Top-Dressing The Lawn: Why It's Important And How To Do It

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Top-dressing a lawn is a fancy term for amending the soil without disturbing the sod. Golfers might be familiar with the practice because this technique was first performed on golf courses in Scotland as a way to improve the greens, and it dates as far back as to the 15th century—when the game itself was invented.

Lawn top-dressing is a treatment that improves the soil quality, and thus, enhances the growth of healthy grass. Sometimes referred to as compost top-dressing, the process involves adding a thin layer of organic material to all or parts of the lawn.

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Benefits of Top-Dressing a Lawn

Top-dressing a lawn is an easy DIY project with several benefits.

It is an effective way to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. This promotes root growth, resulting in stronger, healthier grass. Root growth also improves soil structure as well as the soil's ability to retain water.

There will be less need for fertilizing if you top-dress the soil.

Top-dressing is a natural way to reduce the formation of thatch.

It stimulates bacterial activity that builds up beneficial soil microbes. It can also neutralize the pH of the soil.

Top-dressing can improve aeration. As soil organisms break down the compost, it opens up air pockets that allow more oxygen and rain to reach the roots of grass.

It helps seed germination, which is particularly helpful if you're overseeding the lawn to fill in bare spots.

Top-dressing also can help level uneven terrain caused by worm castings, water runoff, or freeze/thaw cycles.

When to Top-Dress a Lawn

There's no specific time for when to top-dress a lawn. However, it's best to do it while the grass is actively growing. Cool-season grass types do better if they're top-dressed in late fall, while warm-season grasses benefit from a late spring top-dressing.

You also can top-dress a lawn when overseeding it, if the lawn shows drainage problems, or when you think the grass needs extra nutrients. Other signs that it's time for top-dressing include:

Yellowing grass

Wet, soggy grass long after being watered or rained on

Bald patches

Persistent weeds

Disease

For all-over lawn top-dressing, once every few years should suffice. Any more frequently than that could raise the level of the lawn and create new drainage issues. Top-dressing bare spots can be done as needed.

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Best Topdressing Materials

There are several different materials that can be used for top-dressing a lawn. The choice of top dressing soil will depend on the type of soil already under the grass. For optimal results, select a material close in texture and composition to the existing soil. If the top dressing consists of a drastically different soil type, it creates a distinct layer that could impede air and water circulation, resulting in a decrease in turf quality.

Compost

Generally considered the best top-dressing for lawns, compost is the most commonly used additive and is the preferred material for all soil types because it contains micronutrients and macronutrients. Compost also has beneficial microbes that break down organic matter and release nutrients to improve the soil. Since it moves to the ground more quickly than other materials, its effectiveness begins sooner, especially if the particles are fine.

Commercial compost can be purchased, or gardeners can make their own compost using leaves, grass clippings, and some food scraps.

Sand

Top dressing sand is a good choice when there are drainage problems because it resists compaction. For this reason, it's often used in combination with heavy clay soil. Its texture can add smoothness to a lawn and reduce thatch, which is why golf courses often use sand. Sand can also improve the drought-tolerance of the soil and help grass develop a better root system.

Top dressing sand should have medium-size particles (not too fine or too coarse) and be lime-free. Mason sand often is considered the best for top-dressing, although concrete sand and sugar sand (beach sand) can be used.

Topsoil

Topsoil is a good choice for top dressing on lawns that need leveling or grading. If your lawn topsoil has holes to be filled in, topsoil for grass is a logical option. It can also be a less expensive material to purchase. However, topsoil lacks the nutrients contained in compost.

To overcome both those issues and create the best topsoil for grass in their lawn, some homeowners blend materials. Adding topsoil to either compost or sand (or both) can be an economical method of top-dressing a lawn.

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How to Top-Dress a Lawn

Top-dressing isn't a difficult lawn task. Depending on the size of your yard, it's possible to complete this task in a day. It's a labor-intensive job, but DIYers can speed it up by renting a motorized spreader. These basic steps should be followed in order for best results.

Test your soil. It's important to determine the soil's pH and any possible nutrient deficiencies to identify whether it needs amending.

Aerate. If thatch is thicker than ½ inch, the lawn should be dethatched. This can be completed using a rake, power rake, or aerator. Dethatching will allow the top-dressing material to reach the soil more easily and more quickly.

Remove all weeds, either manually or by using an herbicide.

Mow the grass as short as possible. The grass blades shouldn't bend when applying the top dressing. Either bag the clippings as you mow or remove them afterward, along with any loosened thatch and core aeration plugs.

If you plan to overseed, spread the seed next. The top dressing will help with germination.

Shovel the top dressing onto the lawn. Start with a small amount to cover just a few square feet at a time. Some experts recommend flinging the material in the same kind of motion used to hit a hockey puck. This helps spread the material in a thin (¼- to ½-inch deep) layer. If the top dressing material is dry and fine, you can use a spreader instead.

