Laurel Valley Soils

High-quality compost products since 1979

Topdressing Solutions: TurfDress & Cyclone Compost

organic matter

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Topdressing Solutions: TurfDress & Cyclone Compost

     Topdressing turf with compost provides many benefits to the soil. Compost provides significantly more nutrients, soil biology, and organic matter. Soil enhanced by these three elements has better structure which allows for better moisture holding capacity, infiltration, disease resistance, slow-release fertility, and more resistance to compaction. Healthy soil structure supports thick, lush, deep-rooted grass, keeping it in place, to provide safety and durability for heavily used sports fields.

Markedly, knowing the science behind topdressing turf is the first step in your ground maintenance strategy.

TurfDress

Turf, noun, defined as the grass and surface layer of earth held together by its roots

     TurfDress is an STA Certified topdressing compost built with a balanced recipe of agricultural-based feedstocks. This creates compost that does more than just cover the turf, it transforms “the surface layer of earth held together by its roots”. Organic matter in compost restores biology and improves porosity and soil structure. Regardless, each topdressing application gives turf a boost to keep it performing at its best. 

Evidently, topdressing improves soil structure, creating the ideal environment for root development: 

  • Stronger root zones that anchor turf and resist wear 
  • Enhanced soil biology that fuels nutrient cycling and disease resistance   
  • Lighter bulk density soils that drain better and recover faster after rain events 

 It is specifically designed to address the challenges of turf maintenance: 

  • Renovates tired or compacted fields 
  • Stabilizes soil on steep slopes  
  • Improves drainage and water-holding capacity to better handle weather conditions

Did You Know? TurfDress Keeps Elite Racehorses Safe

     At Radnor Hunt, topdressing their turf is not just for appearances; it is a key part of their turf maintenance program. Year after year, their consistent topdressing maintenance procedure earns them a 10 out of 10 turf rating from the National Steeplechase Association.

Basically, overseeding, aeration, and STA Certified TurfDress applications create a resilient, predictable, and safe turf for both horses and riders. Additionally, with $200,000 on the line and the world’s most elite steeplechase horses charging down the track, the condition of the turf makes all the difference.

Topdressing by spreading TurfDress compost to topdress the grounds of Radnor Hunt

The Science Behind It 

Obviously, soil with abundant organic matter has better structure, therefore improved infiltration and water holding capacity. It also encourages more robust root growth and resistance to compaction, acting as a natural shock absorber. Because this reduces divoting, it emphatically prevents slips, falls, and injuries, keeping both horses and human athletes safe. 

Because of this, the results are fewer injuries for both human and animal athletes. 

Benefits of LVS Specially Formulated Topdressing Compost

  • Has billions of microorganisms
    • To help deliver soil-based nutrients and fight off disease
  • Builds soil matrix that increases pore space 
    • Maintaining the ideal water/oxygen balance for a healthy rootzone
  • Creates stronger roots that anchor turf 
    • For more resilient, safe playing fields
  • 99% Weed-Seed Free 
    • Improves turf health by reducing competition with weeds for nutrients  
  • Seed tackifier 
    • Holds seeds in place for better germination  
  • Laurel Valley Soils screens every order fresh right before delivery to ensure the best spread-ability 

Topdressing Application

TurfDress Compost is flexible enough to be used across a wide range of projects: 

  • Existing turf: Apply ¼–½″ after aeration for renovation 
  • New field construction: Spread 1–3″ before seeding or sodding 
  • Seasonal maintenance: Best in spring or early fall for nutrient replenishment 
  • Athletic fields: Used by schools, colleges, and pro facilities including, Radnor Hunt, for its ability to maintain safe, resilient, and playable surfaces. 
CAD drawing of topdressing application for TurfDress Compost

Cyclone Compost

     Cyclone Compost is engineered to go where traditional compost topdressing can’t. Many landscapes, from steep embankments to tight courtyards, cannot be reached with conventional spreading equipment. That is where Cyclone Compost especially shines. Indeed, organic slow-release fertility from the compost is an undeniably great alternative to synthetic fertilizer. Which is good news for sensitive water sheds and health-conscious humans. 

Because of its lightweight, fibrous, and fluffy structure, this compost topdressing will: 

  • Flow smoothly through blower trucks 
  • Avoid clogs and clumping 
  • Spread in a nice even uniform pattern over the turf 
  • Spread quickly saving valuable labor hours 

Did You Know? Cyclone Makes Topdressing a Breeze

     Likewise, Cyclone Compost is designed with blower trucks in mind. Specifically for the challenges of turf maintenance:  

  • High-density communities with many small lawns separated by driveways and landscape beds  
  • Steep slopes and roadway embankments where equipment can’t easily or safely operate  
  • Compaction-sensitive areas that must be protected from heavy machinery  
  • Hard-to-reach spaces like courtyards surrounded by buildings 
Shearon Environmentalist topdressing by using a blower to spread Cyclone Compost on the landscape at The Traditions at Longwood neighborhood

The Science Behind it 

     Altogether, a compost blend with such a light structure directly benefits the soil’s overall health. The fibrous, porous texture creates air channels in the soil, which improves infiltration and drainage by opening compact layers. This significantly boosts water-holding capacity, so the soil retains moisture during dry spells. It also reduces the density and encourages stronger, deeper root growth.

This combination gives turf a rootzone that is both resilient and firm enough to support heavy impact traffic, yet flexible enough to absorb impact and prevent compaction. 

Topdressing Application

Cyclone Compost excels in scenarios where traditional spreading isn’t feasible: 

  • Application: Apply at a rate of ¼-¾”
  • Seasonal: Apply in Spring or Fall, but can be spread anytime throughout the year, weather permitting.
  • Can be used as a wood mulch alternative in garden beds for a natural look that also provides fertility.
CAD drawing for topdressing application for Cyclone Compost

Institutions That Use Our Topdressing for Their Turf

  • Bierdeman Golf Club
  • Brandywine Polo Club
  • Central Dauphin School District
  • Central Park
  • Delaware Park
  • Drexel University
  • Fort Meade
  • Haverford Township School District
  • Independence Mall
  • John Hopkins Hospital
  • Kennett Square Golf Club
  • Longwood Gardens
  • Lehigh University
  • Malvern Preparatory School
  • Princeton University
  • Radnor Hunt Club
  • Rowan University
  • St. Andrew’s School
  • St. Joseph’s University
  • Swarthmore University
  • Union League Golf Club
  • Upper Dublin School District
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • and more…

Conclusion

     Ideal turf management routine invests in the lasting health and performance of the grounds. Incorporating topdressing is one of the most effective ways to do this. Choosing high-quality blends will enhance the soil structure, promote healthier grass, and improve overall turf conditions. This balance of structure and nourishment builds the foundation for a stronger, healthier, and greener turf season after season.

Want to learn more about our topdressings?

Laurel Valley Soils offers STA-Certified composts that deliver a dependable finishing product. Both blends are designed to improve soil health, strengthen turf systems, and provide results in even the most demanding conditions.
Click Here

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Compost For Cupboards

May 5-13, 2018 is International Compost Awareness Week, and once again we are celebrating by supporting local food banks and food assistance programs. We hope you will join us!

Through our #CompostForCupboards program, Laurel Valley Soils has partnered with PHS City Harvest and Fulfill as the beneficiaries for this year’s #ICAW2018 campaign.

For more than a decade, Laurel Valley Soils has teamed up with PHS to provide Premium Compost, Garden Soil and Enriched Topsoil for their LandCare Program and Urban Farms, such as Bartram’s Garden and Mill Creek Farm.

Here are several ways we can all help to feed our soil and feed our neighbors during ICAW:

  1.  Visit the New Garden Growers Market on May 5 and 12, 2018, purchase Laurel Valley Soils Premium Compost and 100% of the $ of your purchase will be donated to PHS City Harvest!  BYOB  (Bring Your Own Bag or Bucket) or BYOT  (Bring Your Own Truck) for larger quantities of compost.
  2.  Visit Bartram’s Garden on May 5, 2018 from 12pm-2pm and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag or Bucket) to pick up some Laurel Valley Soils Premium Compost for all your spring gardening needs.  100% of of your $ donation will go to PHS City Harvest!
  3.  Visit a participating Garden Center, (Molzon Landscape Nursery, Achin Back Garden Center, Primex Garden Center, Delaware Hardscape, Behmerwald Nursery, Pughtown Agway, Haines Farm and Garden, West Chester Agway, Feeney’s, County Line Nursery) and purchase Laurel Valley Soils Premium Compost for your spring gardening needs, and $6 per yard of compost purchased will be donated to PHS City Harvest (or Fulfill when Premium Compost is purchased at Molzon’s).
  4.  Join Laurel Valley Soil’s  Joe DiNorscia at Primex Garden Center, where he will share his knowledge of all things compost at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 5! Check out a demo of live mushrooms growing in compost, and then learn how that same compost helps you grow robust gardens and landscapes! Joe will be will be available after the workshop from 12:00pm – 2:00pm to answer all your compost questions.
  5. Donate!  Thank you to Surburban Contractors Association for their donation!

