BEFORE You Apply ANYTHING To Your Lawn...Watch This // Lawn Care Step 1

Before you apply anything to your lawn this season, step 1 is one of the most important steps of all!
Soil testing is essential to a lawn care journey, and I know it seems complicated and like too much work for beginners, but even if you only gain one thing from this video it would be to understand your soil pH so you can make good decisions about your lawn going forward. The fertilizers you use and other things you might add to your soil (like lime or sulfur) are all based on knowing what makes up your soil before you apply anything at all. Here's a step by step and some basics to reading a soil test!
I used Waypoint Analytical to perform this soil test - www.waypointanalytical.com/Ho...
At the location in Iowa the cost is under $20 including tax
Other testing options
www.wardlab.com/
www.spectrumanalytic.com/
Find out more about what Ryan Demay is up to HERE -
Field Source Ohio - fieldsourceohio.com/
The Ultimate Guide to Cool Season Lawn Renovation and Overseeding - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
The Ultimate Guide To Cool Season Lawns - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Brand New Lawn Leveling Tool - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
Soil probe - amzn.to/2xdbXge
Black Gloves - amzn.to/2WLvpeP
Fertilizer options coming soon! - www.lawnsupplycompany.com
Molasses - amzn.to/3vGxasu
Gypsum - amzn.to/2Pfs4CG
Need help with your lawn? Check out my FREE Guide - ryanknorrlawncare.com/simplel...
For those asking about grass seed, here’s what I recommend - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
Simple Lawn Solutions
Get 5% off ANY Simple Lawn Solutions product on Amazon with code ryanknorr at checkout - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care “Lawn Essentials” Box on Amazon - amzn.to/2v3kzVF
Learn something from this video and want to help support me directly?
My website - ryanknorrlawncare.com
Join Our Community - / ryanknorrlawncare
My Other Merch Store - bit.ly/2LRDPYF
Paypal - www.paypal.me/ryanknorr
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Podcast - www.ryanknorrlawncare.com/pod...
Looking for music heard in the videos??
open.spotify.com/user/ryankno...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Products and Camera Equipment I use in my lawn can be found here www.amazon.com/shop/ryanknorrtv
Wonder how I achieve the look of low cut turf?
Learn all about the Swardman Reel Mower!! - www.ryanknorrlawncare.com/swa...
Great Place to Purchase Lawn Products - shrsl.com/129zc
Sprayer I use - Sprayers Plus 105Ex
Referral URL: www.sprayers-plus.com/ref/rya...
Coupon Code: Get free shipping with code - goelectric
Amazon - amzn.to/2SmvfZq
Kujo Yard Shoes Promo Code - Save 10% on a pair of shoes
www.kujo.com/?ref=ryanknorr
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Find me on Social Media-
/ ryanknorrlawncare
/ ryanknorr
/ ryanknorr (My Music, Vlogs, etc)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to learn how I became a lawn care youtuber? - • The Ryan Knorr Lawn Ca...
Learn how to renovate your lawn from start to finish - • Lawn Renovation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Link to the lab I used for testing can be found in the description or other options as well. Thanks for watching!

[@markdepaolo5058]

Great video Ryan, how much soil did you actually send for analysis in the plugs you pulled, 1- 1 1/2 cups?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

@@markdepaolo5058 I'd say that's a pretty good estimate

[@m.p.2482]

GREAT VID!!!! I usually think that vids that say "Before you do this...watch this vid!!!!!" are suspect and usually underwhelming. But this is a great vid with expert commentary and advise without any fluff or straight up opinion. I'm actually glad I did watch this before I started my fert apps. Thanks Ryan.

[@bbtank3000]

Did mine through Waypoint last week. Let's just say I need to lay off Phosphorus for a year. I'm maxed out.

[@bryankosidowski6370]

This was awesome!! Watching the 2 of you makes me want to get a degree in turf management. Totally nerding out here!!

[@gazzydoesntknow]

Love these deep dives. Thanks so much guys!

