Role of Topdressing
Every great superhero has a secret weapon. For Joe Lamp’l, garden expert, that secret for topdressing is compost. But not just any compost; Joe always recommends using STA-Certified Compost.
Compost is the sword and shield your turf needs to fight back against poor soil structure, stress, and compaction.
Know Where to Start
For your lawn, its origins all begin with the soil. A healthy lawn does not come from quick fixes or shortcuts. Lamp’l knows that the real magic happens underground and by focusing on building soil health, you give your grass the energy and strength to grow thick, green, and resilient.
When trouble shows up in turf, compost is the super solution. The best in the soil and landscape fields advise to spread a half-inch layer of STA Certified Compost across the turf. It fuels the soil with organic matter and nutrients, improves soil structure, and boosts moisture retention. Laurel Valley’s STA Certified Compost is safe for humans and pets, consistent, and tested on a regular schedule to comply with STA Certification.
Core Aeration
Even the strongest turf needs room to breathe. That is where core aeration comes in. Joe recommends removing plugs of soil to relieve compaction. This clears a path for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Combined with topdressing, the results are remarkable: the compost will reach down into the open cores, placing the organic matter and microbes right where they need to be, improving soil structure.
By providing good soil structure and pathways for air, water, and nutrients, it creates ideal conditions for turf to develop deeper roots, providing greater resilience against unfavorable weather conditions and pests.
Supporting the Topdressing
STA Certified Compost and top dressing are the heavy lifters, but every hero needs a sidekick.
Grasscycling drops clippings packed with nutrients and moisture that benefit the soil. Infrequent, long-duration watering keeps the lawn hydrated and prevents shallow roots. And with the right compost, it will act like a sponge, already storing a backup supply of water for your turf to fall back on.
At the End of the Day
Shortcuts have no place in true, healthy lawn care. Good results come from building long-term strength, resistance, and health. You can give your lawn a hand by following Joe Lamp’l’s advice by topdressing with STA Certified Compost to have the upper hand on weeds, fungus, and any other villain trying to slip in to wreak havoc.
So when your turf is under attack, remember… We got you covered!