Have questions?  Call us!  610-268-5555 or email Suzanne.

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

Scott Jenkins is the General Manager of the newly-designed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Falcons.  Scott had a vision to be #1, and was determined to make that happen when the facility opened in August of 2017.  And Scott got his wish, although maybe not in the way you might expect, as the Falcons fell to the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC Division win that year.

But in the green building world, the Falcons’ home field is on the record books.  Mercedes Benz Stadium is the 1st professional sports stadium to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, which is a Super Bowl-esque sized win for Jenkins and his team of architects, planners, builders and installers.

One of the reasons MB Stadium was able to achieve this prestigious status was its incorporation of compost as part of its landscape and stormwater design plans.  150 tractor trailer loads of compost-enriched engineered soil was amended into native soil on site and  installed in bioswales and other water retention areas to capture, retain and manage high volumes of water runoff from large areas of impervious surfaces.

Many municipal ordinances and best practices require the addition of organic matter to existing soil whenever installation of plant material takes place.  A target of 5% organic matter in soil provides increases in the following:

  • Water retention
  • Nutrient retention
  • Microbial activity
  • Sustainability
  • Physical, chemical and biological properties

In addition, project material costs can be reduced by up to 2/3 when 2″ of compost is applied vs bringing in 6″ of topsoil, while also lowering the project’s carbon footprint.

Want to learn more?  Check out the video below for more information:

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Compost man

Would you wish for improved moisture holding capacity in your soil, so your plants would have increased drought tolerance and stay vibrant all summer?  Would you want to lighten up your heavy clay soils, improving percolation and reducing compaction, or would you want organic slow release nutrients that can steadily feed your plants all season long?

It would be hard to choose, right?  Because each of your projects may have different requirements and specifications, how would you ever be able to pick just one super power?

The good news is that you don’t have to pick just one!  You can actually get all these powers and more by simply incorporating Laurel Valley Soils OMRI Listed Premium COMPOST into your landscapes!

Organic matter has been Mother Nature’s go-to Super Power since 2320 BC.  We challenge you to think about how compost can super-charge not only your customers’ landscape installations, but your business!  Check out the infographic below to see how incorporating compost into your projects can get RESULTS, and elevate YOUR Company above the rest!

Compost-Infographic-18x23-Pg2

Call us today!   We have your OMRI Listed, STA Certified, Super-Powered Premium Compost that is screened, dry, and ready for action!  610-268-5555.

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Historically land development projects were designed with the objective of maximizing the built space within both the building footprint and the parking area, with little consideration given to much else. As the built environment has grown over the history of our country we have seen urban flooding events grow in both regularity and destructiveness.

Thieschitz

Now that land planners, engineers and architects have learned the negative repercussions of what too much impervious surface can do during a storm event, much care is being taken to ensure proper ecological storm water management tools are implemented in most new building projects.

Passive storm water capture systems like rain gardens, bio-retention basins, bio-swails and tree pits are all tools that prevent surface run off from leaving a site.  At the same time these features filter and clean the water and infiltrate it back into the natural ground water system.

These biological storm water capturing tools can actually enhance the aesthetics of the landscapes for the buildings and even qualify the builder for LEED Certification Credits.

Stormwater Basin containing custom designed Laurel Valley Soils at Philly’s Central Green at the Navy Yard

Central Green at the Philadelphia Navy Yard

The steady and methodical reinvention and redevelopment of the Philadelphia Naval Yard is at the center of Philadelphia’s burgeoning tech economy.  While the beautiful turn of the century campus provided a great canvas for new buildings and landscapes it also proved to have a host of challenges.

First, the entire landmass is man-made, built from river dredge and mainland soil spoils.   Mix in concern over soil contamination from the years the naval base was in full wartime operations, and the fact that below this less than desirable ground is a high water table containing brackish water, and the challenges of this site would have made many developers take a pass on the project.  But not Liberty Property Trust!  They saw the vision of this site, knew the potential and acted boldly.

