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• Determine the location to be top dressed. Please note that you cannot top dress an area that is not drained properly;
• Choose the appropriate amendment mixture according to the nature of the chosen location's soil;
• Mow the grass to a height of 2 inches;
• Perform, if necessary, a soil aeration by coring;
• Reseed, if needed;
• Use the Ecolawn Applicator to top dress efficiently and easily;
• Use a rake to incorporate the amendment to the grass. Note : You can water the grass in order to assimilate the composte more rapidly into the soil.

 

When to Top Dress and How Frequently

It is possible to top dress at any time during the growing season. However, it is not recommended during heat waves.

The two factors that determine the frequency of top dressing are:

•    Use of lawn
•    Type of soil

Within the framework of an ecologically responsible fertilization program, Ecolawn recommends top dressing every year for poorly structured soils, and less often for better structured soils.

Which Soil Amendment to Use for Top Dressing

The choice of amendment depends on the nature of the soil. Generally, in 75 percent of cases, pure compost is used.

In sandy terrain, the soil is unable to retain the nutrients or the rain water. In this situation, it is recommended to use an amendment mixture composed of 75 percent compost and 25 percent peat moss. The purpose of this mix is to enhance soil cohesion, water retention, and other fertilizing elements.

On terrain containing high levels of clay, the soil is extremely compacted, which considerably reduces gas transfer. In this case, it is preferable to use an amendment mixture composed of 50 percent compost and 50 percent horticultural sand. The purpose of this mix is to separate clay particles, thereby furthering gas transfer and soil porosity.

Suggested Characteristics of Top Dressing Mixture

Since top dressing is a mechanical process, the moisture rate of the amendment used must be maintained at less than 60 percent—ideally between 40 and 50 percent.

The amendment must have a fine texture and a homogeneous structure. It must be well strained and free of large debris, which will otherwise appear in the grass. Finally, the amendment must be free of weeds.

To accomplish this ideal top dressing amendment, it is necessary to avoid mixes that contain black soil and, more particularly, domestic compost made from garden and/or kitchen waste, since domestic compost often contains undesirable grass seeds.
 

Required Quantity of Soil Amendment

The necessary volume of amendment to top dress 1,000 yd² or 93 m² according to desired thickness is as follows: