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Top dressing is the process of applying a fine layer of home-mixed organic material to the lawn surface. The mixture brings about a denser growth of the grass, therefore combating weed and moss growth. It also increases the water holding capacity of the soil and improves drainage. Other benefits of top dressing are that the quality of the soil is built up over time, making the lawn more thatch and drought resistant. It also helps to even out the surface by filling in bumps and depressions.
Top dressing mixture consists of a combination of sand, loam and peat. The proportions of each component depend on your soil type, but as a general guide the ration of sand:loam:peat should be approximately 3:3:1 in loamy soils and 1:4:2 in sandy soils. It is not advisable to substitute compost for peat, as it tends to contain weed seeds which will cause problems in your lawn. Sea sand is also not suitable, as the sand used should be lime free.
Apply the top dressing to your lawn by using a spade to deposit the mixture onto the lawn surface. You should use approximately 1.5-2kg (3-4 lbs) per square meter. This figure can be increased for lawns with a less even surface. Next, spread the top dressing using a specialized tool call a lute, or with a flat surface such as the back side of a rake. This action works the mixture down into the soil surface of the turf. Be sure not to leave excess top dressing lying on the surface of the lawn. Use a hose and sprayer to wash off the grass blades.The best times of year to top dress are spring and fall, depending on whether your grass is cool season or warm season. Time your top dressing to take best advantage of the active growth period of your lawn (spring for warm season, fall for cool season).