[@seminole715]

I loved the show, thank you both vey much! I should get my test back today and will use this for reference.

[@mattmason9688]

Hello from Pa! Was out all day detaching my lawn and spraying pre emergents. Soil temps at about 47. Can’t wait to throw down some more seed!

[@AmandanLeeloo]

Awesome video, Ryan! Definitely saving this to go back to once I do my soil testing. Thanks!

[@superboat22]

Woohoo just my test kit in today, ive been battling my lawn for awhile (new home owner) of 3 years. Now first year I had 130 yards of top soil drop to bring up grade, I listened to the big box stores and old timers with lime and the lawn turned into a weed paradise... last year I found ryans videos and purchased the book late into the season. Found landscaper supply and follow the book. Completely did a renovation and followed his guide and I had the best looking lawn on the block, thick deep green grass 😀👌 had some spots burn up a little in dead of summer but this year im ready to improve and learn!! Thank you!!

[@StephaneDurand]

Awesome explanation! More of this kind of video... Love to learn about soil test 👍

[@botting_made_ez]

Ever since I been watching you my grass is so green

[@rymaster4385]

Great info here, awesome content. Thank you for doing this guys!

[@sllim126]

Finally biting the bullet this year to actually get the solid test done. I was asked by som neighbors to help them with their yards, and would test are getting sent off this weekend! Thanks!

[@jnorth9702]

Thank you for all of your great tips!

[@daveclark6324]

Very helpful information and thanks for the suggestions on how to fix the individual attributes of the soil. 👍

[@YardGuy]

Just took my sample yesterday, getting it in the mail this week.

[@docsteve309]

Thanks Ryans!...soilcology at its finest👏👏👍☮️

[@FreedomRock44]

Thanks Ryan & Ryan!!!!!!!! Good info.

[@MichaelRei99]

Great video Ryan ! I definitely need to get my soil checked!!

[@wise9022]

I might have to try one of these tests this year.

[@mesoed]

Big thank you for this. I'm really focusing in on my pH this year, which is up to 7.7 (up a 0.1 each of the last 3 years). Now if only it was as easy to pull cores out as you.

[@danillescas5327]

This is some good stuff, thanks for all the details

[@jeffpoplin558]

Very informative. Thanks guys!

[@tonybowman32]

Great information., Ryan is the man. He is a full of knowledge,. Thanks for this Ryan!

[@willsmitt3862]

Thanks! The deeper dive and explaining how to read the soil test was so helpful.

[@caseygrams5314]

Great video. I just did my soil test.

[@Chris-jh3tg]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@jonhawkins2374]

Thanks for the info , can't wait until next video.

[@jimbarnes9222]

I have similar Midwest soil in KS and this video helped me so much. Thank you!

[@WCTVideos48]

Love the videos!!

[@jeff.schulze]

Good stuff Ryan!

[@Lawnvolution]

RD, I’m diggn the Field Source hat. 👍

[@TheMarialm66]

I did my soil test on March 3rd. I might of done it a little early but the probe went in and we were having a stretch of nice weather. Anxious to see my ph level. I’m trying to get it raised with JG thanks for the video

[@terrywatts1060]

Great info as usual

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

I like using a soil test as a map. It is a map showing you where you are and you know where you're traveling to. However, there are many different routes to get to that final destination on the map. So you have to choose which route you're going to take. And if you make a mistake you can get back onto your route and continue going. Again I consider soil tests a map. Of where you are and where you're going. And you choose the route.

[@watsonrk1able]

Great video!

[@jeremyaddy3837]

Last year I applied product willy nilly. This year I am going to take Ryan's advice and send in a soil test. The soil was muddy from recent heavy snow. When getting core samples, there was only about 2" of mud in the probe after putting it 6" in the ground. I am not sure if it is the probe or what. I had to scrape the mud out of the probe, but I managed to get enough required for the test. Hopefully, I didn't mess up the test. Thanks for the great videos!

