It is tedious and labor intensive however.
Top dressing mixture for lawns.
Open up the thatch layer with a power rake or aerator to create channels for the topdressing material to penetrate the surface.
The good news is that choosing a top dressing mix is very simple.
When top dressing a lawn with any material only a very thin layer should be spread evenly over the entire lawn.
The grass grows greener because the soil is fed with well aged organic matter that enhances soil health.
It needs less water because the top dressing retains soil moisture reduces surface evaporation and keeps the roots cool in the heat of summer.
The term topdressing also is used for the process of applying the material.
Topdressing materials are evenly applied in a thin layer typically inch 6 35 mm or less for a variety of purposes.
At this point you re technically finished but in my experience a good top dressing mixture does some settling.
Check the soil ph and adjust accordingly if it is out of range.
I would recommend watering the area well or top dressing before a nice rain letting the mixture settle for a day or two then go back with your rake and smooth out any little hollows or bumps that may develop.
With this layer of soil 3 compost we are addressing the problems of thinning or unhealthy sod and or providing the first application of fertilizer for the year.
You can make your.
This is actually the worst thing you can do as adding sand to clay soil.
If it sandy use a loam mix this will improve moisture retention.
Amount to use when top dressing a lawn.
Many people also make the mistake of top dressing with sand to try to correct clay soil.
An organic soil such as black dirt or dry sand will prevent water from penetrating too deeply and drowning the grass.
Topdressing is a sand or prepared soil mix applied to the surface of the lawn.
A general guide is around 1 5 2 kg 3 4 lb of top dressing mixture per square metre.
Here s what top dressing does for your lawn.
Use compost topdressing to improve lawns and as a fertilizer application.
Topdress lawns with a thin layer of soil 3 organic humus compost to renovate and improve an existing residential or commercial lawn or sports field turfgrass.
When tackled as a diy project the process isn t difficult.
This figure can be increased for lawns with a more uneven surface.
If it s heavy clay choose a sandy loam mix to help improve drainage.
You then spread the top dressing over the required area using a flat surface such as the back side of a rake or a tool called a lute that is made especially for this purpose.
Topdressing can be used to smooth the surface of the lawn.
When ordering top dressing first determine the surface area and multiply by the depth of top dressing desired generally 1 8 to inch.