Compost Top Dressing for Lawns
Organic Soil Treatment
When we top-dress a lawn with compost, we introduce millions of organic microbes into the soil, along with a rich food source for the existing microbes. The nutrients in the compost are readily available for uptake by plants. Compost enriches the soil food web and promotes healthy plant life. Microbes will break down the organic matter in the compost, releasing its nutrients back into the soil, which helps create a living soil.
Healthier soil leads to fewer issues with weeds, diseases, and insect pressures. With robust soil, plants can develop deeper root systems, making them less susceptible to heat and drought stress.
Compost can be spread by hand using a wheelbarrow and shovel, but this process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. With our compost spreader, we can top-dress your lawn with much less effort. After just a few days, the compost typically becomes invisible as it gets worked into the soil by wind, rain, and microbial activity.
Using compost on your lawn is one of the most effective and sustainable ways to promote healthy, lush grass while supporting the environment. It provides natural nutrients, improves soil structure, and fosters beneficial microbial activity—leading to a greener, thicker, and more resilient lawn.
Organo-Lawn utilizes a specialized machine to apply organic compost evenly across your entire lawn. This ensures that there are no uneven clumps of compost left behind. The compost topdressing is applied at a thickness of approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Organo-Lawn can service any lawns in Boulder or Fort Collins that have gates wide enough for our machine through.
Tips to Improve Compost Top-Dressing Results?
- Compost can be applied at any time of year.
- If the compost is put down over the summer months, it is important to water the lawn shortly after the compost is put down to avoid any drought stress.
- If compost is put down in the spring or fall, it can be paired with aeration to work the compost down into the soil more quickly, but aeration is not critical.
- If the lawn is thinning, we can also apply seed at that same time if done in spring or fall.
Limitations and Information about the Compost Service
Please note the following regarding the compost application process:
- The special compost spreader requires a gate that is at least 36 inches wide. If your gate is smaller than this, we will not be able to apply compost to areas inside the fenced area.
- The compost spreader distributes compost in a 6-foot-wide path. If there are sections of your lawn that are narrower than 6 feet, we will be unable to spread compost in those areas.
- The compost spreader cannot be used on steep hills, as it may tip over. Gentle slopes are acceptable.
- The compost spreader cannot navigate steps or stairs. If the only access to a part of your yard involves steps or stairs, we will not be able to service those areas.
- It is highly recommended to water the compost as you incorporate it into the soil. This helps reduce the risk of drought stress from having new compost on top of your lawn.
Benefits of Compost
- Improves Soil Structure:
- Compost helps bind soil particles together, improving aeration and drainage.
- Enhances the soil’s ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Boosts Nutrient Availability:
- Compost is rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which grass needs to thrive.
- It also contains trace minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Encourages Healthy Microbial Activity:
- Compost adds beneficial microorganisms to the soil, enhancing microbial life.
- Healthy microbes break down organic matter and release nutrients for grass roots to absorb.
- Reduces Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers:
- Compost provides a slow and natural release of nutrients, minimizing the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers.
- Suppresses Weeds and Disease:
- A well-maintained lawn with nutrient-rich compost promotes thick grass, which crowds out weeds and reduces areas where pests and diseases can take hold.
- Lawn diseases like Necrotic Ring Spot can be healed quicker after a compost application.
- Eco-Friendly Lawn Care:
- Compost is made from recycled organic materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
- Improves Soil Structure:
When Can Compost be Applied to a Lawn
Compost top dressing for lawns
Most compost applications take place between May and October. However, if there is no snow on the ground, Organo-Lawn can apply compost to your lawn in Fort Collins or Boulder at any time of year. Compost is highly beneficial for seeding a new lawn or revitalizing a lawn that has low microbial activity.
Schedule an Professional Lawn Evaluation
Organo-Lawn is your local professional lawn care expert and can set up a conditioning program for your lawn. Call today to talk to one of our professional lawn care technicians. (303) 499-2000 Boulder or (970) 225-9425 Fort Collins
FAQ – Compost
Will compost level out my lawn?
The compost will be about 1/8-1/4 inch over the lawn. It will require multiple applications of compost and core aeration to level out a bumpy lawn. Following the 1-2-3-2-1 watering technique will also help alleviate over or under watering issues which can create unevenness.
Do I need to do anything after the application?
It’s advisable to water the lawn after applying compost. This helps to incorporate it into the soil more effectively. Watering is especially important during hot weather, as compost can absorb moisture. In such cases, you may need to run an additional cycle of the sprinkler just once to ensure adequate hydration.