Gently rake in the material.

Finish by watering in the material. This helps it get down to the soil surface so it can start working. Watering in the early evening helps the moisture to stay longer.

If you need to fertilize your lawn, it's usually best done after top-dressing, although some experts recommend doing it a few weeks prior to top-dressing. However, top-dressing first can make it easier for the grass to take up the fertilizer.

Don't mow for a week to 10 days after top-dressing.

The Best Lawn Care Services Of 2023

Top 5 Lawn Care Companies of 2023 TruGreen For more than 48 years, TruGreen has provided full-service lawn care across the continental United States. Based in Memphis, Tenn., the company offers EPA-certified products and provides continuing education for its certified specialists. Its technicians also advise homeowners about the best techniques for watering and mowing between treatments to encourage a healthy lawn. TruGreen Key Details Services: Fertilizing, weed control, insect control, trees and shrubs services, lime soil amendment, aeration, seeding and overseeding Pricing: $635–$990 annually State availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) Get a free quote from TruGreen by visiting the company website or calling 1-866-817-2287.  Pros and Cons of TruGreen + Has standout quality of service compared to competitors + Offers both pest and weed control services + Serves 48 states – Is facing a pending class-action lawsuit related to unlawful robocalls – Offers limited customer service hours on the weekends TruGreen is in the midst of a class-action lawsuit that alleges the company made unlawful robocalls to consumers without express permission. While researching TruGreen prices, our team experienced a high volume of calls after our initial contact with the company. The company did not respond when contacted for a response.  Despite this problem, we still recommend TruGreen due to its wide range of plan options, flexible service schedule, reputable guarantees and excellent customer service. Customers wishing to avoid follow-up sales calls can use the company's online chat tool to get a quote. Sunday Founded in 2019, Sunday offers custom-built, do-it-yourself (DIY) lawn care packages. This subscription service is ideal for new homeowners learning to maintain a lawn. It's also great for smaller properties, as Sunday doesn't recommend its packages for yards bigger than 13,500 square feet. Because Sunday is a DIY service, it does not provide professional treatments such as aeration or landscaping.  Sunday Key Details Services: Fertilizing, weed control, pest control, soil amendments, seeding and overseeding Pricing: $220–$330 annually  State availability: 50 states Get an instant quote from Sunday with this easy-to-use form.  Pros and Cons of Sunday + Has more affordable pricing than other lawn care services  + Includes easy-to-understand instructions with all products  + Offers various additional services to customize your lawn care package  – Doesn't offer professional services  – Only provides a prorated refund if you're unhappy with the service Lawnbright Lawnbright is another DIY lawn care subscription service that offers a stress-free approach to figuring out your lawn's needs. After completing a soil test sent to your home, the company provides a custom lawn care program that includes the best-suited products for you, so you don't have to worry about researching options. This is a more streamlined process compared to competitors but is less customizable.  Lawnbright Key Details Services: Fertilizing, treating, weed control, pest control and soil amendment Pricing: Approximately $330 annually  State availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) To start the free quote process with Lawnbright, fill out this short survey or call 1-866-817-2287.  Pros and Cons of Lawnbright + Creates custom packages based on your lawn needs  + Sends text alerts for application instructions based on rainfall, growing season, temperatures and other climate factors  + Offers a variety of natural lawn care products free of harsh chemicals  – Doesn't have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating*  – Doesn't offer professional services, such as core aeration  *BBB information is accurate as of April 2023.  Lawn Love Lawn Love's user-friendly smartphone app matches you with trusted local lawn care services based on your individual needs. To streamline the process, Lawn Love analyzes your property via satellite technology and pulls from regional data to determine your home's ideal lawn treatment plan. Lawn Love Key Details Services: Fertilizing, weed control, pest control, tree and shrub care, lime soil amendment, aeration, seeding and overseeding Pricing: $420–$600 annually  State availability: 40 states plus Washington, D.C.* *Not available in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Wyoming. Pros and Cons of Lawn Love + Allows you to find services that match your unique lawn care needs and goals + Keeps services local + Offers a user-friendly app – Only operates in 40 states  – Service availability may be limited based on your location Lawn Doctor Lawn Doctor offers many popular treatment options, such as lawn fertilization and grub control. Its services are backed by an excellent guarantee that states if you're not satisfied with the results of an application, the company will either re-apply the treatment for free or refund the total cost of your last application. Lawn Doctor also has a high BBB rating of A+.* *BBB information accurate as of April 2023.  Lawn Doctor Key Details Services: Fertilizing, weed control, pest control, trees and shrubs services, lime soil amendment, aeration, seeding and overseeding Pricing: $900–$2,000 annually  State Availability: 40 states* *Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont or Wyoming. Pros and Cons of Lawn Doctor + Includes Lawn Doctor Guarantee for complete customer satisfaction  + Offers a variety of treatment options + Offers pest control solutions, including mosquito treatment – Only operates in 40 states  – Some branches have negative reviews due to complaints of unprofessional employees and confusion over plans Do Lawn Care Companies Have Guarantees? Many lawn care companies include a guarantee with their services. Guarantees ensure your lawn stays healthy and the treatment you receive matches your lawn care needs. If the guarantee doesn't offer money back for inefficient services, it typically provides reservice for free. Often, guarantees require you to follow proper instructions, maintain watering and ensure your account is up to date.  Find detailed information about the guarantees for our top lawn maintenance services below. TruGreen: TruGreen's Healthy Lawn Guarantee® promises reservice at no additional cost if you're not satisfied with your service at any point within 60 days. Sunday: If you receive a damaged product or are missing part of your order, Sunday will send a replacement for free. The company will also work with you to remedy any issues. Lawnbright: Lawnbright also re-sends any missing or damaged products at no additional cost. If you're not satisfied with the results of your plan, Lawnbright will help to find a solution.  Lawn Love: Lawn Love provides a Total Satisfaction Guarantee. If you aren't fully satisfied with your service and notify the company within 24 hours, your connected lawn professional will return and fix things for free. Lawn Doctor: If you're not satisfied with your service at any point, Lawn Doctor will either have an expert return to re-apply your application or refund the total amount. DIY vs. Professional Lawn Care When shopping for lawn care service providers, consider whether you want do-it-yourself or professional lawn care. DIY lawn care is more affordable, but a professional lawn care provider could be a better option, depending on your landscaping needs. Below is a breakdown of both services.  DIY Lawn Care: Do-it-yourself lawn care is exactly what it sounds like. Typically, the brand will conduct a lawn analysis and send a package of products recommended for your lawn care needs. You then apply the treatments and handle any required watering and lawn mowing yourself.  Professional Lawn Care: A professional lawn care service is all-inclusive. A professional will analyze your property, create a routine treatment plan and then visit your property according to that plan. This service typically includes mowing, watering and tree services. Combination Lawn Care: Professional lawn care services also offer combination plans. These allow you to have professionals perform complex services such as lawn aeration or tree services but handle more standard tasks, such as mowing and leaf removal, yourself. The Bottom Line: Which is the Best Lawn Care Provider for You? Your lawn requires special attention, which is why selecting the best lawn care service is vital. If you're searching for full-service, comprehensive lawn care, we recommend TruGreen. The company provides a wide variety of service options to match your unique lawn care needs.  If you'd prefer to choose custom lawn care bundles and handle applications yourself, you should consider Sunday. If you want a company to determine your lawn needs and send you the products, look into Lawnbright.  We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from lawn care services to accurately compare service options and pricing. Use our tool below to get a head start on receiving quotes.

