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Top Dressing / Compost Spreading

Fundamental Questions about Compost, Spreading, and Cost

Not so long ago, finding good quality compost was not that easy. But times have changed.  Nowadays, and for the years to come, good and affordable compost can be found in many places due to the passing of new legislation all across North America.  In fact, municipalities, institutions, and businesses are already using the sorting-composting approach, or will have to, in the near future.  Thus, following the principle of supply and demand, you can now get good compost at a good price.

This is excellent news for landscapers and offers a promising future with great business opportunities.  Because recent legislation limits the use of chemical products and has put in place water restrictions for irrigation in several states for lawn care and landscaping, the need for compost is increasing.  Today, good quality compost is not as expensive as it used to be and it is easily available at garden centers, landscape suppliers, and compost producers.

Top dressing with compost is the best way to maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn and landscape, and to do so naturally. In fact, this method is part of a professional and complete maintenance program that will improve the entire landscape. Top dressing with compost is perfect for grass, trees, and shrubs. It provides all the essential nutrients for an excellent soil and healthy plants.


1. What Are the Benefits of Compost Spreading?

• Provides all the essential nutrients needed for a rich and a healthy soil
• Increases resistance to all kinds of parasites, such as fungus and harmful insects
• Helps the soil structure in retaining water
• Stimulates microbiological activity
• Neutralizes the pH of the soil

2. How Is Compost Spread?

You can spread compost either by top dressing with it or by seeding with it.
Use compost for top dressing in combination with other services such as re-seeding, core aeration, and corn gluten or/and organic fertilizer amendment.

Use compost for turf renovation to repair damages caused during winter, during a draught, or by insects, or use it to improve poor turf density.

Seeding with compost is more efficient than hydro seeding and removes the need for synthetic fertilizer. For the landscaper, seeding with compost generates more profit for his business, as this service is highly in demand. When seeding with compost,


3. How Much Does It Cost?

The best way to determine the cost you will charge your clients is by counting the cubic yardage. You need to measure the dimensions of the area that will be top dressed.

For top dressing, we suggest the application rate of 1 cubic yard per 2000 sq. ft.
For turf renovation, we suggest the application rate of 1 cubic yard per 1000 sq. For seeding with compost, we suggest the application rate of 1.5 cubic yards per 1000 sq. ft.

Multiply the cost of the compost, including delivery, by 3, 4, or 5, depending on the use:

• compost cost X 3 for municipalities (parks & sports fields)
• compost cost X 4 for commercial ( or any area over 10,000 sq. ft)
• compost cost X 5 for residential (or any area less than 10,000 sq. ft.)