Question
What is the preferred ph balance for a good standind of grass?

Answer
Most lawn grasses grow best in a pH range between 6.0-7.0. The "ideal" range is 6.5-6.8. Generally, you should not lime if pH is above 6.0. (lime will raise pH).

Certain grasses, like the warm season centepede grass, prefer a more acidic soil around 5.0-5.5. Yellowing of leaves are often a sign of too alkaline soils.

If conducting your own pH tests using small do-it-yourself kits (typically small glass containers with a pill you disolve in water and soil from the lawn) make sure you use distilled water or water collected from rain buckets.