Healthy lawns don’t start with what you see above ground—they start in the soil. Just like a doctor orders bloodwork before prescribing treatment, a soil test reveals what’s happening below the surface. Without this step, adding fertilizer or watering more is often just guesswork.
At Puryear Farms, Gallatin TN’s trusted landscape maintenance company, we use soil testing and targeted amendments to ensure your lawn has the right foundation to thrive in Middle Tennessee.
How much does a soil test cost in Tennessee?
A standard soil test through the University of Tennessee Ag Extension Soil Lab costs between $15 and $25. Comprehensive tests, which include specific nutrient recommendations, can cost closer to $50 for homeowners who want a more detailed analysis.
Either option is affordable compared to the cost of replacing struggling turf or plants. And with results typically returned in about two weeks, it’s one of the most valuable investments you can make in your landscape.
Learn more about UT’s testing process here: UT Soil Lab – Lawn and Garden Samples.
How often should I test my lawn soil?
Unlike mowing or fertilizing, soil testing isn’t something you need to do every month. For most homeowners, testing every two to three years is enough. However, if you notice:
- Grass that refuses to green up despite regular fertilization.
- Plants or shrubs dying in the same spot year after year.
- Soil that looks heavy, compacted, or lifeless.
…those are clear signs it’s time to request a test.
Homeowners can submit their own samples, or Puryear Farms can handle the process start to finish.
What can a soil test uncover?
A soil test provides answers to the hidden problems impacting your lawn and landscape:
- pH levels: Whether your soil is too acidic or too alkaline.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Missing elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.
- Organic matter: How much life and microbial activity exists in the soil.
In Sumner County, some of the most common issues we see include heavy clay soils, nutrient imbalances, and “dead soil” with little to no organic matter.
By identifying the exact problem, a soil test eliminates guesswork and creates a targeted plan for recovery.
What amendments improve Tennessee soil?
Once your test results come back, it’s time to take action. Common soil amendments include:
- Lime – Balances acidic soils.
- Compost or organic matter – Restores life to depleted or compacted soils.
- Nutrient-specific fertilizers – Provide what your soil is missing, in the right amounts.
Depending on the recommendation, these amendments can be applied as liquids, granular products, or organic matter worked into the turf or planting beds.
Pairing amendments with turf rejuvenation services is one of the fastest ways to see visible results in your lawn.
Case Study: Soil Testing in Action at a Tennessee Property
At Puryear Farms, we recently worked with a homeowner who wanted answers about why parts of their lawn weren’t thriving. To get to the root of the problem, we collected soil samples from ten different areas across the property. Each zone was tested carefully, with at least ten subsamples pulled from a depth of six to eight inches. This gave us an accurate picture of the soil conditions feeding their turf and landscape plants.
The samples were submitted through the University of Tennessee Extension Soil, Plant & Pest Center, where a base test revealed the property’s pH, nutrient levels, and fertilizer needs. The results were eye-opening. Across the board, phosphorus levels were already very high, meaning no additional phosphorus fertilizer was needed. However, potassium was consistently low to medium, which explained some of the turf’s struggles. The soil pH measured between 6.8 and 7.4, slightly alkaline, but still within an acceptable range for cool-season turf.
With this knowledge in hand, we developed a precise fertilization plan. Instead of wasting money on a generic “complete” fertilizer, the homeowner applied a nitrogen-rich, phosphorus-free blend such as 32-0-10 or 10-0-6. Potassium was added strategically in the zones that needed it most, while no lime was required since the soil’s pH was already balanced.
Timing was also key. Testing in the fall gave us a chance to make amendments before winter, setting the stage for a stronger lawn in spring. Potting mixes for raised beds were tested separately, since they can be done at any time of year.
This case study highlights why soil testing is such a valuable step. Without the data, the homeowner might have continued guessing, using fertilizers that weren’t necessary and overlooking nutrients that were. Instead, the test results allowed for a smart, efficient plan that saved money and delivered a healthier, greener landscape.
How do I get my soil tested in Tennessee?
The process is simple:
- Collect soil samples from your yard or landscape beds.
- Submit to the University of Tennessee Soil Lab.
- Receive results in about two weeks.
- Review results with a professional (or on your own if you DIY).
- Apply the recommended amendments.
At Puryear Farms, we don’t just stop at testing. We help homeowners understand the results and apply the right solutions, whether that means lime, compost, or reseeding. Combining soil testing with aeration and overseeding sets the stage for stronger roots and greener turf year after year.
Why is healthy soil the best defense for healthy turf?
When soil health is ignored, lawns become more prone to weeds, pests, and disease. By improving the soil first, everything else becomes easier:
- Turf requires less water and fertilizer.
- Plants grow stronger and more resilient.
- Landscapes recover faster from drought and heat stress.
In other words, healthy soil is truly the best defense for turf in Sumner County.
Final Thoughts
Soil testing is the ultimate checkup for your lawn. Just like you wouldn’t guess about your own health, don’t guess about your soil’s needs. Whether you’re battling stubborn patches of dead grass or just want to give your lawn the best start possible, Puryear Farms is here to help.
Ready to take the guesswork out of lawn care? Contact Puryear Farms today to schedule your soil test and amendment plan.