Top Dressing

Top dressing involves applying a thin, even layer of soil mix (usually a blend of sand, loam, and compost) over the surface of your lawn. This layer is brushed or raked in to integrate with the existing soil and grass, enhancing the growing environment below.

It’s often paired with other services like aeration, scarification, or overseeding for best results.

Top dressing has multiple benefits, especially when used as part of a full renovation or maintenance plan:

• Improves soil structure and quality (especially on sandy or clay-heavy soils)
   
• Levels out uneven patches and minor dips
   
• Encourages deeper root growth and healthier grass
   
• Enhances seed-to-soil contact during overseeding
   
• Improves drainage and helps prevent waterlogging
   
• Helps break down thatch naturally over time
   
• Boosts nutrient levels and soil biology
   

It’s not just for sports pitches and golf greens—residential lawns benefit massively too.

We start by checking your lawn’s current condition, soil type, and what issues need addressing—bumps, poor drainage, patchiness, etc.

Before top dressing, we usually carry out:

• Scarification to remove moss and thatch
   
• Aeration to open up compacted soil
   
• Overseeding (if needed) to thicken the lawn
   

We apply a measured, even layer (typically 5–10 mm) of custom-blended top dressing material suited to your soil and lawn type.
This is brushed or dragged into the surface for smooth, even coverage.

We recommend watering the lawn lightly to help the material settle, and provide instructions for mowing and watering over the following weeks.

We tailor the mix based on your lawn’s needs. Our base ingredients may include:

• Sand – for improved drainage and soil structure
   
• Loam/soil – to match or improve your existing topsoil
   
• Organic compost – to add nutrients and microbial life
   

We always ensure it's weed-free, screened, and suitable for turf.

•  Spring (March–May): Great for early recovery and growth boost
   
• Autumn (August–October): Ideal after renovation work (scarification, aeration, overseeding)
   
• Avoid peak summer heat or waterlogged winter conditions
   

Top dressing can be done once or twice per year depending on the lawn’s condition and renovation goals.

 Top dressing works best when paired with other services like:

• Scarification – removes thatch and preps surface
   
• Core aeration – opens up soil for material to integrate
   
• Overseeding – fills in bare areas and thickens the lawn
   
• Fertilising – boosts recovery and root development
   

We offer custom renovation packages that include all of the above, timed for your lawn and season.