We often add a layer of sand to golf courses and lawns in order to maintain and protect the land. This layering of sand or other composts is generally known as a topdressing.
The main purpose of adding this layer of sand is to smoothen uneven land and protect the roots or the grass in the lawn.
Although we can use soil or other compost as topdressing, sand is usually the easiest and the most budget-friendly option available.
There are various verities of sand that are available to people. In this guide, we will discuss what type of sand for lawns is the best option for top dressing.
Benefits of Topdressing With Sand
Many people wonder why they need to top dress their lawns. There are several advantages of topdressing a lawn with sand. These advantages are:
- Sand protects the roots of the trees and plants from extreme weather and climate conditions.
- Sand topdressing protects the grass of the lawn during the winter. It will also protect the roots from freezing due to snow.
- Improves drainage by resolving all sorts of water clogging issues.
- Sand evens the land and makes the lawn smooth and safe.
What Type Of Sand For Lawns – A Detailed Discussion
We have seen that various expert and professional gardeners suggest sand for topdressing. The ideal types of sand for lawns are-
1. Concrete Sand
Concrete sand is a material that occurs on its own, and the grain size is smaller than 5mm. This size is usually larger compared to various sand types. Concrete sand is generally used to manufacture cement, but it is also great for topdressing on lawns.
Uses:
Apply a layer of concrete sand as topdressing to your lawn, and it helps to improve drainage and the condition of the soil.
2. Sugar Sand
The sand that we generally see on beaches is known as sugar sand. Sugar sand is usually white in color, and the texture of this sand is very fine.
Uses:
Sugar sand is usually added as topdressing to lawns as it helps to even out the ground and also improves the contact between roots and soil. Not only that, but it also helps to stop the root from drying out. Make sure that the topdressing must not be thicker than 10mm.
3. Mason Sand
Mason sand is generally the sand type that the majority of expert gardeners recommend. We usually use this sand to even the land, construction sites and to fill in roads and sidewalks.
As mason sand has versatile use, it is the sand type that is the most common in the market and is the most budget-friendly option available. People mine mason sand easily from the shores of rivers, and it is cleaned after sifting before becoming available for sale in the market.
Use:
Mason sand is used to fill in the gaps in the lawn and to even the ground. It improves the beauty of the lawn and helps to build a stronger connection between the roots and the lawn soil.
How To Top Dress Lawn With Sand?
If you want to top dress your lawn as a DIY project, then you will have to follow the following steps:
- Test the pH level of the soil and adjust it if required.
- Mow the grass of the lawn and make it shorter, but make sure that you do not cause damage to the ground.
- Remove all sorts of grass clippings from the land and spread the grass seeds properly across the area.
- Choose the sand type you want on your lawn and spread it all over the lawn evenly.
- Once you complete topdressing the entire lawn, make sure to water the lawn properly. This will help the sand to move down to the soil.
Tips On Top Dressing Lawn With Sand
Topdressing a lawn with sand is a difficult project for many as it requires tons of sand and a lot of hard work. Here, we will share some tips on topdressing your lawn using sand to make the spent time worthwhile.
1. Proper Routine
Topdressing your lawn regularly and properly will improve the quality of the soil in your lawn. But topdressing with sand increases the level of the land, so we recommend homeowners maintain a proper routine of topdressing their lawn. Make sure to fill up all the holes in the lawn with sand.
2. Topdressing Time
To make sure that you are topdressing your lawn at the right time, you will have to know about the grass type you have on your lawn.
If you have grass that is suitable for the warm seasons of the year, then you will have to top dress your lawn with sand during spring. If you have grass suitable for the colder seasons, then you must complete topdressing before winter arrives.
However, experts usually recommend topdressing the garden soil during spring, so that they get ample time to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Type Of Sand Should I Use To Top Dress My Lawn?
You can choose between concrete sand, mason sand, and sugar sand to top dress your lawn. However, the most common type is mason sand, as it works great and is the most cost-effective sand type available in the market.
2. How Much Sand Is Required To Top Dress A Lawn?
According to expert and professional gardeners, you should follow a rule of thumb when it comes to the amount of sand required. The rule is to use one ton of sand for every 1,000 square feet of land.
3. Can My Lawn Grass Grow Through The Sand?
Yes, all types of grass can go through the sand you use for topdressing your lawn. The work of the sand topdressing is to protect the roots and the soil. Not only that, but it also makes sure that the nutrients and minerals of the soil remain under the sand. Thus, it improves the quality of the soil in the lawn.
4. How Can I Top Dress My Lawn?
You can top dress your lawn with sand as a DIY project. If you have a huge lawn and do not have the time to complete the work by yourself, then there are various companies that offer topdressing services.
Conclusion
Now that you know what type of sand for lawns you should use for protecting your lawn, all you have to do is choose the sand type and start the topdressing process.
Topdressing your lawn with sand offers a lot of benefits and improves the quality of the soil. If you have a huge lawn, then it is better to go for the most cost-effective sand type for topdressing. Hopefully, this article has already given you an idea of what that type could be.