County Offers Fertilizer and Lime Check for Yards

County residents can learn how much fertilizer and lime to use on their lawns by participating in the Loudoun County Master Gardeners Grass Roots Program.

Nitrogen and phosphorus pollute our rivers and streams, but are typical lawn fertilizer ingredients, according to information provided by the Master Gardeners. When overused, such chemicals may end up in nearby streams and rivers. Algae, which feed on nitrogen availability, can grow out of control, leading to algae blooms. Such blooms use up oxygen in the water and block light. As a result, it can impact aquatic life.

Healthy lawns require fertilizer, so the Master Gardeners hope to enlighten residents about appropriate applications. Following the instructions on the fertilizer labeling is not always the solution.

Resident must first determine how much fertilizer their lawns need.

For $20, the Master Gardeners will arrive at your yard, obtain a soil sample and measure the size of your lawn. The soil sample will be sent to Virginia Tech’s lab, which will analyze it and recommend proper doses of fertilizer and lime that will not contribute to nitrogen pollution.

The Master Gardener will return that information to residents with advice about applying it to lawns.

Anyone interested in having the service performed can call the Master Gardener Volunteers’ Help Desk at 703-771-5150, or email ex107mg@vt.edu. Simply ask about the “Grass Roots Program,” and provide your name and a telephone number.
For more information about the Loudoun County Master Gardener program visit the website: www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org or call the Loudoun Extension Office at 703-777-0373.

About two-thirds of the $20 fee pays for the soil test ($10 fee plus $3 postage), while the rest pays for test probes and measuring devices/tools used to collect samples.