Does anyone know what sort of soil is best for Grass, acid or alkaline, do trees like the same?

Answer 1

An extremely low or high soil pH is toxic to grass roots and leads to the loss of turfgrasses. However, nutrient availability is affected by only moderate deviations from a neutral soil pH. At pH levels below 6, nitrogen and phosphorus availability is reduced. And at pH levels above 7.5 the availability of most minor nutrients, iron in particular, is reduced. The chlorotic condition of grasses in alkaline soils is frequently due to an iron deficiency. Soil organisms are also sensitive to only moderate changes in pH. Though turfgrasses are adaptable to a wide soil pH range, they generally grow best at levels between 6 and 7.

Bentgrasses - at or near 6.0
Centipedegrass - pH 5.0 - 6.0
Kentucky Bluegrass - pH 5.8 - 6.5
Ryegrasses - near pH of 7.0
St. Augustine - pH 5.0 - 8.5, but develops a chlorotic appearance in highly alkaline soils (above pH 7.5).
Tall and fine fescues - pH 5.5 - 6.5.
Zoyzia grass - 5.8 - 6.5.

Most trees prefer a slightly acidc soil range of 6 - 7, though each species has its own preferred range.

Organic matter contributes significantly to the physical and chemical properties of a turfgrass rootzone. Organic matter reduces bulk density, increases porosity, increases nutrient and water holding capacity, increases soil aggregation, increases aeration and water movement and provides a source of plant nutrients.

Turfgrass rootzones that are low in organic matter are typically hard, droughty, compacted and deficient in plant nutrients. At the other extreme, turfgrass rootzones high in organic matter are typically soft (spongy) and waterlogged after rain or irrigation.

Answer 2

A question with to big an answer.

"Grass" is one of the most ecologically variable plant groups. Of course assuming you are talking about turf grasses then see the pH list in other answer. Generally close to neutral.

OK. DO NOT try to change the soil to fit the plant. FIND the Plant that FITS the soil you have.

Tress...which of the thousands in common trade do you want o use? Find out what your soil is like and choose trees that will work well.

Some trees will not be happy at all where there is grass . Has to do with how much water the grass needs, or uses.
Some grasses won't be happy or look good growing around trees.

Too much info missing for proper query addressation.

Answer 3

Different plants like different conditions. That's really basic, botany.

Note regarding Ginny's answer: most plants grow best in neutral or slightly alkaline conditions, and cultivation turns soils acidic. Lime is added to reverse the acidification process. There are plenty of plants that only grow well in acidic soils.

Answer 4

Optimal soil pH will usually be at pH 6.5 because that is where the nutrients are most available. So grass, which is a nitrogen hog, is happiest where nitrogen is most available from pH 6-7.
http://www.cjnetworks.com/~sccdistrict/soilph.htm
The rest of the macro & micro-nutrients vary at the pH range they are available or locked up.
P– availability reduced at a lower pH<5.5 as it binds with Al and Fe. P is most available at pH 6-7. Basic soil conditions (pH > 7.5) cause excessive calcium to be present in soil solution. P can precipitate with Ca, decreasing P availability.
K– most available at pH 5.5-7
Fe, Zn, Cu, B, Mn– solubility increases with lower pH, while insoluble at higher pH

Pines have a wide range generally pH 4-7
Maple 5-7.5
Walnut pH 5-7.7
Oak pH 4.5-6.2
Magnolia pH 5-6
Trees vary by the soil they evolved for but all plants have a range that mostly centers on the nutrient neutral pH6.5

Answer 5

Clay soil is normally alkaline

Answer 6

Different species like different soil pH. Most will grow in pH near 7, but certainly not all.

Answer 7

Alkaline, that is why lime is used. trees are according to the type of tree, however most do OK ; you may have to fertilize differently around the tree.