Top dressing
Topdressing should only be applied when the grass surface is relatively dry and it should be worked into the sward. Generally this is done using the back of a rake or stiff brush. The application of the topdressing should not be so much that it smothers the grass when work has finished.
When should I put topsoil on my lawn?
The best time to add topsoil to a lawn is a few weeks after the grass has begun growing actively. Growing grass recovers from the strain of new soil more effectively than dormant grass. Use roughly 4/10 cubic yard of topsoil for every 1,000 square feet of yard you topdress.
When should I scarify and top dress my lawn?
Top dressing is best done after raking/scarification and aeration but before overseeding and fertilising. So you might plan to do all of this in a day and the process would look something like this. Rake/scarify – to remove moss and/or thatch.
Do you overseed before top dressing?
On the question of whether to overseed before or after top dressing, it’s best to do it after so that the seeds receive adequate sunlight for germination. Choose the same kind of grass seed that is already growing in your lawn to achieve uniform color and height throughout the season.
Should I aerate before top dressing?
Top dressing is a good idea, especially if you have areas that have eroded or sunken over the last year. A good way to incorporate new seed into an existing lawn is to first core aerate the lawn. This will help to relieve any compaction issues, and it will also provide a good site for the seed to germinate.
When should I overseed my lawn UK?
The best time to overseed in the UK would be spring – March, April and early May, or early autumn – late August to September. During these months, the weather is not too hot, not too cold, there is a high chance of rain and, as we mentioned a few times already, seeds need moisture in order to germinate.
How often can you top dress a lawn?
Topdress with recommended quantity.
Even at the heart of the growing season, don’t topdress more than once every three weeks. When leveling out holes, be especially wary of putting too much topdressing. This will backfire and kill off the grass, creating a bare patch. Watch out for clumps and break them up.
Will grass grow through top dressing?
Seeding your lawn
We would recommend that you seed your lawn after you have applied your top dressing. This is because you avoid compromising how evenly spread your grass seed is. Some literature will say that you can mix seed in with your top dressing but this can result in uneven and unnatural looking grass growth.
Do you have to top dress after aeration?
Timing wise, it is ideal to top dress after an aeration. When top dressing, you want to try and match the existing soil composition as best you can. However, if you have a very clay-based soil, it is best to apply washed river/pit sand to the lawn after aerating.
What should I use to Topdress my lawn?
Why compost is the best top dressing for a lawn
Compost is the perfect tool for the job because: It can be finely screened (which means no big chunks of it sitting on your lawn after it’s been spread). It’s easy to distribute over the turf (more on this process later).
How much is too much top dressing?
Generally, anything over 1/2 inch is too heavy for applying topdressing. Topdressing to improve your lawn soil should be done gradually and seasonally in thin layers.
