What Type of Sand Should You Use for Your Lawn?

Sand is an important component when it comes to lawn care It can be used for topdressing and leveling uneven spots, aerating compacted soil, or even constructing a new lawn from scratch But not all sands are created equal. When choosing sand for your lawn, it’s important to understand the different types available and their best uses. This guide covers the common sand options for residential lawns.

Masonry Sand

Masonry sand is one of the most popular sands for lawn applications. It consists of crushed granite or limestone that is screened to remove large particles. The result is a fairly coarse sand with particle sizes ranging from 0.5mm to 2mm. Masonry sand is commonly used for:

• Topdressing – Applying a thin layer to smooth and level uneven areas in an existing lawn, The coarse texture allows it to move down into the grass canopy,

• Lawn installation – Mixing with topsoil as the base for establishing a new lawn from seed or sod.

• Aeration – Mixing with core aeration plugs helps break up clay soil.

• Drainage – Can be worked into heavy, compacted soils to improve water drainage.

The main advantages of masonry sand are its affordability and wide availability. It also contains no silt or clay, which can become compacted over time. The drawback is that larger grains may present issues for reel mowers. Overall, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly option.

Paver Sand

As its name implies, paver sand is specifically designed for filling joints between paving stones and bricks. It consists of crushed stone like masonry sand, but is screened to an even finer texture with most particles under 1mm. Some key uses include:

• Leveling – The fine texture allows it to fill in minor dips and depressions smoothly.

• Reel mowing – Less chance of abrasion damage compared to coarser sands.

• Topdressing bentgrass – Fine texture won’t smother this low-growing grass type.

• Sand-based turf – Maintaining a heavily sand-amended lawn or sports field.

The fine particles lead to excellent workability. But paver sand’s ability to compact down over time would make it less ideal for improving drainage in heavy clay soils. Use it for light topdressing and smoothing applications.

Play Sand

As the name suggests, play sand is a non-toxic, clean sand intended for sandboxes and children’s play areas. It shares similarities with masonry sand but the grains are more precisely screened to create a very uniform size under 1mm. Some popular uses:

• Child and pet-friendly – Safe if accidentally ingested while playing or digging.

• Artificial turf infill – Small particle size won’t clog drains the way silica sand can.

• Green sand bunkers – Resembles the fine-grained sands used on golf courses.

• Decorative landscaping – Bright white color provides visual interest.

Play sand is readily available at home improvement stores, often in 50 lb bags. The fine texture makes play sand useful for filling small holes and depressions in an existing lawn. It may be less suitable for significant grading projects.

Washed Concrete Sand

As a byproduct of crushing stone, concrete sand contains a blend of granite, limestone, quartz, and other minerals. Unlike masonry sand, it is washed to remove silt and clay particles. Typical particle size falls between 0.075mm to 4.75mm. Key applications are:

• Adding loft to clay soils – The sharp, coarse grains maintain pore space for drainage.

• Sand-based athletic fields – Withstands heavy foot traffic and resists compaction.

• Bunker sand – Angular grains lock together on steep slopes.

The downside is concrete sand can contain minerals that alter soil pH. Test pH regularly with high amendment amounts. The coarser grains may also abrade mowing equipment. Concrete sand works well where porosity and stability are key.

Bank-Run Sand

Known as unscreened or pit sand, bank-run sand is sourced directly from natural deposits without any further processing. Particle sizes range from fine silt to coarse gravel. Primary uses are:

• Budget option – Direct mining and minimal processing reduce costs.

• Soil amendment – A wide range of particle sizes maintains texture.

• Construction – Fills voids efficiently in concrete and asphalt.

While affordable, the variability of bank-run sand makes consistency difficult. There is increased risk of weed seeds and excessive silt. Use care with mechanical mowers. Bank sand works where you need bulk material without strict specifications.

Washed Plaster Sand

As the name describes, plaster sand is extremely fine silica sand that was removed from topsoil deposits. It is then washed to remove silt and clay particles. Key traits:

• Particle range 0.075mm to 0.5mm – Provides smooth finish for plaster work.

• Pure silica composition – Very stable pH and inert.

• Fine texture – Easily fills depressions without leaving coarse grains behind.

The downsides are potential dust issues when dry due to the fine particles, and possible compaction over time. Plaster sand makes an excellent choice for finish grading and smoothing imperfections.

What’s Best for Your Situation?

There is no single best sand for every lawn project. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding:

• Texture – Fine sands for minor leveling and smoothing; more coarse options for significant grading.

• Purpose – Match the sand size and qualities to the intended application.

• Native soil – Consider particle shape and effect on soil structure with high amendments.

• Cost – More processing means higher prices in most cases.

• Availability – Local availability varies by region. Wider distribution usually means lower cost.

• Safety – Ensure any sand exposed at the surface is non-toxic.

With a little forethought, you can select the ideal sand to meet your specific lawn goals. Understand how characteristics like particle size, shape, composition, and processing method factor into performance. And don’t be afraid to ask questions – most suppliers are happy to explain the best uses for their products. Investing the time upfront will ensure you get the right sand for the job.