Top dressing, which is also sometimes called compost top dressing, is a common way to make your lawn healthier. Golf course turf pros say that adding top dressing to your lawn care routine is the best way to make it look lush.
Adding a thin layer of nutrient-rich compost to your lawn or areas of your lawn that need extra care is called top dressing. When performed routinely and with aeration, the soil will improve and your turf will benefit.
Top dressing is an essential lawn care practice that involves applying a thin layer of material over the grass to provide nutrients, improve soil structure, and level any uneven areas. But with so many options out there, where can you find the best top dressing products for your lawn? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the different materials used for top dressing, key buying considerations, and the best places to purchase quality top dressing for lawns.
What is Lawn Top Dressing?
Lawn top dressing refers to spreading a thin layer of material over the turfgrass. Typical top dressing depth is around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. It is not meant to smother or bury the existing grass.
Top dressing is done for several reasons:
- To add organic matter and nutrients to the soil
- To fill in low spots and level uneven areas
- To improve drainage and aeration
- To reduce compaction and thatch buildup
Top Dressing Materials for Lawns
There are a few primary options when it comes to top dressing ingredients
Compost
Compost top dressing provides organic matter and slow-release nutrients. Look for fine, sifted, mature compost with a dark color. It should have fully broken down into humus. High-quality compost improves soil health.
Sand
Sand particles fill in spaces between soil particles to improve drainage and aeration Look for coarse builder’s sand versus fine sand Very fine sand can compact,
Soil
Bringing in high-quality topsoil gives an infusion of nutrients and beneficial microbes It also helps level the surface,
Mixes
Many companies offer custom mixes that blend compost, sand, soil, and additives like gypsum or limestone. These balanced mixes provide ideal properties.
Key Considerations When Buying Top Dressing
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Components – Compost, sand, soil, and other amendments all serve different purposes. Know what you want to achieve.
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Texture – Top dressing with fine particles tends to compact while large chunks don’t integrate well. Look for a balanced size distribution.
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Quality – It should appear uniform in texture with no large pieces, sticks, plastic, rocks, etc.
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Quantity – Cover up to 1,000 sq ft per 1 cubic yard at 1/4 inch depth. Buy accordingly.
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Source – Look for companies that follow eco-friendly and sustainable practices in sourcing materials.
Where to Buy Top Dressing for Lawns
Local Garden Stores
Many independent garden stores and nurseries sell bags and bulk loads of top dressing. This allows you to see, touch, and smell products before purchasing. They may even custom mix to your specifications.
Pros
- Can see and evaluate products in person
- Often source from local farms and producers
- Custom mixing options
- Support small businesses
Cons
- Limited selection
- May need to visit multiple stores to compare
- Not always cost effective for large projects
Big Box Stores
Major chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell name brand and private label top dressing products. Look for Scotts, Vigoro, Miracle-Gro, and others.
Pros
- Name brand products
- Can buy other lawn care items in one place
- Convenient locations
Cons
- LIMITED bulk options
- caters more to small residential lawns
- Less focus on sustainability
Online Stores
Various ecommerce stores sell top dressing that can be shipped directly. Options range from boutique organic producers to large manufacturers.
Pros
- Huge selection of brands
- Order exactly how much you need
- Delivery right to your door
Cons
- Cannot see products in person before buying
- Potential shipping costs
- Delay between order and delivery
Landscape Supply Centers
Landscape yards and soil companies sell bulk loads of diverse mixes as well as individual ingredients like sand, compost, gravel, and more.
Pros
- Large quantities available
- Custom blending on request
- Delivery services often available
- Cater to both homeowners and pros
Cons
- Less uniformity in pricing and products
- Need equipment to move bulk purchases
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right top dressing takes some upfront research and planning. Take stock of your specific lawn’s needs and then evaluate the available products and buying options. Focus on quality over cost alone – good top dressing leads to a thriving lawn. With the right materials from a reputable source, you’ll be rewarded with a level, green, healthy lawn.
Begin Top Dressing Your Lawn
Top dressing your lawn isnt a difficult task. Top dressing, which is usually done in the spring, is something you can do in one day, depending on how big your lawn is.
Before you begin, youll need to prep your lawn so its ready for top dressing.
- Do a test on the soil to find out its pH and whether it needs any other changes. Soil test kits can be purchased in the Garden Center. You can also get a soil test kit from your local Cooperative Extension Service.
- Dethatch lawn if the thatch is thicker than 1/2-inch. You can use a leaf rake, but a vertical mower, which is also known as a power rake, from Tool Rental will do the job better.
- Cut your grass short so that the blades don’t bend when you spread the compost. Do not let grass clippings get in the way of the top dressing process. Make sure your lawn mower is set to collect them.
Choose Compost for Top Dressing
- To top dress your lawn, the next step is to get the right stuff for the job. You might be able to use the stuff in your compost pile to dress your lawn. When you make your own compost, use a compost screener to separate the particles for the best results.
- For top dressing your lawn, you can buy well-composted manure or fine garden compost. The best ones have tiny particles that can easily pass through grass blades. If you use manure, make sure it is old, insect-free, and screened.
- A mix of compost and topsoil can be used to make your own top dressing.
Tip: You can use a lawn mower, a leaf shredder, or a specific compost shredder to turn your backyard compost into a fine material that can be used to dress all kinds of grass.
How to Topdress & Level Your Lawn Using Sand or TopSoil? Beginners DIY Guide
FAQ
What is the best top dressing for lawns?
When should you top dress your lawn?
Is top dressing the same as topsoil?
Is top dressing better than fertilizer?
