Lime raises the pH of acidic soil. A soil test tells you how much to apply per 1,000 sq ft; enter that rate and your lawn area to get the pounds and bags to buy.
Lime formula
Pounds = area (sq ft) ÷ 1,000 × rate (lb per 1,000 sq ft) Bags = pounds ÷ bag size, rounded up
Worked example: a 5,000 sq ft lawn at 50 lb per 1,000 sq ft
- 5,000 ÷ 1,000 = 5.
- 5 × 50 = 250 lb, or 5 bags of 50 lb.
Get a soil test first
The right rate depends on your soil’s pH, its texture and the lime product, so there is no single correct amount. A soil test from your county extension office gives a recommendation for your lawn. West Virginia University Extension advises against applying more than 150 lb of lime per 1,000 sq ft in a single application; larger amounts should be split over time.
Pounds of lime by lawn size
| Lawn | At 25 lb/1,000 | At 50 lb/1,000 | At 100 lb/1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 25 | 50 | 100 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 63 | 125 | 250 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 125 | 250 | 500 |
| 10,000 sq ft | 250 | 500 | 1,000 |
| 20,000 sq ft | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
Questions
How much lime per 1,000 sq ft?
Only a soil test can say. Apply what the test recommends, and no more than 150 lb per 1,000 sq ft at once.
When should I apply lime?
Follow your extension service’s advice; fall and early spring are common times.
Pelletized or powdered?
Both work; pelletized is easier to spread. Use the rate on the soil test and the product label.
Sources
- Lawn Liming, West Virginia University Extension.
Used for: Single applications over 150 lb per 1,000 sq ft not recommended.