Top dressing is the application of a soil or organic material to the surface of a lawn to improve the quality of the soil over a period of time. Top dressing can consist of a mixture of minerals such as sand, silt and clay. It can be an organic material such as peat or loam, or a combined mixture of them all. A range of dressings can be applied with a calibrated broadcast spreader, or by loam rake if required.
When we do it?
calendar_monthTop dressing can be completed whenever necessary, although completing it as part of a spring or autumn renovation procedure is preferred. If a dressing is being applied purely to help drainage, it can be most beneficial to apply in winter directly after aeration.
Why we do it?
checklistThe most effective method of improving minor surface irregularities is to apply top dressing on a regular basis until the desired effect is achieved.
How Often do we do it?
updateTop dressing can be applied monthly or annually, depending on the condition of the lawn. Most lawns benefit from an annual application of dressing to continuously improve the soil quality.
Lawn Master’s professional top dressings are applied to lawns, pitches and greens to help produce a smooth and level surface. Many lawns can eventually lose their smoothness and become uneven due to the stresses caused from children’s play, turf repair work, foot traffic and lawn disease. Some lawns may sink with age.
A frequent top dressing can rectify these problems and will also help when cutting the lawn. A smooth surface will allow a lawn mower to produce a more even and consistent cut. If poor drainage has been a problem, then top dressing can improve the ease at which water moves through the soil.
Top dressing should be applied after any aeration or scarification procedure has been carried out, if possible. This allows the top dressing to fully enter into the surface and soil below, therefore providing more effective results.
The best type of dressing for your lawn depends on the type of soil and the current condition of your lawn. Your local Lawn Master representative will be able to advise which type of dressing is best for your lawn.
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