According to Ralph Luria of Affordable Landscaping, the biggest problem with lawns in this area is that they are under-limed. Grey lime, as opposed to white lime offers the most nutrients to bring up the ph level of the soil. For under-limed lawns, Luria recommends using as much as 80 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet for your first usage in the spring. Eventually you want a lawn that has a ph level of 7 to 7.25. Ph testers are available at most home improvement stores.
Lime sweetens the lawn and raises the ph.