range, typically between a pH of 6.0 and 6.8. When the pH drops below this range, the soil becomes too acidic, limiting nutrient availability and potentially causing yellowing or stunted growth.
Professional soil testing is the only reliable method to determine the exact amount of lime needed, often expressed in pounds per 1,000 square feet. Soil tests also provide a buffer pH, which indicates the soil’s resistance to change and helps calculate the precise lime requirement. A simple do-it-yourself pH test kit only gives the current pH, but it does not tell you the quantity of lime required to move the pH toward the target range. If the recommended rate exceeds 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet, the application should be split into two or more treatments separated by several months to avoid over-liming.
Preparing the Area and Timing the Application
The ideal time to apply pelletized lime is during the cooler seasons, typically late fall or early spring. Applying in the fall allows winter moisture and freeze-thaw cycles to help break down the pellets and incorporate the material. Spring application is also effective, giving the product time to begin working before the summer growing season.
Before spreading, mow the lawn to a normal or slightly lower height and remove large debris. The lawn surface should be dry to prevent the pellets from sticking to the grass blades, ensuring uniform distribution. Avoid application if heavy rain is forecast, as this could wash the material away or cause runoff.
The Physical Spreading Technique
Pelletized lime can be applied using either a drop spreader or a broadcast (rotary) spreader. The pelletized form flows easily through these spreaders, avoiding the dust and clogging issues associated with powdered lime. Before filling the hopper, consult the product bag for the recommended spreader setting based on the equipment model and desired application rate.
For uniform coverage, operate the spreader at a consistent speed across the lawn. The most effective technique is to apply half of the calculated amount in one direction and the remaining half in a perpendicular direction. This split application method ensures that any slight skips or overlaps are covered by the second pass. Treat the perimeter first to create a border for turning, which prevents over-application at the edges. When loading the spreader, do so on a hard surface to easily sweep up any spilled material.
Post-Application Activation and Waiting Period
Immediately after spreading, lightly water the area. This moisture helps the pellets break down quickly, allowing the finely ground limestone particles to begin reacting with the soil’s acidity and gradually raising the pH over time.
While pelletized lime is faster-acting than bulk agricultural lime, the pH adjustment is not instantaneous. The full chemical effect typically requires a waiting period of several months, often three to six months, to reach maximum impact. Do not retest the soil or apply more lime until at least six months have passed since the initial application.