A lush, green lawn can be the pride of any gardener. Yet, as every Lawn Maintenance Master knows, achieving that perfect lawn is a journey, not a destination. One of the most valuable techniques in this journey is ‘lawn top dressing’. But what exactly is this, and how can you apply this method effectively? Let’s delve into the world of lawn top dressing, understanding its intricacies and the steps to get it right.
What is Lawn Top Dressing?
Lawn top dressing is a technique where a thin layer of material, typically a mixture of soil, sand, and compost, is spread over a lawn. This practice offers numerous benefits:
- Levelling the Lawn: Over time, lawns can become uneven due to worm activity, thatch build-up, or general wear and tear. A top dressing can help even out these small imperfections.
- Improving Soil Quality: A good top dressing can add essential nutrients to your lawn, enhancing the soil structure and ensuring healthier grass growth.
- Enhancing Seed Germination: For those looking to overseed their lawn, top dressing provides the seeds with a secure environment, promoting better germination rates.
- Thatch Control: Regular top dressing can help in breaking down excessive thatch, which if left unchecked, can hinder water and nutrient absorption.
Why top dress the lawn?
This is an important operation that should be carried out at least once a year on the lawn. Top dressing is the process of applying a fine layer of high quality soil to the surface of the lawn.
Materials commonly used for this task are loam, sand and peat, depending on the chemical and physical make up of your soil or rootzone. The reasons for dressing lawns include.
- Create a Level Surface: If you have a lawn with minor undulations and hollows, regular applications will gradually level the lawn up by filling the hollows.
- Improve the drainage: This task will improve the drainage on a garden lawn especially after aeration has been carried out. E.g. If you have a heavy poor draining soil (clay), by aerating you create channels into the soil profile. Then by following up afterwards by applying a suitable sandy mixture and working it down the holes you will improve the drainage of the lawn. This is because sand drains better than clay due to the larger particle size that encourages quicker water movement.
- Improve drought resistance: This is similar to improving the drainage on a lawn but you would use a peat and loam based top dressing. Peat and loam have greater water retention properties than sand, therefore they would improve the drought resistance of your lawn.
- Thatch Breakdown: A good dressing program can help with the decomposition of thatch. Regular applications help dilute the thatch layer and encourages natural breakdown.
- Encourage a Thicker Lawn: It encourages the grass to produce new shoots resulting in a thicker, tight knit sward, therefore reducing the invasion of weeds and moss.
Materials Used
As we have previously noted top dressing is made from 3 different materials, these materials are:
- Sand: The sand used should be lime free and should be of medium particle size (not too fine or coarse).
- Peat: Go for a quality sphagnum or sedge peat.
- Loam: Choose a loam that does not have a large clay content.
How and when to apply
Top dressing can be applied any time during the growing season, but the best time is late summer especially after any aeration, scarification or overseeding work has taken place.
The top dressing needs to be applied as evenly as possible. There are mechanical spreaders available for hire but unless you have a large area, a shovel will be fine for applying your top dressing. The application rate should be about 3lbs per sq/yd.
The most effective way to top dress is to tip the material in equal size heaps on your lawn, then spread them evenly over your lawn with a shovel. After it has been applied and has dried, it can be rubbed into the sward and aeration holes, for the best results use a true lute or a drag mat. Alternatively a brush or the back of a rake can be used.
Planning & Preparation for Lawn Top Dressing
Before diving into the lawn top dressing procedure, proper planning and preparation are paramount. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Lawn Assessment: Begin by taking a thorough look at your lawn. Identify areas that are uneven or have patches. Understand the type of soil you have; this will influence the kind of top dressing mix you’ll need.
- Choose the Right Top Dressing Mix: Depending on your soil type and lawn needs, you’ll require a specific mix. For clayey soils, a sandier top dressing can improve drainage. For sandy soils, more organic matter or loam in the mix can enhance water retention.
- Mowing: Before you apply the top dressing, mow your lawn to a shorter height than usual. This ensures that the grass can easily grow through the layer of top dressing.
- Scarifying and Aeration: These steps are essential, especially if your lawn has significant thatch build-up or compacted soil. Scarifying will remove excess thatch, while aeration, which involves making small holes in the lawn, ensures better oxygen, water, and nutrient penetration.
The Lawn Top Dressing Procedure:
Now that you’re prepped let’s get to the actual task.
- Mixing the Top Dressing: Combine your chosen materials, ensuring a consistent mix. For most lawns, a mix of 2 parts sharp sand, 2 parts topsoil, and 1 part compost works well. However, adjust based on your lawn’s specific needs.
- Application: Using a shovel, evenly spread the top dressing mix over your lawn. Aim for a layer about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Make sure you don’t smother the grass; it should peek through the top dressing.
- Spreading and Levelling: A back of a rake or a large brush is handy for this step. Gently spread the top dressing, ensuring it fills the hollows and evens out bumps.
- Watering: Once you’re satisfied with the spread, lightly water the area. This helps the top dressing settle and encourages the grass to grow through it.
- Post Application Care: Over the next few weeks, ensure regular watering and avoid heavy foot traffic. If you’ve overseeded your lawn, be patient; seeds can take a few weeks to germinate.
In conclusion, lawn top dressing is a tried and tested method to enhance the beauty and health of your lawn. With proper planning and execution, you can rejuvenate your garden, ensuring it remains the envy of your neighbours. Whether you’re a budding gardener or a Lawn Maintenance Master, understanding and incorporating lawn top dressing into your gardening practices can be a game-changer.
