Soils differ dramatically in texture, mineral content, pH, and other properties. So, will grass grow in any soil?
The answer is complex. Generally speaking, grass can grow on any soil provided the right nutrients are available and the soil isn’t completely waterlogged. However, ideal conditions vary depending on the specific species of grass.
Different types of grass thrive in different environments and need particular levels of acidic or alkaline content to survive. Sandy soils require more frequent watering than loamy or clayey soils because sandy soils do not hold water for very long. Loam and clay: these hold water longer but also tend to compact easily.
Grass can struggle to grow if soil has poor drainage or lacks essential nutrients such as nitrogen. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen will burn the roots and make them unproductive for growth. The best way to figure out if your soil is suitable for growing grass is to carry out a lawn care assessment or buy a testing kit.
Finally, it’s important to remember that even the right type of soil must be well prepared before planting grass seed — cultivated properly, aerated regularly, and fertilized periodically — in order to get good results from it.