Question:

Should I topdress the lawn?

What should I use?

There is no "best topdressing material" for your lawn. Some people use mushroom compost, some people use peat moss, some use composted cow manure, some use their own compost. Depending on what kind of soil you already have, you may want to mix it with bagged topsoil or sand. For example, if you have a very light, sandy soil you may want to mix the organic matter with topsoil. If you have a very clay soil, you may want to mix in a small amount of sand and gypsum to help break up the clay.

How often can I do it?

You can topdress your lawn without causing serious short-term problems twice a year. The lawn can be topdressed in both spring and fall, but the spring topdressing exposes a bare growth medium to weed seeds. You'll get plenty of benefit and few of the problems with a once annual topdressing in the fall. Benefits are improved if you precede the topdressing with a core aeration.

What's a Topdressing?

A topdressing is a thin layer of organic material (such as peat moss or composted manure), which is often mixed with sand or topsoil and applied across the top of the lawn. A topdressing has a number of beneficial effects.

How does it work?

It works by changing the average particle size in the mixture of stuff that we call "soil." The larger, more irregular the particles in your soil, the more airspace there is between them. It also works by "feeding" soil-dwelling worms and microbes, who break down the organic matter in the topdressing and release nutrients to the soil. Finally, it works by allowing the soil to hold moisture better during dry conditions and letting excess moisture drain away when rainfall is heavy.

How much do I need?

Generally speaking, a layer spread to a depth of 3/8" or so is fine, though certain varieties of dwarf bermuda will need 1/4" or less, with particles broken down into smaller pieces. If the topdressing is too thick, you risk smothering some of the grass and waiting longer for it to grow back. If it's too thin, you won't get as many of the benefits and you may have to do it more often.

What does a topressing do?

Topdressing introduces a material to your soil that will (1) improve drainage, (2) allow the soil to exchange gases with the atmosphere better, and (3) promote the development of soil microflora and microfauna, which are needed to break down thatch and grass clippings.

Lawn Frequently Asked Questions

How should I water my lawn?

What are the DOīs and DONTīs of Lawn Care?

What kind of grass should I plant?

What is the best way to mow the lawn?

How do I get stripes like ballparks do?

Did You Know This?

What kind of weed is this? How do I get rid of it?

Why has my well manicured lawn has been invaded by disease?

What are some common lawn problems?

When do I aerate my lawn?

Do you have any tips for professionals?

Should I topdress the lawn?

What kind of bug is this? How do I get rid of it?

What are some common lawn problems?

How do I aerate my lawn?

Why is my grass not doing well?

How do I start a new lawn using seed?

How do I get rid of mushrooms?

How can I make the transition between driveway and entry more pleasant

How do I permanently rid my lawn of weeds?

How deep is the water table?

How do I fertilize my lawn?

How do I fertilize my lawn?

How do I treat a lawn disease?

Did you know?

What are some common lawn problems?

How do I get rid of moss?

What does aeration do?

Can I use Weed and Feed on my lawn?

How can I control the growth of my lawnīs grass?

What are the DO

Should I use Weed and Feed?

What is the best way to mow the lawn?

Why did my grass turn brown after I fertilized?

How do I fertilize my lawn?

Whatīs the best way to mow the lawn quickly?

Why is my grass not doing well?

Can I fertilize without adding a lot of chemicals?

How can I put a waterfall in my rock garden?

How do I treat a lawn disease?

Why isnīt my grass growing?

Can I analyze the soil with a kit?

When is the best time to plant trees?

Why should I mulch my clippings?

Which existing plants should I keep?

Can my property be too wet for a good lawn?

Is it best to plant trees before or after shrubs?

How can I test drainage?

What is hardpan?

Can I fertilize without adding a lot of chemicals?

Do I need a soil analysis?

How should I remove branches?

Do water plants need sun?

How should I plan my garden?

What are guidelines for where to plant a tree?

How do I prune a Douglas fir?

What seed should I plant for the best results?

Where do I start to prune a garden?

What does too much pruning do?

Where should I put my water garden?

What are the benefits of pruning?

Whatīs the best way to prune spruce trees?

Where can I get a soil analysis?

How do you remove soft growth from fruit trees?

How thick a branch will pruners trim?

What should I look for when buying loppers?

What tools do I need for pruning?

How do you prund lilacs?

How do you prune lilacs?

How do you prune evergreens?

How can i reduce landscape maintenance?

What material should I use for my pond?

How do I control grubs?

What are good pruning shears?

Why bother to prune plants?

What can I do about sandy soil?

How can I prevent fungus in a shady garden?

Why did my grass turn brown after I fertilized?

Should I build a large or small pool?

Where should I put my pool?

Why are there more fungi in the shady parts of the garden?

How much should I water a shade garden?

How can I prevent plant fungi?

How does pruning keep trees healthy?

What soil should I use for shade gardening?

What advantages are there to shade gardening?

What is next after planting cedars for a hedge?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Lawn Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Jolyn Wells-Moran