Why it needs to be your #1 To-Do
The soil in Metrolina is really troublesome- depending on where you live, it can be heavy clay, crappy builder-grade fill dirt, loam, or most likely a mix of all three. You’ll likely notice that after a heavy rain it’s soggy with a bunch of run off, then in the heat of the summer it bakes into a rock-hard pan. On top of that, our pH can be all over the map. Because of all of this variability, organic matter and nutrients wildly differ from lawn to lawn. The bottom line: no two lawns in our area are equal, which is why a generic approach to lawn care doesn’t work well (and why I fired my lawn service).
Soil testing must be your first move. It pinpoints exactly what your specific lawn is and needs, under the surface—no more guessing, no more wasted product, just a clear path to a healthier, tougher turf.
Why Test Your Soil?
- Your soil’s pH and nutrient levels directly affect how well your grass grows.
- Our clay-heavy Charlotte soils can be acidic, low in organic matter, or missing key nutrients.
- Without a test, you’re guessing. Even the best fertilizer can’t fix the wrong problem.
When Should You Test?
- Best time: Late January, before the growing season starts.
- Test before making any major changes—like overseeding, applying lime, or fixing problem areas.
What Do You Need?
- Gallon Ziplock Baggies
- Small trowel
- Soil sample boxes or bags (the York county extension office has them)
- Permanent marker