Gypsum Application
Poor pH level is a breeding ground for weeds, not turf grass.
A healthy lawn that has had years of Gypsum and Fertilizer applications.
What Gypsum looks like.
“Scrape and Lay” method, notice the debris, weeds, rocks, etc.
Grassy weeds that start to grow through sod after “scrape and lay” method.
An example of sand/clay soil.
Gypsum
Gypsum Application is a service where we spread a granular gypsum treatment over your lawn, which allows for a slow release of sulfur into the soil. Have you noticed areas of your turf not having the ability to sprout new grass seed? Have you noticed uneven greening-up of the turf? Are you already watering, and fertilizing, but not getting the results you’re looking for? You likely have an unbalanced pH level of your soil, and we recommend you look into a Gypsum application from Nathan’s Lawn Care.
Why is my soil pH messed up?
The whole East-Metro area has a serious soil problem, one of the main issues is the composition of the soil. The soil is almost all sand and clay, which is horrible for the preferable Kentucky Bluegrass grass seed, and other turf types. Furthermore, newer houses, that have been sodded, have an even worse pH problem. One reason due to the “scrape and lay” sodding concept. This practice reduces cost of initial sod install, and involves scraping over clay, sand, rocks, invasive weeds, unwanted grasses, small trees, and trash; then, laying new sod directly over that surface. This creates huge problems with soil pH, turf aesthetics, and weeds. The first problem, the sand/clay soil slowly starts to mix with the new sod over the years, the pH becomes incredibly unbalanced, causing areas to look brown/yellow, sad, and poor in health. The second problem starts to occur the year of sod install, and gets worse as the years go by. Due to the “scrape and lay” method, all the weeds and unwanted grasses that were “scraped”, slowly start to grow into and though the sod. This is why you notice so many new houses and new lawns looking great for the first year, and slowly progress downhill in turf ascetics as years go by. Poor soil pH creates a breeding ground for weeds to grow. And if you have a new house, or live in the area, we highly recommend looking into a gypsum application.
How do we fix the pH?
In order to start fixing the pH, we need to balance it out, we do this by applying gypsum. A granular application of gypsum is the best way to evenly applicate sulfur over a turf area. Sulfur is an essential component of plant growth, with key processes relying on sulfur like chlorophyll formation and protein production. It is often considered the fourth major nutrient behind N, P and K. Typically, Nathan’s Lawn Care’s clients see results after just one application.
Other benefits of Gypsum
Acts as a natural aerator, and helps reduce soil compaction, loosening it up.
Helps bring your soil to a neutral pH level.
Will help your grass recover and green up faster from the previous winter.
Helps prevent weeds in your lawn by leveling to a neutral pH
Better breeding ground planting/growing for turf grasses.
Will help fix/recover snow/salt damage.
Will help fix/neutralize pet stain spots.
How often should we apply Gypsum?
Nathan’s Lawn Care typically recommends one application of Gypsum per year.
~Written by experienced professionals at Nathan’s Lawn Care.