Topdressing A Lawn: Know The Benefits And Ways Of Doing It

Topdressing is a procedure that deals with adding a thin layer of material to the current soil only for amending the soil or adding up the area level. If you face issues like uneven lawn areas, bare spots or poor soil quality, you can try topdressing. In this article, we will talk about the different benefits of topdressing and the ways of doing it; let’s have a look: 

What are the Benefits of Topdressing the Lawn?

You can find too many benefits of topdressing the lawn if you use the suitable material per your soil type. The following are some of the key benefits, which you can gain with topdressing your yard, have a look at these: 

• Enhances the soil quality – With the help of topdressing, you can improve the overall quality of your soil in the yard. It helps get the required level of nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, and organic matter, and boosts the soil’s capacity to retain the nutrients level.
• Brings down the need for chemical fertilizers – As most of the topdressing material is rich in organic matter, it helps improve the soil’s nutrient content. It only helps in reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Improves the soil aeration – The topdressing helps in loosening the soil with the help of changing its texture and improving even the soil aeration, allowing things better with the flow of nutrients, water, and soil.
• Breaks the thatch – The organism found in the topsoil and the compost feed over the thatch can further help break it down. It additionally prevents the thatch buildup. It also helps in improving soil aeration.
• Helps in beneficial microbes to the soil – The topsoil has several beneficial microbes, which are added to the soil for topdressing. You can find the soil microbes breaking down further, thus making all the nutrients available for the soil. It also helps balance the soil’s nutrients like phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen levels.
• Helps in healthy seed germination – Topdressing helps good soil condition for overseeding or reseeding a lawn, which further helps make the seed germination healthy.
• Helps in leveling the lawn – The topdressing also helps take care of the uneven lawn spots, which are caused due to drainage or irrigation problems that come like a topdressing blend. It comes with similar features to the current soil. 

What are the materials used for topdressing?

One of the critical steps to deciding is the material you need to use for the topdressing soil. The effective topsoil is the one that has the same texture as the underlying soil. However, choosing any inappropriate material can only create some serious issues. Some of the common materials used for topdressing include the following: 

• Sand – It is mainly used on golf courses and artificial greens. You can even use heavy clay soil. It helps in improving the drainage. Make sure you do not use fine sand on any coarse-textured soil.
• Topsoil – Using any topsoil similar to your soil structure will allow you to gain a smooth ground. However, it may not contain too much organic material.
• Compost – It is among the most recommended materials if it is finished with some fillers. It is prevalent among homeowners as they find it cost-effective to create a proper blend that remains comparable to the current soil. You can often find a mix of compost where you can find sand or topsoil as a recommended choice. 

You can buy all these materials from any garden centre or local nurseries. Even the landscape or construction companies also provide materials for topsoil. 

How to Topdress Your Lawn?

If you are considering it DIY or calling a professional, it involves seven steps. However, choosing the former option is very labor intensive and tedious; hence choosing the latter is always recommended. Now, let us check the seven stops to topdress your lawn: 

• Step 1 – To choose the right topsoil,  you need to check the pH level of your soil. Once you get the report, you need to get the topsoil accordingly to get the best results.
• Step 2 – Now, you need to open the thatch layer using a power rake/aerator. It will help in developing channels for top dressing material that comes to penetrate the surface.
• Step 3 – You need to mow the grass short without causing any stress to the point of damage.
• Step 4 – Get rid of the grass clippings, plugs, dethatching debris or plugs of soil from the procedures like aeration.
• Step 5 – If you are overseeding, you need to spread the grass seed for it.
• Step 6 – You now have to bring out a small amount of material for working in smaller areas using a few square feet at one time. With the help of a shovel, you can fling the materials with the sweeping and smooth and sweeping motion (similar to hitting a hockey puck). Now, start spreading the top dressing of the lawn for a depth of half inches. A fertile land and quick growing turf are likely to become a thatch, which may need a heavier topdressing rate.
• Step 7 – :Lastly, you have to gently rake it in or water the lawn well. That moves material down to the soil surface. Also, start raking it up or start watering the lawn. It helps in moving the material down over the soil surface. 

Once  you complete all these steps, you now have to be patient to see the results. It takes a few seasons to see the complete result. If you have done this nicely, you can find good improvements in drainage and water retention without any delay. However, it takes some time for the microbes for start working the organic matter to start breaking it down. 

Should you Fertilize Before the process of Topdressing?

This is an option step, however, you have the choice of fertilizing the lawn before topdressing. If you are keen to aerate, you can put down the fertilizer and even aerate while placing the topdressing material. The fertilization will only help in boosting up the health and growth of the turf. 

When should  you water  your lawn after Topdressing? 

Yes, it is recommended to water your lawn once you have a topdressing of your lawn. It helps in boosting up the terrain. Grass and plants remain too stressed while undergoing any change, and then add some water once you get the transition. 

When should you mow after topdressing? 

It is always a good idea to avoid mowing directly once  you top dress. It is recommended not to do anything on your yard for not less than ten days after topdressing. Then you are free to cut mow the grass. 

In conclusion, we can call topdressing a tedious job as it has too many steps. However, it gives an excellent result in the form of a healthy and natural looking lawn. You need the commitment to carry out the job, but calling a professional landscaping service provider is always a good idea if you find it difficult. Eden is at your service to make a happy soil and a healthy yard for you. It gives you an extra hand to add beauty and make a yard of your dreams. For professional help in topdressing services for your lawn, call us for more details.