Top Dressing The benefits of top dressing are that it:

	Helps to produce a level surface by working the top dressing into the surface of the lawn.
	Returns nutrients back to the soil and increases the organic content.  A sifted compost or a mixture of compost/top soil worked into the lawn after spiking gives the grass root system nutrients.
	Increases the wear and tear resilience of the lawn.
	Improves the soil structure and thus microorganism activity, leading to better aeration and increased surface drainage to assist in the development of a better, healthier sward, which is better able to withstand wear and tear.

The top dressing should be worked well into the surface.  Make sure the tips of the grass plant show through the top dressing.  This working in should be carried out daily, over three or four days, when the ground is dry.

To cover a lawn to a depth of 13mm you will require 1.5 cubic yards per 100 sq yards of lawn.  If there is a compost system available, bulk up the soil with sifted compost.  If your lawn tends to be on the wet side then add sharp sand to the top dressing.

Top dressing can be carried out in the Spring or the Autumn after aeration or scarification.