Topsoil over Grass Seed (Is it Necessary?)

As a homeowner, I know how important a lush lawn is. I also know how confusing it can become to find the right techniques to take proper care of your lawn and achieve bright green grass. You may be thinking about planting grass seeds to brighten up your lawn- I’m assuming your next question will be, “is it necessary to put topsoil over grass seed?”

Do not add topsoil onto your grass seeds. Grass seeds struggle to push through thick layers of earth. Topsoil will suffocate your seedlings. Instead, add topsoil to your lawn before planting your grass seedlings or after the grass has fully matured.

Should I put topsoil over my grass seeds? This question will soon be of the past as we dig into the answer down below.

What is Topsoil?

Simply put, topsoil is the top layer of soil, usually the first 2 to 8 inches down. Topsoil is the most important section of your soil. It is where the “magic” happens! The topsoil layer is where most nutrients are delivered to plants, where water is best absorbed, and where microorganisms interact with plants.

Why Should I Use Topsoil?

Gardeners often choose to add topsoil to their gardens when the earth becomes uneven and areas in their yard become sunken. Topsoil is added to areas where debris accumulates and where water puddles are found. You will also notice patches of dead grass throughout the lawn.

Topsoil is excellent to use when trying to establish something new or when our current layer of topsoil is thin. Topsoil provides a good base for long-term healthy growth, and it is also used to level lawns or to layer new lawns. Properly adding topsoil will give you healthier growing grass and will leave your lawn looking good as new. 

It is important to note when to use topsoil and when to wait before applying topsoil.

Will Grass Seeds Grow Through Topsoil?

Spreading topsoil across your yard may sound like an easy way to protect your newly spread grass seeds, but these tiny seeds may have a tough time pushing through the heavy soil.

Grass seeds sprout differently from other seedlings. Grass seedlings are tiny and sensitive in their germination stage. They are not easily able to germinate and push their way through heavy material like topsoil. Placing a thick layer of topsoil over sprouting seeds may suffocate the seedlings, ultimately not even giving them a chance to grow in the first place.

However, grass seeds still need a warm environment with moisture. There are others ways to prepare your soil for planting grass. Preparing the ground with a seedling technique and aeration will allow for the best seedling growth and protection. 

Aeration breaks the soil up enough to get below the surface and makes contact with the soil without being suffocated by a thick layer of soil. 

A rule of thumb would be to make sure that you can still see approximately 10% of your seed when planted. In addition, allowing aeration will ensure that your seedlings can easily push through the top layer of soil.

What Can I Use Instead of Topsoil?

If you misapply topsoil onto your grass seedlings, they may suffocate. Spreading a thin layer of approximately a ¼ inch of mulching material such as straw or hay will protect your grass seedlings and create an optimal environment for them to grow. 

Mulch will protect your seedlings from being blown away by the wind and from hungry birds devouring them. It will also ensure that a moist environment is maintained, allowing germination to take place and allowing your seeds to thrive. In addition, mulch will later degrade into the soil, providing extra nutrients that provide an excellent establishment for the grass seeds.

Adding a protective layer of mulch and giving your seedlings adequate water will help your grass seedlings thrive and turn into the lawn you’ve always wanted.

Can I Apply Topsoil to Germinated Grass?

Topsoil will help your grass to grow if you add it correctly, of course. However, it is recommended to wait for your grass to fully mature before you add topsoil. In addition, it is important to note that the amount of topsoil you use and its spread may influence your grass’s growth. 

If you do not apply these processes correctly, your grass may not grow as well as it should. Therefore, it is crucial to wait for your grass to fully mature. Do not apply too much topsoil and focus on doing a thorough, neat job when adding topsoil.

Amend Topsoil Before Applying Seeds to Your Lawn

Topsoil is essential for healthy grass. However, your topsoil needs to be amended before planting any seeds into your lawn. Proper soil preparation and seeding techniques will provide the best environment for your seeds to thrive.

Try finding topsoil that is similar to your current soil (sand, clay, or loam soil).

Work approximately 4 inches of organic matter into your topsoil. To be entirely sure your topsoil is ready, use a pH meter to verify if your topsoil is prepared for seeding. Your soil’s pH should approximately be between 6 and 7.

Your seeds will have the best opportunity to flourish and thrive by maintaining a friable and fertile topsoil habit. 

How Much Topsoil Do I Need?

It is generally recommended to use approximately 4/10 cubic yards of topsoil for every 1000 square feet on your lawn. The layer of topsoil should be ¼ inches thick for optimal outcomes. Make sure your topsoil is spread evenly on your yard.

How Do I Add Topsoil to My Lawn?

Once your grass is actively growing and you have made sure that your topsoil is similar to your current soil, you can start spreading the topsoil onto your lawn.

Using a drop spreader will ensure that your layers are even spread on your lawn, but using a shovel and bucket works just as well. 

Wrapping Up

To conclude, it is best not to add topsoil to your grass seeds initially. Topsoil makes it difficult for your grass seedlings to push through the earthy material. Topsoil can quickly cause your grass seedlings to suffocate. However, adding topsoil to your grass once it has fully matured will help your grass to flourish.

Try using alternatives such as mulch, straw, and hay to ensure optimal sprouting and growth for your seedlings.