Topdressing Lawns

Why do I topdress my lawn?

Topdressing your lawn is a great idea since it adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil to help strengthen the root system that supports the grass throughout the season.  And when your lawn in more healthy and dense, it makes it more difficult for the weeds to grow.

When do I topdress my lawn?

The best time is in the spring and early fall when the days are warm with the sun and the evenings are cool.  This will allow for optimal conditions for grass seed to grow.

How do I topdress my lawn?

  1. First of all, make sure your grass is actively growing.  Remove all the dead grass from your lawn by thoroughly raking it.
  2. Core aeration should be done every 2-3 years.  Core aeration removes plugs of soil from the ground and leaves channels for air, water, and our Topdressing Soil to penetrate the surface.
  3. Cut your lawn the day before you apply the soil. Then apply a few shovelfuls to a few square feet at a time.
  4. Spread the soil using something flat, like the back side of a heavy garden rake, working it into aeration holes and covering low spots. Make sure the Topdressing Soil is no more than 1” deep (preferably ½” or less) over the existing grass.
  5. Keep working the soil until your grass peeks through and the depth is even.
  6. For small low spots that need a bit more Topdressing Soil, first remove the existing sod to prevent underground decay that can damage new grass seedlings. After filling in the low spot, either replace the old sod or re-seed the area.
  7. Spread some grass seed over the areas that you want to make more full.
  8. Water the area well.

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