Improving The Soil Of Your Los Angeles Lawn With Amendments

While Los Angeles and the entire Southern California region are extremely beautiful, especially along the coastline, the truth is that its soil is dry, and it lacks important nutrients. Both the lack of rain and the clay soil that is present in the region make working with Los Angeles soil difficult.

However, with the right soil amendments and nutrients, you’ll be able to enjoy a green, healthy lawn over a longer period of time. If you need lawn care in Los Angeles, Aerations Plus is your local solution. With over 25 years of experience in the lawn care industry, we have helped LA residents and homeowners to save money, irrigate less, and achieve the best results for their lawns and gardens. Get started with a free quote today!

Types Of Soil Amendments

Before we dive into the different types of soil amendments for Los Angeles lawns, it is important to understand a few basics. Like, what are soil amendments in the first place?

Soil amendments are materials that improve the delivery method of important nutrients that your grass needs in order to grow. They allow water and any supplements to reach the roots evenly and thoroughly. Soil amendments can be organic, like compost, and they can also help your grass achieve the right pH balance. 

Some types of soil amendments for Los Angeles lawns include:

• Garden soil: A soil amendment for in-ground use. Garden soil improves aeration and the retention of moisture. 
• Sphagnum peat moss: This material absorbs water and releases it slowly as the water reaches the roots. It helps lighten the Southern California clay soil and adds mass to sandy soil. 
• Composted manure: This organic soil amendment enriches the soil and improves aeration and moisture retention. 
• Mushroom compost: This amendment contains straw, peat moss, and other organic components. 
• Topsoil: Fills holes in your lawn and can help level the ground.
• Gypsum: Helps provide calcium and sulfur to the soil. It also improves aeration and moisture retention.
• Lime: This amendment helps with calcium and magnesium absorption as well as increases pH levels in highly acidic soil.

In order to properly add any of the amendments listed above to your Los Angeles lawn, it is important first to test and understand your soil’s pH level as well as its characteristics. 

How Soil Amendments Adjust Soil pH And Texture

Having the right pH is key to maintaining a nourished and vibrant lawn in Los Angeles. Since the pH will determine how efficiently nutrients are absorbed by the grass, it is important to test your soil to understand what it needs. 

Soil amendments in Los Angeles adjust the soil pH and texture, as they primarily improve aeration, help with moisture and nutrient retention, and promote efficient drainage. With improved aeration, the roots will be able to get all of the water and nutrients they need to grow stronger and more beautiful, growing evenly and fighting off weeds. If the pH in the soil is too acidic (less than 7), soil amendments can help to bring the pH to one that promotes healthy growth (between 6 and 7).

Before you use amendments to change your Los Angeles lawn’s soil pH and texture, you will need to test your soil. A professional lawn care company can help you do this properly. Aeration Plus can help you get started – reach out today for a free quote!

When And How Often To Apply Soil Amendments

You can use soil amendments for your lawn in Los Angeles any time of the year. However, it is recommended to apply soil amendments either at the beginning of the year or as you prepare the garden for the winter months.

While you can try to Do-It-Yourself, it is more effective and efficient to leave soil amendments to a professional lawn care company. If the soil amendments aren’t properly mixed and applied, you could end up with a bigger problem down the line.

Contact Aerations Plus With All Your Soil Amendment Questions

Aerations Plus can help you achieve a beautiful, green Los Angeles lawn by applying only the best soil amendments that have what your lawn needs. For over 25 years, we have helped LA homeowners to grow lush and healthy lawns and gardens that thrive amid our dry SoCal weather. Using top-of-the-line equipment, our technicians will work hard to ensure you get your desired results. Contact us today to get a free quote or to learn more about our lawn care services in Los Angeles!