In order to ensure a successful and functional landscape for the Central Green public landscape project, Soil Scientist Tim Craul was brought in.  He determined that higher quality functional soils were needed and would have to be imported to the site.  He specified a two-layer soil system containing a course drainage layer located below a finer, slightly more organic surface/planting layer. Together the soil layers work to support plant life, while also maintaining optimum soil moisture and filtering and infiltrating storm water.   Working closely with Tim Craul through a rigorous testing process, we were able to create and manufacture soils that met these criteria.

central-green-befor-and-after
Before and After by C. Caramanico and Son at Central Green at the Navy Yard

Our longtime client C. Caramanico and Sons performed the installation.  Over 3,000 yards of Laurel Valley custom soil was spread to create a six acre park-like setting integrated with a state of the art storm water management system.  This area, referred to as a “social space” is used daily by employees of the various Naval Yard businesses.  The landscape is a beautiful sanctuary for people to enjoy, play in, and unwind amongst aesthetically pleasing yet functional bio-swales and rain gardens seemingly hidden right before your eyes. The award winning landscape was designed by James Corner Field Operations, most recognized as being the Project Lead on NYC’s famous High Line, and is a wonderful example of what the future of urban storm water management is all about.

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Whether you are a Golf Superintendent, Sports Field Manager, or Homeowner with a passion for a beautiful lawn, topdressing with Laurel Valley Soils STA-Certified Premium Compost may well be the solution to getting the turf you dream of.

Cool season grasses, which are typically grown from Delaware northward, benefit tremendously from a dose of compost every fall or spring, often in combination with aerating.  Adding organic matter-rich compost provides a myriad of benefits, as shown in the video below.

Have questions?  Call us!  866-LVSoils

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friendship, summer vacation, freedom, happiness and people concept - group of happy female friends dancing and jumping on beach

So to help you celebrate, and to provide great Memorial Day Party Conversation Topics, Here are 5 Awesome “CLICKS ABOUT COMPOST”!

  1. How does COMPOST help SOIL?
  2. How does COMPOST give your neighbors LAWN ENVY???
  3. Composting 101—a Five Minute Overview
  4. Healthier Plants, Less Watering, Less Disease??? Tell Me More!!!
  5. I want some compost! Where can I get it???

And we wish you a very happy and safe Memorial Day, too!

Just think–with all your party scraps, it may be the perfect time to start your compost pile!

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Do you know how the best looking lawns in the neighborhood get that way?

According to Joe Lamp’l, host of Growing a Greener World, it always begins with a generous topdressing of STA Certified Compost!  It’s the most readily available, economical, and stabilized form of organic matter on the market today.

Joe Lamp’l discusses how to topdress your lawn with compost in the video here:

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Like Top Chefs, We Know That Quality Ingredients, Blended Perfectly,

Create MASTERPIECES!

Portrait of a female chef preparing a dish carefully

Compost can be derived from many different types of materials, including yard trimmings, food scraps, leaves, manure, and post-harvest mushroom compost.  In the previous two blogs, we discussed why you should use compost, and why you should use STA Certified Compost.  Here, we are going to explain the benefits of using post-harvest mushroom compost from Laurel Valley Soils.

Many types of compost are made using whatever unused products are available at that time, sort of like when your Mom would make soup from all the leftovers at Thanksgiving.  Creating Laurel Valley Soils Compost is more like baking your Great Grandmother’s famous, award-winning upside-down carrot, macadamia and bourbon cake.  It requires using only the finest ingredients and carefully following the recipe, as there are high expectations on the line!

Because our compost is initially created to grow fresh mushrooms, we follow a strict formula containing only the highest quality, purchased and inspected ingredients including hay, straw, recycled horse bedding, cocoa shells, poultry litter, corn cobs, and gypsum.  After the crop of mushrooms is complete, we take back the post-harvest mushroom compost, let it compost down some more, and then upcycle it as premium compost or repurpose it to create enriched topsoil.

So why should YOU specifically select Laurel Valley Compost? What separates LVS from the crowd?

  • STA Certified: which means it meets the quality and consistency requirements of the US Composting Council
  • PA Certified Organic
  • Stored indoors.
  • Screened and Dry
  • Consistent recipe = consistent reliable performance
  • DNREC and PennDOT Approved
  • Punctual delivery for wholesale clients
  • Widely distributed through garden centers for homeowners

At Laurel Valley Soils, we specialize in providing the exact product you need, including creating custom engineered soil blends.  Whether you are looking for straight compost, compost-enriched topsoil, or blends for bio-retention basins, rain gardens or any other need, we have the skill, expertise and experience to meet all your project requirements.

