Would plants be harmed by adding lime to soil?

Question

I work at a large sports arena in Calif. We want to spread lime on top of the soil in certain areas where homeless people urinate (and sleep). I'm wondering if the lime will have any affect on plants and shrubs.

Answer 1

Yes it can affect plants and shrubs.
Applying lime will affect your soil pH level. Making your soil pH too acidic (6.9 or lower) or too alkaline (7.1 and up) can actually prohibit nutrients from being available to plants. Certain plants like certain pH ranges. Make sure you get a pH test done before adding the lime.

Answer 2

put down baking soda its more expensive but the effects wont last. Lime does effect your plants but its likely your soil could use it. The plants probably would be fine as long as they are not acid loving

chances are the urinating wont stop so if your plants die there pull em and get plants that like higher alkaline soils.

In any case too much lime can do damage after many applications. Large applications wont effect you too bad as your soil will only consume a certain amount anyway. The rest will leach away.

Answer 3

Take a sample to your County Extension agent and have it analyzed and they can tell you what you need.