Topdressing is a useful technique for enhancing the health and the look of your lawn. It involves spreading a thin layer of material over the grass to improve soil structure, add nutrients, and repair damage. However, with so many options available, it can be tough to decide what to use to topdress a lawn.
To improve the surface of your lawn, you can use a top dressing mix which may include lawn sand, fill sand, sandy loam, and compost.
- If you only want to add nutrients, choose a high-quality compost. Using high-quality compost can enhance soil fertility and encourage the growth of the lawn.
- If you want to fill in low spots or improve the structure/level, consider adding lawn sand, fill sand, and sandy loam to the mix. Fill sand or sandy loam can also be used as a top dressing for lawns with drainage issues.
It is important to match the texture of these materials with the soil underneath the lawn so that they blend well and become part of the root zone.
1. Lawn Sand
Lawn sand is typically used to topdress lawns and grassed areas to encourage growth. It can also be used to repair holes or uneven areas in grass or turf. It is best to topdress your lawn in the early spring, rather than during the dormant phase.
Lawn sand is a natural sand that does not contain any added nutrients. If you need a product with added nutrients to promote growth and improve water retention, consider mixing your lawn sand with compost.
Read more about lawn sand here.
2. Fill Sand
Fill sand is a type of sand made up of extremely small granules. These granules are processed through machinery to become even smaller. But they can also be naturally occurring, having broken down over time. The small size of the granules results in a high compaction rating for fill sand.
Fill sand is an ideal material for promoting drainage in areas that are prone to getting wet because it does not retain moisture. It is commonly used for outdoor projects like building and landscape projects.
Read more about fill sand here.
3. Sandy Loam
Sandy loam soil, also called “underturf,” is a type of soil that is ideal for grass and plants that require excellent drainage to thrive. It is made up of a combination of sand, silt, and clay, with sand being the dominant component.
This loam is often recommended as a topdressing mix because it compacts to form a level base and does not contain any organic matter. It is suitable for use on new lawns, whether you are using instant turf or seed, as well as for repairing or levelling areas of an existing lawn.
4. Compost
Compost is a type of organic matter that can be added to soil to support plant growth. It is made by collecting natural materials that would otherwise be discarded, such as food scraps, leaves, and yard trimmings, and allowing them to decompose over time.
Compost can be used in a variety of ways in the garden/lawn, including as a soil amendment, mulch, natural fertilizer, or topdressing mix.
Conclusion
No matter what material you choose to use to topdress a lawn, consider some basic factors like lawn condition, soil type, nutrient content, and budget.
In general, you should aim to apply a thin, even layer of top dressing over the lawn, being careful not to smother the grass. If you’re using a top dressing mix, use a rake or shovel to spread it evenly across the lawn.
To sum up, topdressing a lawn is a simple and effective way to improve its health and appearance. By selecting the right top dressing material for your lawn’s needs and following the application instructions, you can achieve great results and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn.
If you are looking for quality top dressing materials and the best sand prices, Premium Allsands offers sand supply near me for all Perth suburbs and surrounding regions, for residential and commercial sand needs.
