Question
My father use to spread lime under his maple trees every two or three years becouse he said Maple trees made the soil too acidic for good lawn growth. Is this correct?

Answer
Yes your father was probably correct.  When organic matter such as leaves break down over time, lower the pH of the soil.  As such, lime applications every few years may be needed.  

Most states include a tax on each bag of fertilizer of $1.00.  THis goes to the state soil testing lab which will test soil samples, in most states free of charge to the homeowner.  Stop by your local county extension agent and pick up a test kit.  Mail it in and follow the recomendations.  It is good to do this at least once every two years.  This will tell you if you need to apply lime and how much is needed.  

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