Topdressing

At LandGreen Landscaping Inc., we provide professional Topdressing Services. Serving Wake and Harnett Counties, including Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Angier, Willow Springs, and surrounding areas.

What is Topdressing?

Topdressing is the process of applying a thin layer of nutrient-rich compost, sand, or a mixture of the two over the surface of your lawn. This practice helps to improve the soil structure, boost organic matter, and enhance overall lawn health. It also helps level out minor bumps and uneven areas in your yard.

How will I know if my lawn needs topdressing?

Some signs your lawn could benefit from topdressing include:

  • Thinning or weak grass growth

  • Poor soil quality or heavy clay soil

  • Uneven surfaces or lawn depressions

  • Compacted or poor-draining soil
    A soil test can help identify nutrient deficiencies and guide the proper treatment. If the soil test indicates a lack of organic matter or poor soil structure, topdressing can help revitalize your lawn.

Why is Topdressing Key to a Thriving Landscape?

  • Improves Soil Structure

  • Boosts Nutrient Levels

  • Enhances Water Retention

  • Increases Organic Matter

  • Improves Grass Growth & Density

  • Levels Uneven Lawns

  • Reduces Thatch Buildup

When is the Best Time for Topdressing?

Topdressing is generally done during the growing season when the lawn can benefit the most from the additional nutrients. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia, late spring to early summer works best. For cool-season grasses like fescue, fall is an ideal time. The key is to apply topdressing when the grass is actively growing to maximize its absorption of nutrients.

How Much Does Topdressing Cost?

Priced Per Square Foot!

We price topdressing based on the total square footage of your lawn.

Tiered Pricing for Better Value!

We have a minimum service charge of $1,050, our per-square-foot pricing decreases as the lawn size increases. This approach allows us to provide fair and competitive pricing while ensuring high-quality results for every yard.

Approximate Pricing by Lawn Size

I’m In!  What’s Next?

Boost Your Soil with Organic Matter—Fast!

  • Topdressing with compost instantly introduces organic matter and beneficial microbes into the soil. Organic matter is essential for a healthy lawn, improving soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. However, relying on natural processes to build organic matter takes years!

In most cases we use a 70/30 mix of sand and compost for topdressing to level and enrich your lawn at the same time. The sand helps smooth out uneven areas and improve drainage, while the compost quickly boosts organic matter, enhancing soil health and nutrient availability.

FAQs

  • For most lawns, topdressing is recommended once a year, ideally in conjunction with overseeding or aeration. However, lawns with poor soil or significant compaction may benefit from more frequent applications.

  • You may notice improvements in soil texture and grass growth within a few weeks. Over time, topdressing helps build better soil structure, which contributes to long-term lawn health.

  • Yes, but it’s best to wait a day or two for the material to settle. If you're overseeding, avoid mowing for at least 10–14 days to give the new grass a chance to establish.

Highly Recommended Additional Services

  • Soil Sample: Provides insight into soil health and compaction, helping to guide topdressing and other treatments.

  • Overseeding: Adds new grass seed to your lawn for thicker, healthier turf. Topdressing enhances overseeding by providing a better environment for seed germination.

  • Core Aeration: Improves root growth by reducing soil compaction. Aeration and topdressing work together to create the optimal environment for lawn growth.

  • Dethatching: Removes excess thatch and allows better air and nutrient flow. Topdressing follows dethatching to improve soil and support new growth.