The 16 or so months of brutally dry weather that South Texas experienced took a toll on numerous lawns and landscapes.

Some damage is visible now and more will appear as we move into the spring and summer months. I anticipate that a large number of lawns will have areas that are going to require some renovation and these spots may not become evident until the spring of 2010.

I also suspect that there may be some fertility issues with local landscapes as well, since we now seem to be on a weather roller-coaster of dry too wet.

With this information in mind, now is a good time to collect and submit a soil sample so that a sound and economical fertilization program can be developed that will help lawns and landscapes rebound from all these weather related stress conditions.

Soil testing done during December will insure that the results are received early enough to prepare for the spring landscaping season.

It is expected that test results may vary greatly this year since irrigation practices and fertilization programs were adjusted during the drought.

Following the weather related adjustments, making an educated guess on fertilizer needs or using the rule of thumb method for application could be difficult this spring.

Soil sampling is a simple procedure. For a home lawn, select 4 to 6 sampling sites. Using a spade, dig a V-shaped hole approximately 6 inches deep.

Take a 1 inch slice of soil from the smooth side of the sample site. Repeat this process in the remaining selected sites. Place all the collected soil slices in a clean plastic bucket and mix thoroughly. Once mixed, remove a pint to submit to the soil lab as the sample.

The remaining soil can be emptied back into the lawn. The sample along with a completed soil sample information sheet is to be sent to: Texas AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Laboratory, 2474 TAMU, 345 Heep Center, College Station, Texas 77843-2474

Sampling fees vary according to the type of information and test requested. However, unless there is some special circumstance, I normally recommend the Routine Analysis for lawns.

Soil sample information sheets, sampling instructions and soil sample bags are available at the Kleberg- Kenedy Extension Office, 729 East Yoakum. Results of the soil test should be received in 7 to 10 days.