Lawn Care Advice > Soil Testing Services
Soil Testing Services
Steps for Taking Soil Samples
- In 6-8 different areas of your lawn, with a small hand shovel, dig down 4-5 inches.
- Pull the 4-5 inches of dirt out of the ground in all 6-8 areas.
- Place all dirt into a Turf and Gardening Store soil sample bag. You can pick these up at any of our stores. (Click here for store locations.)
If you don't have a sample bag, use a plastic zip-loc bag. - No grass is needed. Take grass out of dirt and only put dirt in the TAGS sample bag.
- If you have a relatively large lawn and would like to sample multiple areas, repeat steps 1-4 in the desired areas. Many people like to sample both the front and back lawn to get see if there are differences.
- Bring your soil sample(s) into either one of our stores.
- In 5-7 business days, The Turf and Gardening store will have your soil analysis results.
What Does The Turf and Gardening Store Analyze?
- pH: pH is the measurement of acidity or alkalinity in your soil. The level of pH is critical to establishing and maintaing an attractive lawn.
- Organic matter: Important because it helps with drainage and nutrient holding capacity.
- Phosphorous: Important because it promotes resistance to disease and increases wear tolerance.
- Calcium: Important because it affects soil pH.
- Magnesium: Important because it affects soil pH.
- Other micronutrients
Our Recommendations from Your Results
- Applications to remedy any deficiencies or problems in the areas tested.
- The amount of nitrogen needed per 1,000 sq.ft. per year.
How to Retrieve Your Results
- Call our office for a phone consultation.
- Provide us your e-mail address, and we can e-mail the results and our suggestions to you.
- Visit our store for a consultation. (We recommend that you call in advance to make sure your results are in.)