What is topdressing?
Topdressing is the process of spreading a thin layer of material on top of your lawn to amend your soil (add nutrients & increase the soil quality & depth). You can topdress your entire yard or focus on bare spots and combine it with overseeding to fill them in. 

Topdressing is the best way to rejuvenate your lawn without pulling up all your grass (which is a pain) and starting over. As your grass grows through the layer of topdressing, the organic material is incorporated into the soil beneath it, adding nutrients and improving soil quality.

It is best to couple this service with Aeration, so those nutrients can really work their way down into the soil.

What materials can you use for topdressing?
There are three options for topdressing materials:
1. Sand is commonly used on golf courses because it improves bounce and resiliency. It can improve drainage in heavy clay soils. 
2. Topsoil helps smooth out the ground but doesn’t contain a lot of organic matter. It’s an inexpensive way to make your topdressing material go farther.
3. Compost is recommended for all soil types. Use a compost that’s mature and screened with a fine particle size.

You’ll want to use a topdressing material that’s comparable to your current soil. If you use something drastically different, like a sand-heavy topdressing mix on top of clay-rich soil, it creates a distinct layer that inhibits air and water movement. Instead, you want to use a mix that encourages incremental changes. 

What does topdressing look like?
Because it is spread over the top of an existing lawn, the topdressing will be loose soil for some time — and not 100% even. The loose material will eventually settle down into the grass. This process goes faster with regular irrigation or light rain. The water helps wash the mix down into low areas where it is most needed. Be sure not to overwater & wash it away!

How often should you topdress?
Every lawn is different! Routine topdressing improves thatch breakdown and improves the soil; however, it does raise the grade of your yard depending on which materials you use. If you are using predominantly compost &/or topdressing when aerating, you can topdress more often.

When should you topdress your lawn?
Topdress your lawn while it’s actively growing.
Timing and conditions for topdressing are important. The grass can’t be too long. A recent cut should suffice. 
The weather needs to be warm enough that the grass is growing, but not so hot that a layer of soil will smother and bake the ground.
Never topdress when the grass is dormant.
We recommend coupling your Aeration service with topdressing.

What lawns need topdressing?
Topdressing is good for all lawns, but some need it more than others.
New neighborhoods: Builders and developers typically remove any existing native topsoil and replace it with a rock and soil blend that is good for constructing houses but terrible for grass! It helps keep foundations from cracking, but it is sterile and has zero organic matter in it. New yards and lawns struggle for years until the soil slowly improves. Adding compost speeds the process and injects life into new yards.

Neglected yards and landscapes: If your lawn hasn’t been topdressed or fertilized in a decade, the soil will be in horrible shape. Typically, the grass gets thin, the soil becomes brick hard, and worms are nowhere to be seen. Topdressing will help kick the natural processes back into gear and get everything growing again.

Stressed or damaged lawns: Improving the soil will help improve the health of the lawn overall. It’s the equivalent to hot chicken soup when you’re sick. If your lawn isn’t in the best health, topdressing can help.

While topdressing benefits any lawn, homeowners should especially consider it if they notice any of these signs in their grass:
Consistent disease 
Yellowing of grass leaves
Grass that stays wet and squishy hours after you water it
Persistent weeds
Bald patches

The Benefits of Topdressing
✓ Improves soil aeration
✓ Improves soil quality
✓ Adds beneficial soil microbes
✓ Can help level lawns over time (depends on material used)
✓ Acts as a long-term natural fertilizer
✓ Helps seed germination
✓ Breaks down thatch by encouraging decomposition
✓ Helps the soil retain moisture

How should I prepare for my topdressing service?
1. Mow your lawn within a couple days of the scheduled application of a topdressing, so the new layer can reach the soil as quickly as possible.
2. Consider dethatching &/or aeration depending on your lawn’s condition & needs.
3. This is a great time to consider overseeding.
4. Make sure it is the right time of year and weather conditions for topdressing in your area. Never topdress while the grass is dormant.
5. After the topdressing is spread, avoid heavy foot traffic on your lawn for the next week & wait 7-10 days before mowing again.

Watch and wait. It may take a few seasons to see the full benefits of topdressing, but you should see improvements in drainage and water retention sooner.