Lawn leveling, often referred to as topdressing, corrects surface irregularities in turf by applying a thin layer of material over the grass. Dips and humps are caused by settling soil, heavy foot traffic, or pests, creating an uneven surface that makes mowing difficult and encourages water to pool. Sand is frequently chosen for this task because it is stable and easy to work with.
The Specific Advantages of Using Sand for Leveling
Sand is preferred over pure topsoil or compost for leveling because its inert physical properties provide a permanent structural correction. Unlike organic materials, mineral sand does not decompose over time. This permanence ensures that low spots maintain their corrected height and resist future settling.
The particle size and composition of sand significantly improve the area’s drainage profile. Sand allows water to percolate quickly through the layer, preventing the localized waterlogging that often occurs in depressions. This rapid movement of water helps maintain a healthier environment for grass roots by preventing anaerobic conditions. Sand is also highly workable and easy to manipulate across the turf surface. Its granular texture allows it to be spread in thin layers without smothering existing grass blades, a common risk with heavier soil.
Selecting the Right Material and Application Technique
Choosing the correct type of sand is important for the long-term health of the lawn. The best material is coarse, washed sand, often referred to as masonry or construction sand, which has been screened to remove fine silt and clay particles. Avoid very fine materials like play sand, which can intermingle with existing clay-heavy soil and create a dense, cement-like layer that severely impairs drainage.
Before application, the lawn should be prepared to maximize the sand’s effectiveness. This involves mowing the grass at its lowest setting to expose the soil surface and removing excess thatch through raking or dethatching. For highly compacted lawns, core aeration before sanding can allow the material to better integrate into the root zone, improving subsurface drainage.
The application must be done in thin increments to prevent suffocating the turf. A layer should never exceed one-half inch at any single time; the goal is to fill the dips while keeping the tips of the grass blades visible. Sand is distributed by dumping small piles across the area and then using a leveling rake or a drag mat to evenly spread the material. This action works the sand down between the grass blades and into the low areas, ensuring a smooth transition.
Maintaining Soil Health After Sand Application
Since sand contains virtually no organic matter or nutrients, immediate follow-up care is necessary to support the grass’s recovery. The lawn requires a complete fertilizer application shortly after the sand is spread to provide the necessary macronutrients for growth. Nitrogen is particularly needed to encourage the grass to push new growth through the newly applied layer.
Consistent and thorough watering immediately after the leveling process is important. Watering helps settle the sand particles into the depressions and encourages the roots to grow into the new material. The soil must be kept uniformly moist for the next several weeks to support this recovery and establishment phase.
For long-term soil structure, future maintenance should focus on preventing compaction and mitigating the sand’s inert nature. Incorporating organic matter, such as an annual topdressing with screened compost, helps maintain a healthy soil structure and sustain microbial activity. This practice ensures the soil remains viable for the grass roots, balancing the effect of the leveling sand.