To identify your soil type without sending a sample to the lab, do the jar test, ribbon test, or one of the other 3 tests we’ll discuss here.
Latest LawnStarter Articles
Spring Lawn Care by Soil Type
Stop following generic lawn advice. Discover how to adjust your spring care routine for clay, sandy, or loamy soil — and get better results.
Lawn Care Schedule: Month-by-Month Guide
Follow our month-by-month seasonal lawn care schedule for cool-season and warm-season grasses. Learn when to mow, fertilize, aerate, and control weeds.
America’s Most Relaxed Cities in 2026
Discover America’s Most Relaxed Cities in 2026: San Jose, CA; San Francisco; Seattle; Irvine, CA; San Diego
13 Yard Work Safety Tips, With Advice From a LawnStarter Pro
Warming up, scheduling strategic breaks, and drinking lots of water are a few of the safety tips we offer homeowners to help prevent yard work injuries.
Did You Know? Being a LawnStarter Customer Unlocks Nearly 30 Other Outdoor Services
LawnStarter customers can get access to nearly 30 outdoor services. We’ll show you how.
How to Kill Winter Weeds
You can kill winter weeds in your yard with either organic remedies or an herbicide, depending on what method is best for your yard.
Most Common Winter Weeds in Your Lawn
Annual bluegrass, chickweed, and henbit are some of the most common winter weeds in your lawn, so learn how to identify and treat them this snowy season.
How Snow and Ice Affect Your Lawn
Snow can protect or damage grass depending on the weather. Learn how snow and ice affect your lawn, why removal can backfire, and how to limit damage.
12 Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid in Your Yard
Common landscaping mistakes include putting the wrong plants in the wrong place, not planning for mature trees, and too much mulch – and they’re easy to avoid.