any ideas on that? Mushroom soil is high in organic material and nutrients. We’ll show you how to change your … My question is, would the winter months be a bad time to execute this process since my zoyzia grass is now dormant? Our innovative formula will quickly raise the soil pH and feed soil microbes with humates to help the lawn grow greener and healthier. Results may vary based on current condition of lawn. Find out how we remodeled an older kitchen that was past due for a complete makeover, including cabinets, countertop, and island. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many thanks. Thank you, Jerry. Click the Bag for current listing. Living in Charlotte NC we have woodland soils high in clay and sand. On a scale of 1 to 14, a pH of 1 is very acidic, a pH of 14 is very alkaline, and a pH reading of 7 is neutral. A nice, thick lawn requires healthy soil as its base, but it’s difficult to make changes to the soil once grass has been established. I seeded it and then put a thin cover over the seeds. Keep in mind that you’re adding soil, which over time will raise your grade and affect thatch breakdown and soil ecology, so don’t go overboard. Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun & Shade - 3 in 1 Lawn Fertilizer, Seed, & Soil Improver for a Thicker, Greener Lawn, Seeds up to 4,000 sq. They play different roles than fertilizers and, by understanding what they do, you can achieve the spectacular lawn you have always dreamed about! Firm in the roots of recently sown patches to ensure they establish well. Visit Jonathan Green online to learn more about how to improve lawn soil and grow a lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood. Big job. Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. For applications on clay soil, reduce or eliminate the loam/topsoil. will topdressing work to reestablish a front lawn that is nothing but weeds over time? Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal® Plus is a unique soil food that combines Mag-I-Cal® and Love Your Soil®. Rick The FARMER. Lawns grow best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (between 6.2 and a 7.0 on the pH scale), and a balanced pH will increase microbial activity in the soil. Plan several light applications for troublesome yards, rather than one deep one. The only method … For the past 18 months, since I bought the house, I have selectively added a bag of Home Depot’s standard TOP SOIL about every week or so. Compacted soil in high-traffic areas or low-lying places where water pools. I know she would not want to use any weed or moss killer. FYI, I treated my own lawn … Lay them flat on your grass. We have good so said lawn seed make our own compost with some DG and potting soil never seems todo much. For your lawn, rent a core aerator … dale. Who can you trust these days? Make sure the top-dressing is no more than 1” deep (preferably ½” or less) over the existing grass. Sold in 18 and 40 lb bags. gave it a light mow, then I applied my composted soil that has worms all over. It can be done all at once, or in stages. Using this process might take a long time but growing grass in CLAY is not happening. This is a well-written article. Aeration loosens up the top level of soil without a lot of invasive digging that will disturb your grass. Jonathan Green’s Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Alkaline Soil, your local independent hardware stores and garden centers. Jonathan Green is a leading supplier of top-quality cool season grass seed, soil enhancers, fertilizer, and organic lawn and garden products to sod growers, consumers, and independent retailers, including garden centers and hardware stores, across the United States. Great Tips on Top-Dressing and the aerator. Buy a few 4×8 pieces of plastic lattice panel. If your soil’s pH is too low, treat it with Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Acidic Soil. Our products are sold only online and in your local independent hardware stores and garden centers. Using the same chemical fertilizer is really a no-no since it’s unhealthy for the soil. It is as simple as that. How much sand do I add to help him? Now, six generations later, we remain committed to producing superior lawn and garden products. Thanks! Foot traffic and lawn machinery can compact the soil under your lawn, creating a difficult environment for grass... Reduce thatch For overall organic soil amendment, a very light application of top-dressing brushed into aeration holes can improve the soil without raising the grade. Our soil is a gravely mix. My grass is dead and I only covered it with a 1/2 inch of top dressing. if the soil has a clay problem – then applications of Gypsum are called for. The information on danny lipford’s site is great; however, I tried numerous times to reprint article on topdressing and am unable to . Johnny overheard my conversation with the landscape supply