Soil Testing & Lime Applications
Soil Testing
Soil pH is the foundation of lawn health. In the optimal range of 6.0–6.5, nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are fully available to your grass. But when pH drifts too high or too low, those nutrients become locked up—causing weak growth, discoloration, and higher risk of disease.
That’s why testing is critical. Without it, applying lime can be a waste of money—or even harmful if your soil’s pH is already high. At Green Valley, we partner with Rutgers University’s Soil Testing Laboratory to get accurate, research-based results you can trust.
We recommend testing every three years, since fertilization and acid rain naturally lower pH over time. Our tests are done in early spring—before nutrients are applied—so you’ll know exactly what your lawn needs (and nothing it doesn’t).
How It Works
1. Soil Sample Collection: Our team visits your property in early spring before any fertilizer applications. We extract random soil samples from various locations using a specialized soil probe to get an accurate representation of your lawn’s overall condition.
2. Sample Preparation: The individual soil samples are combined and mixed to create a composite sample, providing an average pH reading for the entire lawn.
3. Professional Laboratory Analysis: We complete all necessary documentation and send the sample to the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory, a trusted facility known for its scientific accuracy and extensive research in soil health.
4. Results & Recommendations: Once results are received, we determine whether lime is necessary and provide a recommendation. If adjustments are needed, our team will implement a calibrated lime application to correct the pH over time.
Lime Applications
When soil testing reveals your pH is too low, Green Valley’s lime application provides the fix. By raising pH to the optimal range, our treatments rebalance the soil, unlock nutrients, and maximize the impact of fertilizers.
With regular lime applications—applied only when needed based on testing—your lawn stays healthier, greener, and performing at its best year after year.
Over 500+ Families in Montgomery and Princeton Townships Trust Green Valley
Barbara Bromley
Richard was one of the brightest trianees. He is very passionate about learning all the aspects of landscaping.
Montgomery Township Shade Tree Commitee
Green Valley has been such a pleasure over the years with its volunteer work at the Montgomery Arboretum. The mulching the GV Crew did this year looks excellent!
Joseph P
I have been a customer for almost 10 years, and the entire time the staff has been very responsive, and I am very pleased with the service. My neighbors even say I have the best lawn and garden in the neighborhood!
Jill T
We switched to Green Valley and are thrilled that we have. They have given us consistently high quality work and are always responsive to our changing needs. They give our property the attention it deserves. And we just love how they clear our driveway from snow in a timely manner all winter too. They are always on top of things. We couldn't be more pleased with Rich and his crews
Peter M
Green Valley is a first rate landscaping organization that is always professional, reliable and very knowledgeable. Richard makes a personal commitment to make sure you receive the best possible customer service and quality landscaping. He has often taken personal time to not only suggest particular treatments but to explain why the treatment will work best with your lawn. I have been a client of Green Valley since I moved to Cherry Valley in 2001 and Richard has always exceeded my expectations.
Becky A
The staff is knowledgeable and responsive in answering questions in detail.
Getting Started is Easy!
Step 1
Call Us or Request Your Quote Online.
Step 2
Help Us Find the Right Program for You.
Step 3
Enjoy the Benefits of Worry Free Lawn Care.
