Topsoil is an excellent way to add fresh nutrients to your lawn and revive dull, dead grass to its former glory. Used for topdressing lawns, topsoil fills in bald patchy spots on your lawn and creates a smoother, more level and more attractive surface. It’s also a great way to create a healthy base under any new turf being laid in your garden!
While topsoil may look similar to regular garden soil, it contains a unique mix of nutrients and organic matter that makes it a cost-effective, organic solution for improving your lawn.
So, what do you need to know before using topsoil for grass on your lawn?
We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll walk you through four essential tips you need to know before adding a layer of topsoil to your lawn. Read on!
What’s the best topsoil for grass?
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There are several different types of topsoil for grass that have unique benefits for your lawn. The best topsoil for gardens depends on the condition of your lawn and your reason for using it.
- General purpose topsoil — Suitable for backfilling, turfing, general planting and bank retention, general purpose topsoil is made from a mix of screened organic matter, high-quality soil and sand.
- Top dressing mixes — Top dressing mixes are a heavier style of top dressing suitable for ruts and divots in lawns. It contains a mix of screened organic matter and sand with nutrients for growth.
- Top dress for lawn building — Top dress for lawn building contains a high amount of nitrogen and nutrient-rich organic matter, making it a popular choice for encouraging growth in your lawn.
We recommend chatting with a lawn and garden expert before choosing your topsoil or top dressing mix to make sure you find the right fit for your garden.
Our guide to using topsoil for gardens
While applying topsoil may seem like a simple job, there are several important things to keep in mind before reaching for your new topsoil or top mix. Take a look at our four tips for using topsoil for grass in Aussie gardens.
#1. Choose the best topsoil for your lawn
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The best topsoil for grass should be 100% weed free and made with plenty of organic matter. The organic matter adds extra nutrients to your garden, making your existing soil healthier and your grass more vibrant.
Topsoil should also be screened as this makes it easier for water to fill the spaces between the grass, giving you healthier, more vibrant grass. It also allows the water to filter through to the existing soil underneath.
Look for dark, loamy and organic topsoil for gardens to get the best results.
#2. Clear leaves, clippings and debris from your lawn
After mowing your lawn, use a rake to clear any debris from the surface of your lawn. This creates a flat, smooth surface for your topsoil to be applied, making it easier for the soil to be absorbed into your lawn.
Be sure to remove the following types of debris from your lawn before applying topsoil:
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Stones, pebbles and rocks of all sizes
- Sticks and small twigs
#3. Aerate your garden before applying topsoil
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Aeration is important when applying topsoil as it breaks up the thatch layer of your lawn, which allows the topsoil to penetrate your lawn more easily. Aerating your lawn is also a great way to reduce soil compaction, which can benefit your lawn all year round.
Use a strong rake, pitchfork or garden fork and create holes at even spaces across your lawn. We recommend aerating the entire surface area that will be covered by your topsoil. This will make it easier for your lawn to absorb the nutrients from your topsoil.
#4. Water the soil evenly
Watering your soil stops it from blowing away — it’s also essential if you’ve applied fresh grass seed to your lawn alongside your topsoil. Watering helps the topsoil break through the surface of your lawn.
Water the topsoil frequently after application to help your lawn absorb more nutrients and keep your soil in place. We recommend staying off your grass for 1 to 2 weeks while the topsoil settles to avoid damaging or compacting the soil.
Find the best topsoil for your garden at Oz Landscape Supplies
At Oz Landscape Supplies, our high-quality soil and garden mixes are made with organic materials that will help your garden thrive. From covering patchy spots to reviving your lawn or giving your garden a nutrient boost, we’ve got the best topsoil for your lawn.
Explore our soil and garden mixes online and bring your lawn to life with Oz Landscape Supplies.