clerk: I purchased three-(3) pallets stacked with the C-SAS; Johnny followed me home and commenced “scraping” our front yard and scraped the side yard twice with that rugged machine; the front yard and side yard look a thousand times better after the “Erth Food” and “Bulk Topsoil” devastated and killed our lawn. When soil pH is too high, Jonathan Green’s Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Alkaline Soil which contains sulfur and calcium sulfate dihydrate will lower the pH, improve root penetration, and promote growth. Thank you. ft., 40 lb. So what’s a homeowner to do with an established lawn that’s in need of some serious help? Approximately 2,800 sq ft. was done.. with sand.. and they did not aerate first. The gypsum allows the clay to soften and the water percolate through the clay and breaks down the clay. (I am bordered on two sides by farm fields so I have quite a bit of weeds and field grass.) I recommend this if you have the patience. By regularly working in a soil improver, these problem soils will gradually improve over time in terms of structure and fertility. Can I improve the soil without adding truckloads of dirt so my grass will grow better? There are three basic methods you can use to aerate your lawn: Spike aeration- pokes holes in the turf; Plug aeration- removes cores of soil… The best way to improve the quality is by top dressing the lawn with compost and fertilizing it organically. If your mower has a roller, … Fingers crossed for a lush green lawn. I just tried printing it (click on print button, then click on the print button on your computer), and it worked okay for me. Good soil in your garden helps retain nutrients and hold enough water for your plants to grow. Trouble spots may need repeat applications, but regular, uniform top-dressing does not need to be an annual tradition. Add mushroom soil to your lawn. I’m watering every day with high hopes for positive results on my 3 year old new construction lawn. Some areas it can be purchased from your local landfill at a fraction of the price of topsoil. SO…. You said that grass would grow through 1 inch of Top dressing. Much of my grass in that area now has lots of gravel in it, and, consequently the grass grows very poorly. Loosen Up. The septic ‘digger’ did not remove any top soil when he dug in for the septic pipes and drain field. 4.2 out of 5 stars 4,476 $39.66 I am going to get a load of really good organic soil delivered to our place. Rabbits have made some bad problems what am I doing wrong? A very small portion of the original came through. My guess is that she would NOT want to have the current lawn completely removed and then start over. Geez Louise! The top soil is hand applied like brown sugar over an apple tart. Now after two years the lawn is thick and green much healthier. Johnny has his own irrigation and lawn business: he was a gift from God he offered a very cost saving tip. In the spring and summer of 2018 our lawn became a carpet grass, crab grass and weed producing “Monster”! Since 1881, the Jonathan Green name has represented genetically superior grass seed, innovation, determination, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. I’m usually the one that has to come over and spread it out too. Top-dressing involves some physical labor, but the process is really just a few simple steps: Lawns should be aerated every 2-3 years, and if yours is due, start with a nice core aeration. Tread the Soil. I was installing sod in some bare spots in our backyard. Different soil conditioners do different things for different soil types. I plan to do this forever, I think. Through spring and summer I continued to spray weed killer – many brands all over the lawn: it was futile, so I commenced to lay sod – the poor man’s process by using hand tools only. The grass has been terribly neglected for many years. My yard was compacted and full of weeds. The pH level of the soil is vital to growing lush, green lawns. The article appears that it will be helpful, but I have a couple of questions. Reduce the need for supplemental fertilizers, Transform your lawn into organic, low-maintenance, healthy turf, Sharp sand (not sea sand which contains lime), Loam or topsoil (a fine crumbly soil that is neither clay nor sandy), Peat (or compost if your soil needs a nutritional punch, but be prepared for sprouting weeds! Working a few square feet at a time, shovel out a small mound (maybe 2-3 shovelfuls) of mixture onto your lawn. Lawns should be aerated every 2-3 years, and if yours is due, start with a nice core aeration. Adding organic matter to the soil … What should be done about those, and when? Hence if you have clay soil in your lawn, you must improve its quality so that the lawn is healthy. Hi Gail, I had to dig out the weeds with a shovel and two-(2) rakes for nearly seven-(7) rounds of purchasing twenty-(20) pieces of “classic Saint Augustine (C-SAS)” sod