Can I Add Top Soil to My Existing Lawn?

Recommended Depth

• You need at least 4 inches of topsoil for maintaining optimal grass health, according to author Richard L. Duble. The ideal depth of topsoil is 6 to 8 inches. If existing lawns are growing poorly and less vigorously, it is frequently an indication that the soil needs to be amended with topsoil. To add topsoil to an existing lawn, mow grass to a height of 2 inches, cover with a 2-inch layer of topsoil and use a rake to gently work it into the grass to bring to grass level.

Selection

• When purchasing topsoil, check pH, texture and organic matter content. According to the University of Missouri Extension, the pH of quality topsoil is between 5.5 to 7.5, and the texture is a combination of silt and loam.

Alternative

• Given the valuable nature of topsoil, it is often expensive and hard to obtain. The best alternative to topsoil is the use of compost. Compost is an easily available, rich source of organic matter that can be topdressed on existing lawns to increase nutrients and improve soil texture.