A struggling lawn doesn’t always result from poor watering or low-quality seed. More often, the problem starts with the soil itself. Your turf’s base could be compacted, deficient in nutrients, or have the incorrect pH levels.
Due to this, grassroots might be unable to access the essentials they need to grow strong and green. A solution to this is to add substances scientifically proven to be better for your lawn, such as soil amendments.
These improve soil structure, boost nutrient availability, and support healthier root systems. This guide will teach you about the best soil amendments for promoting lawn growth and how to use them effectively to improve your soil health naturally.
Unlike fertilizers, which feed your grass, soil amendments improve the soil’s condition. They address common issues such as compaction, poor drainage, or nutrient imbalance, enabling your lawn to absorb the necessary nutrients for strong and healthy growth.
When used correctly, soil amendments can:
1. Maintain a balanced soil pH within the ideal range for turfgrass, typically 5.5 to 6.5.
2. Loosen dense, compacted soil to support root development.
3. Improve drainage in heavy clay or moisture retention in sandy soil.
4. Encourage beneficial soil organisms, such as fungi and earthworms.
5. Increase the soil’s ability to hold nutrients over time.
6. Add essential nutrients when needed.
Improving the soil under an established lawn takes more effort than prepping a new one, but it’s worth it. And it begins with learning about and selecting the right amendments for your soil.
Not all soil amendments serve the same purpose for improving your lawn’s health. The right choice depends on your soil’s needs. Typically, soil amendments are classified into three functional types:
Identifying if your soil lacks structure, balance, or nutrients can help you select amendments that strengthen the soil and support lasting lawn growth.
Soil texture plays a significant role in the movement of water, air, and nutrients through the ground. Depending on your lawn’s soil type (sandy, clay-heavy, or silty), improving its structure is the first step toward healthier, deeper root growth.
Sandy soil drains quickly and struggles to hold water or nutrients. The goal is to enhance moisture and nutrient retention without compromising soil structure.
Consider adding the following amendments to sandy soil:
Clay soil retains water but often becomes compacted, leading to poor aeration and drainage. The right amendments break up dense clumps and open the soil for airflow.
Here are some options to consider:
Silty soil has fine particles that hold moisture well, which can lead to poor drainage and erosion. To remedy this, you’ll want to make the soil more stable and aerated.
Consider these some soil amendment options for silty soil:
Improving your soil’s texture helps create the right conditions for roots to grow, nutrients to circulate, and moisture to stay balanced. Even complex soil types can support a lush, healthy lawn with the right amendments.
If you recently had a soil test done and your soil doesn’t have the proper pH levels, amendments can help rectify that, too.
The pH level of your soil plays a crucial role in determining how well turfgrass can absorb essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can lock up these nutrients and weaken your lawn, even if you’re fertilizing regularly.
Turfgrasses generally prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Staying within this range makes nutrients available and supports healthy roots and vigorous grass growth.
Refer to the table below to know what different pH ranges mean for your soil:
Acidic soils often lack key nutrients and may have harmful levels of certain metals. To raise the pH and make the soil more suitable for grass, use:
When soil becomes too alkaline, nutrients such as iron and manganese become more difficult for grass to absorb.
To lower pH and restore balance, try:
Matching your soil pH to your grass type ensures better growth and color. Use the table below as a quick reference:
Maintaining a healthy soil pH is one of the most crucial steps you can take for long-term lawn health. With the right soil amendments, you can create the ideal environment for grass to thrive, absorb nutrients effectively, and remain green throughout the seasons.
If you don’t want chemical fertilizers and are seeking an eco-friendly alternative, soil amendments that boost fertility are also available.
Sometimes, your lawn isn’t lacking water or sunlight, but it’s starving for nutrients. That’s where fertility-enhancing soil amendments come in.
These organic materials replenish vital nutrients and enhance soil biology, enabling grass to grow thicker, greener, and stronger.
A good fertility amendment does more than just feed your lawn. It also enriches the soil with secondary nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals, that support long-term lawn health.
Refer to the following table for a glance at soil amendments that boost fertility:
Choosing the right nutrient-rich amendment depends on the results of your soil test. If your lawn is pale or patchy, or growth has slowed, nutrient imbalances could be the cause.
Once you’ve identified your lawn’s weak spots, improving the soil is a straightforward three-step process.
Before applying anything, get your soil tested. Look for signs like poor drainage, thin growth, or yellowing. Use a DIY kit for basic pH and NPK results, or send a sample to a Cooperative Extension lab for detailed insights.
Select amendments based on:
Tailoring the amendment to these factors ensures better results and avoids overcorrection.
The application process will vary depending on whether you're working with a brand-new lawn or improving an existing one.
Here is what you need to do for each:
If you’re starting from scratch, incorporating soil amendments before planting gives your grass the best foundation to thrive.
Here’s how to prep your soil properly:
Improving soil under existing grass requires a gentler approach, but it can still deliver excellent results.
Follow these steps to refresh your lawn without tearing it up:
These steps will create healthier soil supporting strong roots, efficient water use, and long-lasting turf growth.
A lush, healthy lawn starts below the surface. If your grass is struggling, the issue likely isn’t your watering schedule or mowing habits. More often, the real problem is the soil.
Compacted layers, poor drainage, low nutrients, or unbalanced pH can prevent grass from growing properly. The right soil amendments fix these issues and create the conditions for your lawn to thrive.
Targeted amendments restore balance, improve structure, and support long-term soil health.
If you're in Buffalo, Amherst, or Cheektowaga and dealing with patchy spots, discolored grass, or stubborn soil that won’t support growth, Percy’s Lawn Care is here to help. We’ve been restoring lawns across Western New York since 1999.
As a second-generation, family-owned business, we bring decades of experience and eco-conscious methods to every yard we treat. From balancing soil pH to applying the right organic amendments, our team provides free on-site consultations, tailored solutions, and expert service for lasting results.
Contact Percy’s Lawn Care today and bring your lawn back to life.
1. Will adding sand improve drainage in clay soil?
No. While it may seem like a quick fix, adding sand to clay soil can worsen the problem. The mix often creates a dense, concrete-like structure that further restricts drainage. Use compost, gypsum, or perlite instead to safely improve the texture of clay.
2. Can soil amendments add nutrients to the soil?
Yes. While not all amendments are fertilizers, many organic options, such as compost, aged manure, and kelp, also provide nutrients. They improve the structure and feed your lawn gradually over time.
3. What’s the difference between soil amendments and mulch?
Soil amendments are incorporated into the soil to enhance properties such as pH, drainage, and fertility. Mulch is applied on the surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. Some materials, such as compost or shredded leaves, can serve as both depending on their intended use.
4. What’s the best type of soil amendment?
Organic matter is the most versatile and effective amendment for most soil types. Compost, worm castings, peat moss, and humus enhance fertility, improve soil structure, and foster microbial activity. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure what your lawn needs.
5. Can I use multiple amendments at once?
Yes, but only if they address different issues. For example, adding compost can improve fertility, while gypsum can help break up clay soil. Always base your choices on soil test results and avoid overapplying any material.
6. How often should I apply soil amendments?
That depends on the condition of your lawn and the type of amendment. Compost can be applied once or twice a year, while lime or sulfur for pH adjustment is needed every few years. Regular soil testing helps you stay on track.
