Test soil every 3 years for pH and nutrient levels

What to Do

Establish a routine of testing your soil every 3 years. Test more frequently (annually) if you are actively correcting pH or building organic matter, or if your lawn has persistent problems.

Why It Works

Soil chemistry changes slowly. Testing every 3 years tracks trends and catches issues before they become visible problems. It also prevents over-application of nutrients you do not need — many lawns already have adequate phosphorus and potassium but homeowners apply complete fertilizers anyway.

Tips

• Wisconsin law restricts phosphorus application on lawns unless a soil test shows deficiency.
• Several other states (Minnesota, New York, New Jersey) have similar phosphorus restrictions.
• Keep your soil test reports to compare results over time and track improvement.