Some basic principles are the same over the entire state. All lawn plantings should be preceded by a soil test. It is impossible to tell what the existing fertility level of a soil is by looking at it. Having the proper fertility level is very important to the success of any planting. Residents of North Carolina are fortunate to have a free service such as provided by the Agronomic Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Some states now charge a fee for soil fertility testing yet provide less information.
Soil sampling information and supplies are available in each county at the Cooperative Extension Service office. We will now assume that you have taken a soil sample and received the test report back in the mail. For lawns, gardens and ornamentals, the recommendations will be given in pounds of lime and pounds of a particular grade of fertilizer to be applied per 1000 square feet. Multiply the width of the area to be treated times the length of the area to determine the square footage. The grade of fertilizer suggested may be unfamiliar to some people.