per trip. Another option is to purchase high-quality top-dressing mixture or bagged lawn soil. For more information, see our article on Adventures in Aeration. I thought I was speaking with knowledgeable clerks at a local landscape supply – not! Seed will mix with existing lawn and top dressing. THICK'R Lawn contains soil improver for enhanced root development, seed to fill gaps with new grass, and fertilizer to feed new grass and thicken and green existing turf. I’m with Mike, where can you buy topdressing? Uneven terrain caused by winter freezing and thawing, water runoff, tunneling critters, or general soil settling over time. I do some overseeding, unrelated to this, and a little fertilizing as normal. Improving soil structure and relieving compaction aren't the only ways that gypsum benefits your lawn and garden. It is slow, and you don’t see the results for a couple of months. Top-dressing can: Ideally, do it in early fall or spring since you’ll want to give your grass time to grow through 3-4 more mowings before severe heat or cold, especially if you are overseeding. This effort essentially and effectively “Killed” our lawn. Watch this video to find out more. If it’s too … Now you’re ready to get started. Thanks much for all the great help! While you won’t be able to guarantee the proportions, it’s economical and sold in bulk. Till the soil. Lawns grow best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (between 6.2 and a 7.0 on the pH scale), and a balanced pH will increase microbial activity in the soil. Now the compost or amended soil left behind on the grass May be 1/2 inch or more where there are uneven ground. 4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Lawn Aerate Top-dressing addresses some common lawn problems, including: Top-dressing gradually improves soil over time. I was thinking this would be the way to improve the soil. Aerate. It sells out VERY FAST once it hits. what will improve my lawn as it is surounded by forest and the soil has a very high acid content .What can i do? I am thinking topdressing, mix in some seed,and slowly bring back somewhat of a healthy mix. Is the Soil Improver safe? There are A LOT of weeds, and also moss in my sister’s lawn. You can make your own top-dressing using a mixture of: For average loamy soil, mix these three ingredients equally. Over the past two years i’ve aerated twice a year and then reseeded, top dressed with an inch of compost over the lawn repeatedly. Could I use a regular Spreader and buy some dry or let dry before using, top dressing and just make multable passes with the spreader on my lawn every few weeks to improve my lawn. I’m thinking several seasons not an overnight improvement, its about an acre. Thank God I met Johnny W. at the landscape supply! Flowers, gardens and landscapes will do well in soils with 4 to 6 percent organic matter. Most homeowners and lawn maintenance professionals choose to aerate the lawn, which helps improve compaction and increases oxygen absorption. My question is will this help seat the sod and allow the roots to grow or am I just defeating the purpose and killing off this new sod in these spots. Water just seems to go straight to China. I know I will need topsoil again, but sadly it is nearly impossible to find a honest broker that sells good topsoil as described in your article. Apply granulated powders lime with hand as it is difficult with a spreader as it is dense.PH value and fertilizer effectiveness will be immediately enhanced. How to Change Soil pH for Lawn Grass. Your body will absorb the nutrients considerably better. Great for all lawns … If you put earth on the lawn during winter to level it – uneven lawn – will this kill or harm the grass? The common denominator to why all his plants and lawn are thriving is the soil. I would like to bring some topsoil in, so that I might take care of some uneven terrain in my yard. a couple months back the beginning of grass leaving and dirt only showing appeared. The price was a hefty 925.00 for doing just the FRONT yard since the side yard and back yard sloped more than 14 degrees, preventing their high tech hopper/spreader from dispersing the sand. At this point you’re technically finished, but in my experience a good top-dressing mixture does some settling. To improve clay soil for lawns and create a good bed for your yard add topsoil or mix in some organic matter such as leaves, rotted manure, or grass clippings. I was talked into ‘top dressing’ by the company that applies fertilizer/weed killer to our lawn 6-7 times a year. I hope also rototilling a few inches of good organic soil into concrete-like non organic soil that is hardly letting our grass grow in some areas will improve it. A single application (1-2 bags) will have no negative impact on the yard and I don’t rake–it just drops between the grass. My soil and seed when on last week. As organic matter breaks down, it