"Topsoil" suitable for growing grass?

[WayneRI]

I do mostly lawncare, not really landscaping. But occasionally have to repair, or establlish new grass in small areas. Hauling loam in my pickup is a pain. What about the 40 lb. bags of topsoil? ($1.47 at Home depot). Would a 2 -3 inch covering be a suitable grass growing medium? Or is there not enough actual loam in it?
Thanks for help.

[grasswhacker]

All that stuff is is swamp muck. If it is a small area use potting mix.

[NCSULandscaper]

Whats wrong with the soil thats already there? I would just till and maybe add peat moss.

[GeeVee]

Yes.

But I would try and ammend and till like mentioned. The existing must be scarified anyways, may as well till.

[alpine692003]

How many inches of topsoil do yo uneed that is sufficient for the grass / new sod?

3" inches of new topsoil and then you lay new sod.. is 3" sufficient or do you need more so that it doesnt cause much draininage problems

[scott in the soo]

whenever i do a sod repair job i don't worry too much about what type of soil i am using... sod is pretty hardy and will grow on just about anything,, (literly)

i actually put sod to the test last summer, i had a couple extra rolls from a job i was doing so i decided to see if would grow on my concrete patio. it did. i actually cut it a few times and was greener than most of my competitors lawns..

what a selling point " we can grow grass on concrete "

[Lombardi]

Till the soil. Add seed. Add fertilizer. Cover with straw. Add water.

[NNJLandman]

I would by bulk screened top soil, thats the best.

[timturf]

but what is topsoil?

I investigated a source of topsoil once, look great, nice in black, took a soil sample, very low cec, and low om, told me it was mostly sand, for $18 a yard!

[dvmcmrhp52]

Most so called topsoil is nothing but scrap mixed with sand,scrap mulch,stone,etc.
The depot stuff turns pretty crusty in a hurry.