Knowledgebase

Lawn top dressing/too soil #848695

Asked September 05, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT

What is the best material to use to top dress my lawn to help level it out from being too bumpy while mowing? Best time to do this?

Rice County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Michael,

I think simply using soil from some place in your yard is the best way to go. You want the grass to grow in the same material as all the rest of your lawn so there isn't any color/fertility difference. Press the soil down so you have a firm spot and it won't cave in. 

September is  a good time to plant grass seed. Sprinkle seed on top, maybe press them in gently so they have good contact with the soil. Keep this moist ( probably water in the morning and evening). Don't flood the spots, just lightly water or you will wash the seed away.

Good luck,

Sally Granath

St. Louis County MG

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2023, 9:14 PM EDT
I guess I’m looking to spread material all I’ve the yard to help level it out.  I’m thinking just pulverized black dirt.   It’s not just a single spot but it’s most the yard pretty bumpy when mowing.  I’ve just read it’s probably best to do that in Spring so growth can come through the dirt.  Just curious if there are any suggestions as to if I used dirt, a organic material or sand?

On Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 8:14 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2023, 9:54 PM EDT

Hi Michael,

I still advise you to do this now.

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/2022/09/15/over-seeding-lawn-in-autumn/

Use plain top soil, not sand.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/overseeding-lawn

Sally Granath

St. Louis County MG

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 08, 2023, 7:22 AM EDT

Loading ...