Lime has been spread, pH not moving.

[Skye King]

Your observation about the different growth patterns is certainly a curiosity that stokes the imagination. However, a simple...or full lab soil test (recommended) won't answer your question. Soil is a complicated medium that often defies explanation even by sophisticated soil scientists.

I am going to take soil samples from the lush areas and take separate samples in the so-so areas just to see the difference in the results. Might be interesting.