TOP DRESSING
TURF TOPDRESSING
WHY , WHEN AND HOW TO DO IT
opdressing your lawn or sports
T turf should be an important part of your turf maintenance programme . It refers to applying additional material to your turf ’ s surface and is widely known to improve the performance and appearance of lawns and turf . The main benefits of topdressing include the following :
• Improves the turf ’ s resilience to disease .
• Keep the turf ’ s surface level by filling in hollows and undulations with the topdressing .
• Sand based topdressings can improve drainage and firm up the surface . This is particularly effective after turf aeration .
• Compost based topdressings can improve the drought tolerance of the turf .
• Some topdressings include additional nutrients that can improve the turf ’ s appearance and performance , such as iron to help control moss or nitrogen to increase growth .
There are many different types of top dressing such as sand , soil , peat and loam based top dressings . One of the most common top dressings is a 70 / 30 top dressing mix ( 70 % sand and 30 % loam ). Many top dressings are screened and graded to a certain size . There are even specialist Sports Top Dressings available such as Profile Greens Grade , which are used in the construction of golf greens and cricket wickets . It is important to use the correct top dressing for your requirements and one that will match closely with your existing soil .
The best time to dress your turf is during periods of grass growth , so in regular conditions , any time during April and October . Traditionally this is done in late Spring or early Autumn to correspond with usual turf renovation programmes . It is recommended to apply top-dressing at least once a year after a period of turf renovation such as aeration .
Applying top dressing is a simple process . First , mow the lawn to aid with working the top dressing into the soil . An important step before applying top dressing is scarification of the turf using a lawn rake or scarifier machine . This process removes any thatch or moss in the turf . Next , spread the topdressing as evenly across the turf as you can . The most common rate is around 4 kg per square meter ; however this may vary according to your needs . You can use a fertiliser spreader for even coverage , or simply apply by using shovel and spreading in a casting motion . Begin working the topdressing into the turf immediately using a landscaper rake , drag mat or lute . Repeat until the top dressing becomes part of the soil . If it doesn ’ t rain within a few days of applying , lightly water to wash in any loose material .
For more technical advice on turf care and maintenance , visit www . agrigem . co . uk .
Agrigem are also a leading industry supplier of a full range of top dressings in 25kg and bulk bags , scarifiers and a large selection of sport and amenity turf care products .
10 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | May 2022