Our team created a comprehensive rating system to rank lawn care companies. We researched companies by secret shopping online and over the phone to compare plans, pricing, payment options and law treatment types. We then scored lawn care companies in these categories: plan options, service schedule, customer service, guarantees, reputation, longevity and state availability.

Best Termite Control Services 2023

At this point, you likely already have two or three reputable companies in mind and you just need to make a final decision. Here are a few other, more specific factors to take into account before you set a termite treatment date.

Affordable Prices

Eradicating a termite infestation unfortunately doesn't come cheap, though for the amount of sanity (and infrastructure) saved, it will likely be worth spending big money to have a job done both quickly and correctly. Try to get quotes from each company you're interested in, and find one that suits your budget and your needs without cutting corners. Keep in mind that exact prices vary depending on house size, the infestation level and the treatment type.

The table below includes rough cost estimates for termite treatment:

Treatment Options

Different companies may offer different types of treatments. You may also have personal opinions about what kind of treatment fits your values the best—for example, you may not be comfortable with an entire fumigation, but are okay with the use of mild pesticides. In general, treatments will fall into one of four categories: chemical, bait traps, heat treatments and fumigation.

Treatment Length and Specifics

Depending on the type of treatment, the fine print may vary—and in order to protect the health of your loved ones, it's important to get the specifics. For example, fumigation can take up to a week, during which you cannot access your house. Area-specific chemical treatments are less invasive but very toxic, and need to be blocked off from pets and children. Heat treatments often require tenting of the affected area, and nothing that could be heat-damaged should be left exposed. Bait systems, meanwhile, are effective and comparatively eco-friendly but must be regularly monitored and replaced.

Ask for an exact run-down on whatever treatment you choose, and don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions in order to fully understand the pros and cons.

Additional Services

Free estimates, effectiveness guarantees and free or reduced inspections are all services termite control companies can bundle with treatment plans. Try to find a company that will go above and beyond to make sure the solution has worked, and notjust a company that will come in, treat the problem once and leave without ever following up.

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