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Smiling blond woman in the vegetable garden.

Think Gardens Like This Only Exist on Pinterest???

Not So! The simple, not so secret, secret ingredient behind robust gardens is COMPOST!

And don’t worry—if you don’t make your own compost, you can buy Premium STA Certified Compost at your local Garden Center.

Adding compost to soil provides the following benefits:

  • Increases the organic matter content of your soil
  • Improves soil structure allowing for both better percolation and moisture retention.
  • Adds organic nutrients
  • Stabilizes pH
  • Improves disease resistance
  • Supplies beneficial microorganisms, bacteria and fungi
  • Increases soil’s cation exchange capacity, helping the plant to absorb more nutrients from the soil

As a reminder to apply compost to improve the health of soil and the plants it grows, The US Composting Council has developed the “Strive for 5” Campaign.

Logo_StriveColor_HiRez-no background

Most native soils contain between 1-3% organic matter, which is too low to grow!

Increasing SOM (Soil Organic Matter) to 5% or higher provides the benefits outlined above, and creates the ideal conditions to grow beautiful and healthy lawns, turf, flowers and vegetables.  And to top it off—applying just 2” of compost in lieu of the traditional 6” of topsoil can reduce project material cost by up to 2/3!  Now you know why it is referred to as “Black Gold”.

To celebrate the beginning of International Compost Awareness Week, (ICAW), here is a cool video featuring Joe Lamp’l, host of Growing a Greener World, discussing the benefits of using compost in your yard.

Need Help?  Have questions?  Have photos of you compost projects?  Contact Us!

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So here we are—publishing our FIRST BLOG!  I am Suzanne Longacre, Marketing Champion for Laurel Valley Soils. I am extremely lucky to be able to utilize my passion for marketing and writing every day here at Laurel Valley Soils, and it is my goal to create interesting and useful blogs to help you grow awesome plants, grass and businesses.

I have thought A LOT about what topic is most deserving of our inaugural post. Should we provide an overview of the Laurel Valley Story, or discuss the many advantages of using compost to increase soil’s organic matter? Or do we feature a case study about one of our awesome customers who are doing remarkable things for their soil and their communities? But as I over-pondered this, and as life often works, the perfect topic literally fell into my inbox.

Wait for it…wait for it…

Radnor Top Dresser

Now at first glance, I am SURE you are thinking— WOW— that is one beautiful pile of compost!

And thank you for that—we appreciate it—but the beauty of our “black gold” is not the focus here.

See, this rich, gorgeous compost is being applied to the Radnor Hunt Steeplechase race track for its Annual Event on May 21, and there are extremely high expectations as this course consistently rates a 10 out of 10 from the National Steeplechase Association, and there is $185,000 prize money on the line.

Steeplechase tracks are judged on performance, as the safety of the horses and riders is of utmost importance. For the best traction, the track must have just the right balance of firmness, (not too hard and not too soft), and requires deep rooted turf to prevent both slippery surfaces and divoting. The grass must also be resilient enough to withstand the continual beating and wear caused by the 6 races that take place throughout the day.

radnor-hunt
Photo Credit Jim Graham

Charlie Fitzgerald of Grass Management, Inc. has been managing this track for over two decades. Every year, five to eight weeks prior to the race, he aerates the soil and top dresses with Laurel Valley Compost to provide organic matter, nutrients and beneficial microbiology. These components help to make the turf more disease resistant while reducing compaction, improving drainage, and encouraging deep root growth. Deep roots allow for better absorption of water and nutrients, while holding the turf in place during the brutal hammering it gets from the horses’ hooves.

Grass Management Inc. Applying Laurel Valley Soils Compost to Radnor Hunt Races Track 2016

So this is why Charlie’s story was the first one we wanted to tell. Many times, turf amendments are applied for the end result of making turf grass look beautiful. But here, the focus is actually on what you can’t see. It’s all about the healthy soil and turf relationship that ensures the prize winning horses and their riders are protected on the big day. The fact that the track looks beautiful is a bonus!

Going to the Radnor Hunt Steeplechase? Bring your #CompostCam and post your pics to our Facebook page! We would love to see them!

© 2022 Laurel Valley Soils. A subsidiary of Laurel Valley Farms, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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