topdressing questions...

[pryker]

1. Do I need to aerate the lawn or can I just spread topdressing?
2. Should I mow first? How high should the lawn be?
3. How thick is recommended?
4. I heard that you can have a problem with weeds after topdressing. Should I put down some pre Emergent after topdressing?

Thanks

[jkelton]

1. Definitely aerate. I've seen dramatic results between aeration and no aeration with topdressing.

2. Scalp the turf as low as possible, preferably 1" or less.

3. I generally topdress with compost between 1/4" and 1/2", depending on condition of existing turf. No more than 1/2" for sure.

4. I've never had a problem with weeds, but I always do topdressings in the fall. I also inject seed into the compost while I do the topdressing.