Professional Turf/Commercial Lawn

Grass lawn.

Tests provided through the Soil Testing Laboratory are intended to evaluate the nutrient status, pH level, excessive salts or other micronutrients in a soil sample. Based on the test results and type of turf to be grown, you will receive fertilizer recommendations. These tests are for the following types of grass/turf: before you seed/sod a lawn, grasses found on school or industrial grounds, athletic fields, parks/cemeteries, and those unique grasses found on golf tees, fairways and greens.

How to Submit Samples for Analysis

  1. Follow the instructions for collecting soil samples linked on the right side of this page.
  2. Download, print, and fill out the the Professional Turf Management Analysis Request sheet located on the right side of this page.
  3. Use one Request Sheet for up to five samples.
  4. Place the sample (2-3 cups) in a secure container such as a clean food container or sealed plastic bag.
  5. Label the container with a sample name/number that matches what you put on the request sheet.
  6. Enclose a check payable to the University of Minnesota for the services requested. Prices are listed on the form. Do NOT send cash - we cannot be responsible for cash sent through the mail.
  7. Send the soil sample(s), payment, and request sheet to:
    Soil Testing Laboratory, University of Minnesota
    135 Crops Research Building
    1902 Dudley Ave.
    St. Paul, MN 55108

 

You may also drop off samples in person. See Contact Us for directions. Free parking for sample drop-off is available along the curb on Dudley Avenue in front of the Crops Research building (do not park in the lots - they are contract only). Walk into the building, up the stairs, and either leave the samples with forms and payment on the table outside of Room 135 or knock on the door to talk with us.

Note: While our tests are optimized for the upper Midwest, we accept soil from the anywhere in the continental US (including AK) that is not highlighted or marked on this map (PDF).

Soil Test Packages Offered

 

Refer to the request sheet for additional options.

Due to limited storage space, soil samples are held for three months after reports are issued. After that, samples are discarded.