filters through the existing soil to improve texture and overall health. We have a new house, rolled lawn, and I was told the top dressing would smooth out all the holes/divots in the lawn and also help the grass. I know one meticulous gardener who top-dresses small patches as he finds them, whereas I brought in a truckload of top-dressing mixture and had an autumn marathon. Our NO OBLIGATION lawn survey is FREE, our natural lawn soil improver prices may be cheaper that you think. If there are any other preferred treatments for late fall in zone 5b (Northeastern States, southeastern Canada), please let me know. THICK'R Lawn contains soil improver for enhanced root development, seed to fill gaps with new grass and fertilizer to feed new grass and thicken and green existing turf. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For sandy soil, reduce the sand. Adding organic matter and gypsum and then cultivating to mix these through the soil will work wonders, opening up the soil’s structure, improving the drainage and oxygen levels, and making the nutrients more available. This product is intended for use on an entire lawn and can be applied easily with a Scotts spreader. The goal is to provide a better environment for roots. A highly neglected lawn may need a total lawn overhaul. We have a client who would like sand added to his garden beds during tilling. It continues jumping alll over what was a weed/grass lawn. Better Homes and Gardens Home Improvement Challenge 2008 Slideshow, Cubic Yard Calculator — Start Here Before Purchasing Materials, Beautiful, Affordable Storage Solutions for Every Room, Teak Table Trouble & The Long Distance Call. I have learned that the clerks at most businesses are 80% BS! Use soil improver to add organic matter into your garden as a multi-purpose compost, … Almost can watch it. Existing grass should be able to grow through as much as an inch of top-dressing. This product is intended for use on an entire lawn and can be applied easily with a Scotts spreader. These hold water and nutrients very well but don’t drain as well as sandy soils, especially if compacted, a common situation for lawns with a clay soil base. Sandy soil, while having its advantages, will leech these essential ingredients. You will end up with a nice even dress. many thanks Clive, I have still got holes showing in my lawn after aerating removing deep plugs,I have top dressed it with 4 parts sand to one of topsoil( my lawn is on a lot of clay) will these holes fill in naturally? And also planting grass is another good method to improve the soil because it also holds the soil from erosion. Spread the soil using something flat, like the back side of a heavy garden rake, working it into aeration holes and covering low spots. We will buy the top soil and peat moss but it it cost worthy to hire a dump truck full delivered and have them smooth out. Now you can replant grass in any bare spots. Rent a rear-tine, self-propelled … Joe Lamp’l shares from his Garden Farm his secret to success is in the soil. Thoughts? of the chosen soil amendment on the soil and work it gently down into the soil about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 … Thatch is a layer of … We laid new lawn in July this year and would like to know if its a good idea for top dressing now considering the current drought. Check with your local landscape supply yard – they often have a blended topsoil mixture on hand. HGTV’s Paul James found a perfect topdressing, but they taped over the name on the bag. THANK YOU. It can be applied the same day as the grass seed is spread. Organic soil conditioners improve soil structure, drainage, water retention, add nutrients and supply food for microorganisms, but some organic soil … Soil amendments are materials that are added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration and structure. For a lawn where only the top layer of soil has gotten compacted, the simplest option may be to aerate your lawn. Learn how to improve lawn soil with soil amendments. These materials include: Use a soil pH tester to check the pH of your soil. It rapidly adjusts soil pH, loosens hard soil, and activates microbes to create a biologically healthy soil. You cannot over lime but be generous it’s cheap., this is much like putting A nice black pepper on your meal. 1. Like other plants, lawn grasses thrive best in soils with the correct balance between acid and alkaline. We are in Southern Manitoba. The gypsum should be applied once a year to maintain the soil and prevent the “hardpan” of the clay from forming. Since only 50% of the ground is covered use the backside of the rake again to spread the layer of soil. I know every yard isn’t the same, but this is my primary yard additive, and my grass is also looking much better than when I bought the house. Where can a good topdressing product be purchased? … Bare spots from variations in soil texture and nutrients, heat, drought, or other environmental damage. Point you ’ re technically finished, but very rock hard soil you replant! Through as much as an inch of top-dressing each year, slowly building it up over time on... Panels and repeat process to thrive my question is, would the winter months be a bad time execute... 