What is Lime?
Lime is from limestone rock. It has many uses, but it is mainly used as a fertilizer because it is rich in magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate.
The soil’s pH increases when lime is added to it. An increase in pH level makes the soil more alkaline and less acidic.
Lime is not a fertilizer. Its primary function is to reduce the acidity of soil and increase your lawn’s ability to absorb nutrients and minerals from the soil.
A pH level of 3.0 means soil is acidic. Grass cannot grow well with this soil condition. Lawn lime needs to be added to raise or balance the pH level and make it less acidic.
A pH level of 5 is more acidic than soil with a pH level of 6. Soil with a PH level of 6 is more acidic than soil with a pH level of 7. Just like most plants, your lawn will grow better on slightly acidic soil.
Before applying lawn lime, it is best to know your lawn’s soil pH or its level of acidity. Soil needs to be slightly acidic. It needs to be acidic enough to absorb nutrients and fertilizers to keep your grass growing.
How Long After Lawn Treatment Is It Safe for Dogs And Other Pets?
In general, lime is not as toxic as you think it is. Over time, the ground will absorb the lime, and once this happens, your dog can be free to play on your lawn without any danger or risks.
Lime powder is absorbed quicker by the soil than lime pellets. Large quantities of lime powder, however, can be messy on your lawn. Dust and residue from the lime powder may set in areas where your dog loves to use it.
Using lime pellets is the safest and easiest way to apply lime to your lawn. They are also safe for your dogs.
It takes about two to three years after application for the lime and soil to completely react with each other and alter the earth’s acidity.
Some benefits of the application of lime, though, can be seen within the first few months.
Over time, the ground will absorb the lime. Once lime has been fully absorbed, your dog is free to play on your lawn.
Remember that allowing your dog to play in the lawn scattered with undissolved lime powder or pellets is extremely dangerous and harmful.
While exposure to lime will not make your dog seriously ill, it is still best not to allow your dog to run around the lawn that has been spread by lime during the first few months from application.
Any form of lime can cause lung, eye, and skin irritation; thus, lime should be allowed to fully integrate into the soil before people and animals should be on the lawn.
Different Types of Lime
Lawn lime is available in different forms. Each type of lime is designed for a specific use.
Caustic Lime
Caustic lime or quicklime works faster but may cause some skin irritation on people and pets. It is, therefore, not your best option if you have pets.
Non-Caustic Lime
Non-caustic lime is considered non-toxic, but it does not mean it is super safe to use around people and pets. When a substance or material is non-toxic, it means it does not cause severe illness or death, but just the same, it can be harmful. Non-caustic lime comes in dust form, making them easy to be inhaled and blown by the wind.
Lime Pellets
Lime pellets are the safest and most straightforward type of lime to use on your lawn. This type of lawn lime is often used in modest yards. However, it can be more challenging to estimate the number of pellets to apply to a lawn.