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FAQ's
What Is Top Dressing?
What Is Top Dressing?
Using a specialized spreader, we apply an even layer of organic compost, 1/4” thick, over the surface of the lawn. This is a high-quality product that has been composted for over 6 months, with no bad odor or large pieces of wood mulch. You can watch videos of this process under our "Resources" tab.
Thicker options are available; we can apply a double rate, about a 1/2” layer. This will build healthier soil and microbes but won’t level the soil.
Summer top dressing with a soil mix will help with leveling.
When Should I Top Dress?
Winter can be a great time to top dress, allowing time for the compost to activate into the soil undisturbed by mowing.
Spring and fall are the optimum times of the year for top dressing, but you will see incredible results at any time of the year. Ideally, top dressing needs to be watered in at least once prior to mowing so it can settle into the soil layer.
For our premium soil mixes, we recommend applying them during the summer months while the grass is actively growing.
What Can I Expect?
Results may vary due to turf and soil conditions. Generally, clients see their turf thicken and bare spots fill in. Results begin to appear a few weeks after application. Gradually, compaction lessens, and the soil may feel softer. Watering can be reduced by 30% or more. When we seed at the same time as top dressing, we usually have a good stand of grass in 3-4 weeks.
If lawn disease or TARR (Take-All Root Rot) is present, we recommend adding a biological soil inoculant to aid grass recovery and a thicker layer (double pass) of compost.
Will I still need lawn fertilization?
Top dressing will enhance any fertilization program as it contains and feeds the beneficial soil microbes that release nutrients in fertilizers. Some grass types need more nitrogen to stay green, so it depends on your grass type. Typically, Bermuda has a higher nitrogen need, while Zoysia and St. Augustine generally have lower nitrogen requirements.
Optional Annual Soil Feeding & Fertilizing Program:
Lawn top dressing with compost
Four organic lawn fertilizations (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
Shoul I Aerate My Lawn Prior To Top Dressing?
Core aeration can produce great results when done before top dressing. This allows the compost to penetrate deeper into the soil profile and provides more oxygen to reach the root layer. We do not provide this service, but if you need a referral to a company, let us know.
After lawns have been composted, they typically do not require continued aeration, as the soil becomes less compacted.
How do I schedule & pay for services?
New Clients: Click Here!
Returning Clients: Click Here!
We accept both checks and credit card payments. Once the job is completed, an invoice will be emailed to you, featuring a “pay now” button at the bottom for easy credit card payment.
What are the benefits of top dressing?
Compost improves the structure and texture of the soil, enabling it to retain more nutrients, moisture, and air for stronger, healthier plants. Organic matter feeds the beneficial soil microbes, which are vital for creating a positively diverse soil environment. This helps control diseases and pest insects that might otherwise overrun a more sterile soil, lacking natural checks against their spread.
Compost is very cost-effective, reducing the costs of sod and plant replacements, using less water, and reducing the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Rich soil grows beautiful lawns, trees, and plants.
Pet- and kid-friendly too!
How do I deal with top dressing after heavy rains?
If there is a heavy rain event after the application, please contact us. Most of the time, compost stays in place, except for on slopes, bare areas, and areas where water drains from downspouts, etc.
In this case, we can come out and reapply as needed for a nominal fee, waiving our usual minimum pricing.
Weather events are beyond anyone’s control, and we still want our clients to get value for their money.
How should I prepare for a top dressing service?
You do not need to be home at the time of service. Top dressing works best with a recently mowed lawn, or please clean up leaves before we arrive.
Please turn off sprinklers the day before we come and turn them back on after we leave. For best results, compost needs to be watered in, especially during the warmer months.
For backyard access, please have the gates unlocked. A minimum 36” gate is required to get our top dressing machines through.
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THE ORGANIC LAWN TOP DRESSING EXPERTS - PROVIDING LAWN CARE SOLUTIONS FOR OVER 10 YEARS