Spring Lawn Care: Soil Testing Key Before Feeding

Experts say getting a soil test is the first and most important step for a healthy lawn this season.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Before applying any lawn fertilizers or additives, homeowners should first get a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of their soil. Soil testing helps identify what the lawn actually needs, rather than blindly applying products, which can lead to overfertilization and runoff issues. The article explains how to properly conduct a soil test through the local cooperative extension service and how to interpret the results to create a tailored lawn care plan.

Why it matters

Skipping the soil test and just applying lawn products can be a waste of money and potentially harmful to the environment. Knowing the specific soil conditions allows homeowners to target the right nutrients and amendments, leading to a healthier lawn that requires fewer inputs. This helps save money, reduces chemical runoff, and promotes more sustainable lawn care practices.

The details

The article outlines the key steps for getting a proper soil test: contacting the local cooperative extension service, collecting soil samples from around the lawn, mailing the samples off, and then interpreting the results which provide guidance on ideal pH levels and the right fertilizer formulation. It also covers other important spring lawn care tasks like aerating, dethatching, and overseeding bare spots.

  • Soil tests can be conducted at any time, but spring is an ideal season to get the results and apply any necessary amendments.
  • Applying lime or sulfur to adjust soil pH, as well as spreading the recommended fertilizer, is best done in the spring when frequent rains will help the products absorb into the soil.

The players

Frank Rossi

Associate professor of horticulture at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science.

Dan DiClerico

Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping.

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What they’re saying

“What soil testing does well is tell you what you don't need to add, saving you money and protecting local waterways from runoff.”

— Frank Rossi, Associate professor of horticulture

“A soil test is a smart tool, but it's not a magic wand.”

— Frank Rossi, Associate professor of horticulture

What’s next

After receiving the soil test results, homeowners should follow the specific recommendations for adjusting pH levels and applying the right fertilizer formulation. They should also plan to aerate, dethatch, and overseed their lawn in early spring.

The takeaway

Getting a soil test is the critical first step for any homeowner looking to improve their lawn this spring. It provides the necessary data to create a targeted, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly lawn care plan, rather than blindly applying products that could do more harm than good.