[@chadmuellner7094]

Thanks Awesome video 👍

[@daza2020]

Never seems to amaze me how people don’t do PH Test !!! BUT want to ask what. To use on their lawn WOW 🤩 🇦🇺

[@KohlMcAlexander0320]

I literally just said to myself, "I hope there's a Ryan Knorr video tonight. And want do you know it happened

[@linktess]

Ctually, it’s someone else doing the video

[@deboraharmstrong3011]

I wish I had him on my first call list!

[@robwright3064]

Very good info! Tackle it in small steps and, over time it will all come together. Forgot about gypsum. Curious where to source molasses and what forms it’s available in.

[@jordanterrier123]

Ryan I applied fertilizer too early and stressed out my grass it’s a very light lime green. WHAT DO I DO??? How long should I wait before applying anything?

[@b1gdave514]

Did mine about 3 weeks ago..i used waypoint..guys its simple.and only cost 16.50 (here in va) per lab analysis..get it done..awesome vid Ryan..forgot to say..its usually next day results..unless dropped off on a friday..

[@sethwilson6321]

Hey Ryan! So glad the lawn videos are starting up again! Question for you, im looking to get a shed and I really like yours, I wondering what size is it? And if applicable where or whom did you purchase it from! Thanks! 😀

[@fredharris1049]

I love your videos. Thank you so much for the information. It's pretty warm here in Michigan for March. It's going to be in the 60's all week, including high 60's on Monday and Tuesday. The lows are going to be mostly in the upper 30's, low 40's for the next couple of weeks. Soil temps are spiking intraday above 55 fahrenheit. I checked Greencast and typically the average soil temp reaches 55 by April 18th in my area based on the 5 year average. Should I wait before I apply Barricade, or should I consider applying it now while soil temps are spiking above 55?

[@Lawnvolution]

Yes! Just sent mine out to Spectrum Analytic.

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

George , good Sunday evening to you mate. 😎☕️🍺👊

[@brianrush1185]

Which package did you go for with Spectrum? I see the T3 which shows sulfer is $50! That’s seems like too much?

[@awb21KU]

Thanks for all your videos Ryan. So for those of us who have been using a program like Scotts, when is the best time to take the soil samples? Late winter/early spring?

[@kevinpeters1944]

Good reminder! I did a soil test last year with a 7.8pH and added 9lbs/1,000 elemental sulfur last year. Interested this years results.

[@TheLawnGuardian]

I use the same lab for my soil test.

[@davidhensel7666]

The best fertilizer on earth is the one that your soil test shows you need.

[@peterjurenovskis5933]

Great video Ryan. Very informative. Once the results come back, and without your experience in interpreting them and turning it into an action plan, is there a service that we can connect with to help with this interpretation/action plan?

[@garyhovey9305]

Ya total chemistry nerd video but it’s what we really need! Spend $2k on a reel mower but don’t get a soil test? Great collaboration too 🥃

[@brandonhyden9454]

Soil test. Go from there. Mow mow water. Great starting point. 👍🏼👊

[@grass-patch]

My soil pH was 7.5 tested in August 2019 by Virginia Tech, yet they provided a buffer index (I believe same as buffer pH) of 6.6, so not sure why that is. Good reference info as for what action to take based on the test results shown in this video. Thanks R & R.

[@Andrewje85]

Great video Ryan! I just put down Lesco Stonewall 0.68% 0-0-7 crabgrass control last weekend, so I'm guessing I need to wait a couple weeks before doing a soil test?

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

First Aussie 😁. Great step by step information , 😎👍👍

[@Lawnvolution]

Hello good sir! 😎☕️🍺👊

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

George, good Monday afternoon to you mate , have a great day. 😎☕️🍺👊

[@DeltaJuiletSierra]

Great Scott! Test complete. 130lb/1000 Sq Ft of lime. My drop spreader doesn’t have that setting. Now what?

[@CallofPlastic]

This is a bit off topic, but since I noticed your backdrop, do you have any suggestions when it comes to organizing your garage/ storage building?

