TOPDRESSING YOUR LAWN

Spring Guide to Topdressing with Field and Turf Enhancer

After a long, cold winter in the Midwest, with heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures, our lawns have certainly had a tough time. As we move into spring, many of us are looking forward to warmer temperatures and the occasional rain that will help revive our lawns. However, the harsh winter conditions may have caused some issues, particularly for lawns with dense, silty-clay soils, which are prone to compaction. This can hinder your lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, making it harder for it to bounce back.

Instead of waiting for summer to bring improvements, now is the perfect time to address those issues and give your lawn a solid foundation for a healthy growing season. Aerating and topdressing with Field and Turf Enhancer can make a big difference in your lawn’s recovery.

Why Aeration is Key This Spring

The freeze-thaw cycle of winter often causes the soil to become compacted. In the Midwest, where silty-clay soils dominate, compaction can restrict airflow, water movement, and root growth, especially during the spring thaw. Aerating your lawn is an essential first step to alleviate compaction and ensure your lawn can breathe and absorb nutrients more effectively.

Regardless of how your turf looks after the winter, we recommend aerating your lawn this spring. Aeration will improve soil structure, enhance drainage, and create the perfect conditions for your grass to recover and thrive.

Topdressing is key for thriving lawns.

Topdressing with Field and Turf Enhancer

Once you’ve aerated, the next critical step is to apply Field and Turf Enhancer, not just any compost. Unlike standard compost, Field and Turf Enhancer is specially formulated to improve soil texture, boost nutrient levels, and enhance moisture retention, making it the ideal choice for your lawn’s root zone. It’s packed with organic matter and beneficial soil microbes that will support healthy root growth, which is essential for a lawn that can withstand both the spring rains and the summer heat.

Applying Field and Turf Enhancer after aeration ensures that the compost is pushed deep into the soil, right where it’s needed most—beneath the surface in the root zone. This helps to create a thriving environment for grass to grow strong and healthy.

Aerate first, then topdress.

Steps for Aeration and Topdressing with Field and Turf Enhancer:

1. Mow the Grass: Start by mowing your lawn a bit shorter than usual. This allows the aerator to work more effectively and makes it easier to apply both seed and compost.

2. Aerate the Lawn: Use an aerator to perforate the soil, focusing on areas of heavy compaction, like along walkways or pet habit trails. Aerate as you normally would.

3. Apply Field and Turf Enhancer: After aerating, apply a quarter to a half-inch layer of Field and Turf Enhancer across the entire lawn. For smaller lawns, you can spread it by hand with a wheelbarrow and shovel. For larger lawns, renting a compost spreader will help ensure even coverage.

4. Rake and Water: Lightly rake the area to help the Field and Turf Enhancer settle into the aeration holes. Then, water the lawn gently to encourage the compost to penetrate deeper into the soil.

   
   

Overseeding and Additional Care

If parts of your lawn need reseeding, now is the time to do it. After aerating and applying Field and Turf Enhancer, sow fresh grass seed in any bare spots by hand or with a spreader. The compost will provide an ideal environment for seed germination.

For areas that require more extensive repair, you might also want to consider applying a starter fertilizer to help promote new growth.

Seed after topdressing for ideal germination.

Building a Healthy Lawn with Ongoing Care

Topdressing with Field and Turf Enhancer is an investment in your lawn’s long-term health. If you’re new to topdressing, we recommend applying it for three consecutive seasons—spring, fall, and then the following spring. After that, annual applications will help maintain healthy soil and ensure that your lawn continues to thrive year after year. Healthy soil means healthy root zones, and healthy roots make for a beautiful, green lawn.

By aerating and topdressing with Field and Turf Enhancer, you're giving your lawn the boost it needs to recover from a tough winter and set the stage for a vibrant growing season ahead.