When should you not apply lime?

Author: Brigitte Baumbach  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Lime should only be applied to a dry lawn, and never to a lawn that is dormant, wilted, or stressed.

Do you water before or after applying lime?

You can also apply lime in early spring. Don't apply lime when your lawn is frost-covered or wilted. And always water the lawn after applying the lime to wash the lime off the grass blades and allow it to make contact with the soil.

When should you not put lime on your lawn?

The middle of summer is the worst time to lime your lawn. High heat can negatively affect the chemical process and cause the pH levels in your soil to become further imbalanced. You should also avoid liming your lawn when there is a danger of frost.

What precautions should be taken when using lime?

Eye protection (chemical goggles, safety glasses and/or face shield) should be worn where there is a risk of lime exposure. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with lime products. Skin Hazards—Lime can cause irritation and burns to unprotected skin, especially in the presence of moisture.

Is it OK to put lime down in the summer?

Remember that wilted or dormant grass and frosted-over lawns won't take in the lime very well, so too early in the spring or too late in the fall isn't the best time to lime your lawn. Applying lime to a lawn in summer is very common, as that's the optimal time to apply quite a few types of fertilizer.

How and When to Lime?

How to tell if your lawn needs lime?

In this article, we'll cover:
  1. Signs your lawn needs lime. Yellowing grass. Invasion of certain weeds. Patchy or slow growth. Excessive thatch. Poor response to fertilizer. Soil test results indicate low pH.
  2. FAQ about adding lime to lawns.

Is it OK to put lime in hot water?

Warm lime water on an empty stomach early in the morning helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Digestion improves, heartburn is reduced and it helps in the process of elimination. Lemon juice has citric acid, which helps the enzymes to function better.

Can dogs walk on grass with lime?

According to Virginia State University, calcitic and dolomitic lime are nontoxic to humans, wildlife and pets. However, because all types of lime dust can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin, you should wait until the application of lime has been incorporated into the soil before using your yard.

What happens if you put down too much lime?

But when too much calcium is applied by over-liming, so much pore space can result that the soil dries out much easier than before. So you can lose efficiency of water use, whether it's from rainfall or irrigation, if you over-lime your soils.

Will lime make grass greener?

If you're adding fertilizer to the soil to no avail, check your pH values. High acidity may be the culprit. In these situations, lime can help create the deep green look you're after.

Should I fertilize or lime first?

His advice: You'll sidestep even the possible minor consequences by fertilizing first, then watering it in or waiting for a rain before applying lime.

Does rain wash away lime?

Lime works by reacting with soil particles to raise pH levels. However, when there is excessive rainfall, the lime can be quickly diluted and washed away from the soil surface before it has a chance to interact with the soil. This can result in uneven distribution and reduced effectiveness of the lime application.

What is the best month to lime your lawn?

6. What's the best time to apply lime? Fall and spring are generally the best times to lime lawns. Fall has an added advantage, as rain, snow and cycles of freezing and thawing help lime break down and begin to work.

Can I put lime and fertilizer down at the same time?

To save you time (and likely money), it's okay to apply agricultural lime and fertilizer at the same time. The fertilizer with lime will provide an immediate supply of plant nutrients to the soil, and the lime will release slowly over time and maintain the appropriate pH balance.

What are the disadvantages of dolomitic lime?

While dolomitic lime works well if you need to raise your soil's and plants' magnesium levels, too much magnesium can cause your soil to become overly compact, deterring crop growth while also making the soil more difficult to water efficiently.

Does lime get rid of grubs?

Garden lime has many uses throughout your landscape. You can use it to control grubs, kill fungus, and amend the soil.

How long does it take for lime to work on grass?

How fast lime begins to work depends upon how bad your lawn is. That's because the amount of time that it will take to raise your soil pH depends on just how low it was. Generally speaking, it could take one to two years. It takes a full year for lime for lawns to completely break down.

Does lime fix dog urine in grass?

A: Yes, lime can help neutralize the acidity of dog urine spots.

Who should avoid lime?

The high acidic content in the lime juice may lead to digestive issues like acid reflux. Lime juice may worsen or aggravate ulcers. People suffering from kidney ailments should not consume lime juice. The acid from the juice may lead to tooth erosion by damaging the enamel leading to tooth decay and over-sensitivity.

What is lime not good for?

Inhaling lime dust may lead to irritation of breathing passages, coughing and sneezing. If ingested, lime can cause pain, vomiting, bleeding, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, collapse, and in prolonged cases, it can cause a perforation of the esophagus or stomach lining.

Can lime reduce belly fat?

Regular consumption of lime juice can aid in weight loss efforts. Lime juice is rich in flavonoid compounds, which possess potent antioxidant capabilities that stimulate metabolism. Daily intake of this drink can help regulate the body's hydration levels and facilitate the elimination of toxins.

Can you put lime on wet grass?

Use a drop or rotary spreader to effectively blanket the grass with a layer of lime — never use your hands because it can irritate the skin. This process works best when done in the early spring. But, lime should never be applied to a wet lawn, so check the forecast before planning a lime application.

What type of lime is best for lawns?

Calcitic lime is the preferred type, thanks to the added plant benefits provided by the calcium. There are several types of calcitic lime products available, including agricultural ground limestone, pulverized limestone, and pelletized limestone.

Can you over lime a lawn?

Excessively high soil pH greater than 8.01 is just as undesirable as being overly acidic. The availability of various nutrients declines at this alkalinity and may result in an unhealthy lawn. That's why it's so important not to over-lime your lawn.

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