[@peterjurenovskis5933]

I live in Timmins Ontario Canada. Our growing season is very short. I have a couple of questions about dethatching. I have a relatively large lawn (3/4 acre). Rather than raking by hand, we find it easier to dethatch using a power machine (Home Depot rental). We then pick up the thatch with our mower. We overseeded in the fall. Should we power rake this spring? If not, what are our options to loosen up the grass and promote growth? Keep up the great work. You rock!!

[@Homegardener55]

I also use waypoint analytical and if you create an online ID they can send you free sample bags to put your soil in.

[@nathanwalker6787]

Are the PH measurement tools a good general indicator to measure that? Thinking if I’m trying to make my adjustments and then track from month to month how much of an impact I’m making.

[@ptek1185]

Ryan, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about how many zones to sample. Your back yard looks pretty uniform so I can see that you'd get it analyzed as one zone. Should there be a different test sample for each grass type? For example, my front yard is KBG and back yard is mostly TTTF. What about sunny/open areas versus a shady area where the grass competes with trees? A separate test for mossy areas? Maybe I'm over thinking this? I tend to do that. Thanks!

[@UnknownUser_0000]

Great question.

[@thomasdreas4122]

Most soil testing labs include instructions along the the submission form.

[@benharrison5816]

Next vid, Ryan core aerates and then spreads jars of molasses in the holes with the level lawn. It's a slow process, but worth the results.

[@auuurrrgh]

I'd be interested to hear the same conversation about soil from arid regions. My PH was closer to 8 with high CA. It's a battle because irrigation water has a high PH too.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

That definitely is a tough scenario

[@dallasborntrager6581]

The test isn't hard, but the course of action afterwards is what blows me away.😳

[@Lawnvolution]

A soil test saves money too. Because, you are only applying what the soil and turf need. Instead of going at it with eyes closed all willy-nilly.

[@adamcondon1898]

@@Lawnvolution And you know you can't be doing things all willy-nilly!!

[@chazzmccloud36]

I've ordered a soil test using your discount code, it's currently on its way. There's a fairly large spot in my front yard where it's nearly all weeds and bare ground. My neighbor tells me that the people who lived here before me burned a big pile of leaves on that spot years ago. Should I test that spot separately from the rest or include it with the rest of the samples? I imagine the soil has been altered quite a bit from the fire, based on the fact that it's still pretty bare years after.

[@jeaksu1]

I saw you said do this before first app of fert. What about a pre-emergent? What if that is already applied? Still ok? What stuff should I be aware of when I get my results back?

[@Eli-9]

Buffer PH? I don’t know what that is but I like it. I Think You just sent me down research wormhole.

[@dewqman]

I just got my results from Rx soil last night so I'm binge watching these videos. Unfortunately my Ph is at 4.4. So I'm starting to add lime. How would you go about adding boron (mines at .2)? I have not seen that talked about as much.

[@johnds6621]

okay say with the way point lab when do you see how much things will cost? I was just thinking the other day I want to do the soil testing before I get started for the year and then your video showed up. Thanks

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

The location I use is 16.50 for the test

[@krusej23]

Great video even if it has RD in it.

[@marcovaldez9962]

Hello Ryan, what would you recommend for killing Poa Annua on a Tall Fescue yard? Preferably something that’s organic. Also something conventional. Thanks!

[@bearclaw_murphy]

I completely bare handled the soil I sent in last week. How much will this impact my results?

[@edhopkins6589]

( if I learn that my organic matter is high, say like Ryan's 4.6% or more ) How do I use "Molasses" ? Do I create a concentration with water into my battery pack Sprayer.

[@StripeLife]

So will you be using the 15-0-15 from SLS vs. the 16-4-8 for fertilizer?

[@sethwilson6321]

Hey Ryan! Question for you... im wanting to get a shed of my own built and I really like yours. I like how it has multiple doors, windows and great space. I was wondering what size is it? And where did you buy it from if applicable! Haha TIA

[@drewsahlstrom]

When (time of year/soil temp) do you try and correct pH?

