Tell us one thing:

How often do you topdress your lawn?

Once a year? Twice?

... Or maybe you're not even sure what topdressing means?

If that’s your case, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many homeowners tend to overlook this task.

And that’s a mistake.

Because a well-topdressed lawn:

1. Grows stronger.

2. Recovers better from winter.

3. Is less prone to compaction and waterlogging.

That’s why, in this article, we’re going to explain:

• What topdressing is and when you should do it.
• How to topdress your lawn in 5 steps.

Ready? Let’s get started.

What topdressing your lawn means and why it’s necessary

First, let’s clarify what this process entails.

Topdressing is a mixture of fine sand and compost (organic matter) that is spread as a layer over the lawn.

This mixture seeps into the soil, helping maintain good drainage while also providing nutrients.

Topdressing at least once a year is essential for keeping your lawn healthy because:

• It helps the grass grow stronger after dormancy or overseeding.
• It prevents root compaction (also known as "thatch").
• It creates a microclimate that protects the lawn from extreme temperatures (both in winter and summer).

In addition to being a regular lawn maintenance task, topdressing is also commonly used in areas that need reseeding.

This way, the topdressing will protect the seeds and help them germinate.

When should you topdress your lawn?

Basically, in spring.

Cold, humidity, and lack of sunlight, combined with insufficient maintenance, can lead to soil compaction and thatch buildup.

That’s why topdressing is one of the essential lawn care tasks in spring.

Do it early in the season, before the grass comes out of dormancy and starts growing at full capacity.

It’s also a good idea to apply a second topdressing in mid-autumn. This will provide your lawn with the protection it needs to withstand winter.

Avoid topdressing during the hottest months, as the high temperatures of the sand could damage the grass. How to topdress your lawn in 5 steps

Now, let’s go over the steps to properly topdress your lawn.

1. Prepare your lawn for topdressing

The first thing you need to do is prepare the soil in your garden to ensure the topdressing can penetrate properly.

Just follow these steps:

1. Mow: The grass should be as short as possible to make the process easier.
2. Aerate and dethatch (optional): While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to aerate and dethatch the lawn before topdressing. This will not only break up any thatch that has formed but also create small holes in the soil for better sand infiltration and drainage.

Before proceeding, remove any debris and clippings.

2. Prepare the mixture

There’s no single recipe for topdressing; the ratio of sand to compost will depend on your soil type.

If you’re unsure about the proportions, you can use these as a reference:

• Sandy soil: 60% sand + 40% compost.
• Clay soil: 80% sand + 20% compost.
• Loamy soil (a balanced mix of clay and sand): 70% sand + 30% compost.

If you’re unsure about your soil composition, we recommend consulting a gardener or a trusted garden supply store.

3. Distribute the topdressing across your lawn

Once your mixture is ready, spread it across the lawn in small mounds using a shovel.

Remember, you only need a thin layer—just enough to provide nutrients. The recommended amount is 1 cubic meter of topdressing per 100 square meters.

For reference, one 50-liter bag of sand can topdress an area of 5 to 10 square meters (depending on the ratio of sand to compost).

4. Spread it evenly

First, use a rake to distribute the topdressing evenly. (If you used a mechanical topdresser, you can skip this step.)

Then, finish leveling it with a drag mat (also called a "lawn lute" or "drag brush").

This step is crucial to ensure the sand settles evenly into all the nooks and crannies of the soil and to prevent uneven patches in the lawn.

5. Water the lawn to help the topdressing settle

Finally, give the lawn a deep watering to moisten the sand and help it integrate into the soil.

In just a few days, you’ll see your grass recovering and growing healthier than before.

Do you now know how to topdress your lawn?

Now you know the next step: put on your gloves, grab a shovel, and get to work in your garden.

And if you need materials for topdressing, remember that we can deliver them anywhere in Spain.

Or if you still have questions, feel free to contact us.

What about you? How often do you topdress your lawn? Did you already know how to do it? Let us know in the comments.