Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Fertilization
At Master Gardener Lawn Care, we believe that great lawns start with great soil. That’s why we offer professional soil testing services for our lawn care clients throughout Macomb County, Michigan.
To ensure the highest level of accuracy, we send all soil samples to Michigan State University’s Soil Testing Lab. The cost of this service is $45, which includes collecting soil samples from your property, sending them to MSU, and reviewing the results with you to fine-tune your fertilization program.
If you prefer to do it yourself, you can contact the MSU Extension Office in Macomb or Oakland County to request a home kit. If you choose this option, we encourage you to share the results with us so we can adjust your program accordingly.
Why Soil Testing Matters
The best lawns in Michigan have one thing in common: balanced, nutrient-rich soil. A soil test takes the guesswork out of lawn care by showing exactly what your turf needs — and what it doesn’t.
With a soil test, you’ll discover:
- Your soil’s pH level (acidic, neutral, or alkaline)
- Nutrient deficiencies (like phosphorus, potassium, magnesium)
- Organic matter content (vital for soil health)
- Soil texture and salinity
- And much more
This information helps you avoid over-fertilizing, underfeeding, or applying the wrong nutrients altogether.
What’s Measured in a Professional Soil Test?
- Organic Matter
- pH (acidity/alkalinity)
- Available Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium
- Calcium and Hydrogen
- Sulfur
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Iron
- Copper
- Boron
- Sodium Bicarbonate Phosphorus
- Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
What We Look Closely At
Two of the most essential values we monitor for your lawn:
1. Soil pH
- A pH above 7.0 means the soil is alkaline or “sweet” and may need amendments like sulfur to bring it back into balance.
- A pH below 7.0 is more acidic and may require lime to raise it.
- The ideal pH range for turf is 6.5 to 6.8.
⚠️ Important: Many lawns in our area test too high in pH. Don’t apply lime unless a soil test confirms you need it. If pH is too high, we may recommend gypsum instead to reduce alkalinity.
2. Organic Matter
- In newer developments (homes less than 10 years old) and areas with clay subsoil, organic matter is often very low.
- Low organic matter = poor turf performance, weak roots, and reduced resilience.
- We have a few “Master Gardener secrets” that can help boost organic content and improve your soil structure.
How Soil Testing Works
- We visit your property and take soil samples from key areas
- The samples are shipped to Michigan State University
- Within a few weeks, you’ll receive easy-to-read results
- We go over the report with you and customize your fertilization plan
Serving Macomb County Homeowners
Master Gardener Lawn Care provides professional core aeration services in:
- Macomb Township
- Shelby Township
- Washington Township
- Chesterfield Township
- New Baltimore
- Clinton Township
- Warren
- and Sterling Heights
Get Your Soil Tested Today
Let’s build a healthier lawn from the ground up. Request a Soil Test today and take the first step toward better results with every application.
