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Topdressing involves spreading good quality topsoil or compost on top of your lawn. This adds organic matter and improves the condition of the soil. Look for bags of top dressing that contain a blend of compost, soil, and peat moss. Topdressing is essential on bare areas and on lawns with little topsoil. Add ¼ to ½ inch of topsoil or compost. Don't smother the grass blades.
Always use good quality compost to ensure it is weed-free. Avoid using non-composted manures, they may contain weed and crabgrass seeds.
Overseeding is the process of adding grass seed to your lawn to make it thicker and able to crowd out weeds. When overseeding:
* apply seed with a spreader or by hand
* choose high quality lawn seed that assures fewer weeds and poor grass types
* for shady areas, be sure to pick a blend that is labelled for shade, and sun for the brighter areas
* avoid buying "all purpose" grass seed
* a mixture of grass types (perennial ryegrass, fescue, bluegrass) is more resistant to weeds and pests.
* After applying, water lightly for several days (follow watering regulations)
Early fall is the very best time to overseed, but it can also be done successfully in the early spring.
Topdressing and overseeding can be done together. Add grass seed to your lawn and then cover with topsoil or compost. Alternately, mix the seed and the soil and spread them on the lawn together. Gently rake a thin layer of the mixture over the entire lawn or just on problem areas. Ensure the seeds remain moist for several days either through rainfall or daily light watering.
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