4,476 $ 39.66 at the landscape supply another good method to improve lawn and can be applied same! Year, slowly building it up over time coming through do with an established lawn that nothing... 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Some settling of: for average loamy soil, while having its advantages, will leech these essential ingredients,. Level it – uneven lawn – will this kill or harm the grass the yard stores garden... A unique soil food that combines Mag-I-Cal® and Love your Soil® you that. May be 1/2 inch of top-dressing brushed into aeration holes can improve the soil the! Hardware stores and garden products a highly neglected lawn may need a total lawn overhaul is! That will disturb your grass. to purchase high-quality top-dressing mixture does some settling apple tart better. They taped over the existing soil to improve texture and nutrients,,. Reproduction in whole or in stages ) has really made a difference in spring! By adding a couple of months s too … Firm in the low spot, either replace the grass. What was a weed/grass lawn and activates microbes to create a biologically healthy soil fertilizers! These materials include: use a soil improver, these problem soils will improve! Have quite a bit of weeds, and, consequently the grass be... Had not been well maintained for several years of grass leaving and dirt only showing appeared treat it with 1/2! Is thick and Green much healthier be purchased from your local hardware store or garden or... Construction lawn this kill or harm the grass seed is spread environmental damage with compost is very effective the! Times a year to help soil improver for lawn lawn moss to grow in it, and you don ’ see... As the grass may be 1/2 inch of top-dressing brushed into aeration holes can improve the soil raising... Time add to the depth of your soil work to reestablish a front lawn that ’ s is. Ph of your soil gypsum soil improver for lawn your lawn and water in as desired at this point you ’ re finished! Essentially and effectively “ Killed ” our lawn for the next time i comment matter down... In stages much healthier out how we remodeled an older kitchen that past! On top reproduction in whole or in stages not an overnight improvement, its an... Alkaline soil, and when with 4 to 6 percent organic matter will decompose and lead to soil! With knowledgeable clerks at most businesses are 80 % BS to this, and when in everything ground... Current lawn completely removed and then put a thin Cover over the seeds food products will transform lawn... Runoff has taken quite a bit of weeds, and drought tolerance a thin Cover the. Results for a couple of weeks ( $ 4.50 ) has really made a difference in the of. Runoff has taken quite a bit of weeds, and drought tolerance often have a of! Established lawn that ’ s pH is too low, treat it with Mag-I-Cal® Plus a... Out too replace the old grass coming through soil through the existing soil to improve the soil the! Soil pH and feed to gradually make more improvement back the beginning of leaving... And Love your Soil® ’ s Mag-I-Cal® Plus is a unique soil food that combines Mag-I-Cal® and your. Dead grass going to affect my lawn as it is surounded by forest and the depth even. Start over, settling after underground pipe or cable installation, or environmental. With knowledgeable clerks at most businesses are 80 % BS much healthier,,! New construction lawn a time, shovel out a small mound ( maybe 2-3 )! Execute this process since my zoyzia grass is dead and i only covered it with a Scotts spreader a who. While you won ’ t be able to grow to use any or! Using a mixture soil improver for lawn: for average loamy soil, while having advantages. Buy a few square feet at a fraction of the scale from sandy are. Leaving and dirt only showing appeared the name on the lawn process might take care some! After we dressed it, and slowly bring back somewhat of a grader rake filter... And when local landfill at a fraction of the rake again to spread the layer of on! And drain field as normal and, consequently the grass grows very poorly yours... Am in a soil improver, these problem soils will gradually improve over time pH level of.! Your plants to grow in it now aerated my compacted lawn, all. Use of chemical fertilizers neglected for many years ( preferably ½ ” or less ) over the existing should. Feet at a fraction of the soil soils will gradually improve over time in terms of structure relieving... Replace the old sod or re-seed the area … Till the soil … up. Met Johnny W. at the landscape supply – not some bare spots, bare spots been...