Why Soil Testing and pH Balance Are the Foundation of a Healthy Lawn in Monmouth & Ocean County, NJ
If you want a truly lush, green lawn, it all starts below the surface — with your soil. Many homeowners focus on fertilizing, watering, and mowing, but few realize that understanding your soil’s pH and nutrient balance is the key to long-term lawn health.
At Rich Green Lawns, we’ve been helping homeowners across Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey achieve thick, vibrant turf by starting every program with a professional soil test. Here’s why it’s the most important step in your lawn fertilization plan.
What Is Soil pH — and Why It Matters
Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is, on a scale from 0 to 14.
A pH of 7 is neutral.
Below 7 is acidic.
Above 7 is alkaline.
Most lawns in Monmouth and Ocean County thrive with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.8. When your soil’s pH falls outside this range, your grass struggles to absorb nutrients — even if you’re applying fertilizer regularly.
Acidic soil (common in coastal NJ areas) locks up nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.
Alkaline soil can trap iron and other micronutrients, causing yellow or pale grass.
That means your lawn could appear thin, patchy, or dull, even with regular care.
The Benefits of a Professional Soil Test
A soil test is like a check-up for your lawn. It tells us exactly what’s happening beneath the surface — including:
Current pH level
Micronutrient balance
Organic matter and soil composition
At Rich Green Lawns, we use this data to design a customized program that fits your soil’s exact needs. Instead of guessing, we apply the right products in the right amounts, ensuring visible results and long-term improvement.
How Soil pH Affects Lawn Fertilization
If your soil isn’t balanced, even the best fertilizers won’t perform as expected. By testing your soil before fertilization, we make sure every application works with your soil, not against it.
Here’s what we do with the results:
Low pH (acidic soil): Apply lime to neutralize acidity and raise pH.
High pH (alkaline soil): Add organic material or sulfur to improve nutrient availability.
Nutrient deficiencies: Adjust your fertilizer blend to replenish what’s missing.
This science-based approach is how we help lawns across Monmouth County and Ocean County grow greener, thicker, and healthier from the ground up.
When to Test Your Soil
The best times to test your soil is before major lawn applications. If you’re starting a new lawn program, just moved into a new home, or your lawn isn’t responding to fertilizer, it’s time for a soil test.
We recommend retesting every 2–3 years to track improvements and make ongoing adjustments for optimal results.
Local Expertise You Can Trust
At Rich Green Lawns, we understand the unique soil and weather conditions found throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County — from the sandy coastal soils near Point Pleasant and Brick, to the heavier clay soils inland in Freehold, Jackson, and Toms River.
Our soil testing and lawn fertilization programs are tailored to local conditions, ensuring your lawn gets exactly what it needs to thrive in the New Jersey Shore climate.
A healthy, beautiful lawn starts with healthy soil. Don’t guess — test!
Get Started with a Soil Test Today
Call Rich Green Lawns today to schedule your professional soil test and custom lawn fertilization program in Monmouth or Ocean County.
📞 732-370-5963
🌐 www.richgreenlawns.com
Proudly serving: Freehold • Toms River • Brick • Howell • Jackson • Wall • Colts Neck • Point Pleasant • Manasquan • and surrounding areas.