[@gnovincejr2]

My calcium and Magnesium are both pretty high and would love to try Gypsum for the point he made about too much Magnesium. But will that raise my Calcium more? Anyway to lower Calcium?

[@davemanmartin]

My soil tests said I need K but no P, so my first thought was something like 12-0-12 which I haven’t found yet or CarbonX 8-1-8, which we can’t buy anymore because the company folded... dang it!!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I have 12-0-12 coming out in a sprayable form soon but if you're granular you might want to check a local turf supply place for options

[@UncleSpence]

Good content. Just need you to move down south to give equally sound advice on southern grasses.

[@mynameisparadox]

Hey Ryan. I live in south west Ontario. When is it okay to dethatch my lawn? I've heard if you do it to early or can hurt some of the healthy grass. Thanks! Love ur channel

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Wait for it to be actively growing

[@MattWeaver909]

I just applied lime to my yard today, can I still do a soil test or will the results not be accurate?

[@jonathandeshetler1345]

Ryan, when overseeing, is it important to lay fertilizer, even if the Macro numbers (NPK) are optimal? I have high P, but optimal N and K, and am wondering if I should lay down fertilizer (couple days after seeding), but not use starter fertilizer, so it has a lower P number, or if I should skip fertilizer altogether? If it matters, PH is optimal (6,28 ppm).

[@adanadisleidyleon7165]

Ryan, you need to rock your fro. Or the other guy has my vote.

[@den2178]

Any benefit going this route for soil testing compared to the little 3 or 4 vial method?

[@rickypisarchick7127]

Would it be a bad idea to aerate in the spring then over seed and then top dress with topsoil?

[@friartown399]

I am sure the soil test you mention is best. Have you ever tried a digital/manual tester? They seem to have on Amazon. Any recommendations on a soil lab in Boston area?

[@fieldsource9146]

UMASS Extension

[@_o.0_.]

@ 3:00 👀👀 wow just wow

[@obrien3251]

South Jersey here. I was looking for a good company for soil test recommendations. Thanks.

[@ammedsaavedra5296]

Everything I've read about the soil in Denver it's not possible to adjust PH levels any thoughts on this?

[@deone86]

can you mix tenacity with moss control? my yard has accrued weeds and moss.

[@hazard_209]

Any thoughts on PFAS chemicals in biosolid based fertilizers like Milorganite?

[@seankorzen4352]

I tested my soil through Ward Laboratories, and they gave me a recommendation based on my nutrient levels. They said to split the N recommendation so 1/4 goes on the lawn on May 1st, June 1st, July 15th, and Sept 1st. But they said to put the entire rate of K on in the spring. The fertilizer recommendations in Actual Pounds of Plant Nutrients per Acre are 85 for N and 55 for K. I'm not really sure how to convert those numbers into something I can use/understand, but are there any products that you can recommend that would allow me to put down those nutrients at the times indicated? My yard is about 8000 sq/ft if that helps any and I have a pH of 6.8. I have the rest of the nutrient levels as well if that would be useful. Thanks for everything you do Ryan, your channel is one of my favorites!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I wouldn't put it down all at once but I might have an option coming out soon that will work for you

[@seankorzen4352]

@@ryanknorrlawncare So would it be better to split the Potassium rate into 1/4 as well, and just match it with the amount of Nitrogen I'm putting down? How would I know how much to put down for my area based on the numbers I was told?

[@fabianbannasch7678]

11:28 Does anybody know what kind of a core aeration tool that is?

[@johnholm8175]

when I first saw inside the bucket it looked like you were picking up after the dogs

[@Gettingthebasicsdone]

Mine came back with 6.5 should I add Lime?

[@Supanova70]

when should i water my lawn after applying tenacity?

[@williamhanna6700]

My soul test came back and I am low on boron, sulfur, copper and iron. It didn't say how to correct these, just fertilize was the recommendation.

[@williamhanna6700]

Soil

[@kennycooperkc]

The list of benefits from molasses is endless 😄