You can make your lawn more even, help water drain better, and make the grass look lush and green by adding sand to it. But there are so many kinds, like play sand, masonry sand, and more, that it can be hard to pick the right one. Our guide will help you choose the best sand for your lawn and give you tips on how to use it.
Why Use Sand on Lawns?
Sand has been used for decades by groundskeepers to level golf courses, sports fields, and other high-traffic turf areas By topdressing repeatedly with thin layers of sand, soil compaction can be minimized to keep grass healthy despite heavy foot traffic
The same principles apply for residential lawns Here are some of the benefits of using sand
- Levels out bumps, divots, ruts, and other uneven areas
- Improves drainage by creating space for air and water circulation
- Helps break down thatch buildup
- Creates a firmer surface for mowing and activities
- Allows grass seeds and new roots to establish in a loose, uncompacted medium
Choosing the Right Sand for Your Lawn
Not all sands are created equal when it comes to lawn care. The ideal sand should have:
- A fine, uniform grit size – avoids rocks/pebbles that damage mowers
- Dry – wet sand is difficult to spread evenly
- Angular particles – promotes stability and drainage
- Free of contaminants like salts or chemicals
With those criteria in mind, here are some top options:
Masonry Sand
Masonry sand is a common affordable choice for lawns. It’s screened to remove larger particles creating a smooth, workable material for cement and mortar. The fine grit incorporates easily into grass. Masonry sand can be purchased pre-bagged or delivered in bulk for large projects.
Play Sand
Play sand is even finer than masonry sand and is used in sandboxes and play areas because it is consistent. It should only be used in small amounts and in thin layers so that it doesn’t pack down and suffocate the grass. But its soft texture integrates beautifully with soil and grass. Play sand is another budget-friendly option.
Washed Construction Sand
If you want the best, look for washed concrete or brick sand. The smallest bits of grit are washed away, leaving lawn-friendly sand particles. Angular grains provide stability. Even though they are more expensive, construction sands are great for leveling and draining.
Avoid: Beach/River Sand
While beach and river sands are naturally smooth, they often contain sticks, leaves, trash and larger pieces like pebbles or gravel. The assorted grit sizes and debris make these less suitable for lawns. Stick to sands specifically processed for landscaping use.
When to Apply Sand for Lawns
Timing is key! Only apply sand when grass is actively growing to ensure it can recover quickly. Early fall after the summer heat has passed is ideal. Spring is another option if weather permits. Avoid dormant seasons.
Apply sand when the lawn is dry for easiest spreading. Spread a thin layer of 1/4 to 1/2 inch with a hand spreader or shovel. Work it gently into the grass, filling low spots first. Follow up by fertilizing and overseeding for lush growth.
Should You Use Sand on Your Lawn?
Topdressing with sand potentially benefits any lawn but is especially helpful where:
- There are visible bumps, holes or divots
- Drainage is poor/water pools after rain
- Soil is heavily compacted
- Thatch builds up regularly
- Grass roots need shallow footing to establish
Too much sand or poor application can damage lawns, so start small to test it out. But when done properly, sand can transform the health of a lawn by leveling, aerating and renewing the soil. Use a quality sand appropriate for your grass type and lawn’s needs. With a little work, you can create a smooth, green lawn to enjoy.
Re: Best sand for top dressing a lawn
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @newlawnaddict. Its sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about top-dressing a lawn.
You could either use a pre-mixed top-dressing product or sand. Coarse landscape sand can be used, though it can tend to develop a bit of a crust that needs to be broken up. Alternatively, Ive just top-dressed my lawn with play sand, partly because it is triple-washed and the most budget-friendly option. I picked up around 15 bags for my front lawn, but after doing so, I realised I would have been much better off getting a bulk delivery. That really depends on how much sand youll need, though.
Doing the process slowlys a good idea; you dont want to cover the grass blades completely. Please let me know if you have any questions. Mitchell.
What is the best sand for top dressing a lawn?
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[ Know 5 Types Of Sand] What Type of Sand for Lawns
FAQ
What sand should I use on my lawn?
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Easy to find at most home centers and is suitable for leveling and topdressing, according to The Spruce.
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Recommended for home gardens due to its purity and particle size, says Plantura Magazin.
What type of sand should I use to level my lawn?
It creates a more level surface for your lawn by filling in lower areas. I use masonry sand since I have Bermuda. If you have grass that grows best in cool weather, you might want to put in more topsoil.
What is the best sand for under grass?
80:20 Sandy Loom Sandy loam consists of 80% double-washed sand and 20% naturally washed soil. It is the preferred option for use as an underlayer and is equally excellent for enhancing established lawns when used as a top dressing.
Is it good to put sand on your lawn?
- Filling low spots: Sand can help level out uneven areas by filling in depressions.
- Addressing thatch: Applying sand can help break down a thick thatch layer, improving aeration and drainage.
- Covering exposed tree roots: Sand can protect tree roots from damage.
- Improving drainage: Sand’s good drainage properties can help prevent waterlogging, especially in heavy clay soils.
Can you use sand on a lawn?
The light grains of sand can blow away and distribute themselves naturally if too much is applied, but the larger grains may clump and harm turf. Other types of sand, like sharp sand and silver sand, can also be used, but they might not be easy to find or too expensive. Sand on a lawn can be extremely useful for countless reasons.
What types of sand should I use for lawn leveling?
Below are some of the recommended types of sand for lawn leveling. One of the most commonly used and affordable sand mixes to treat grass is masonry sand. Traditionally used in construction, it serves every purpose, from leveling the ground to mixing up mortar for bricklaying.
What sand is best for a lawn?
To avoid rocks and small pebbles, use fine screened sand such as masonry sand or play sand. Beach sand is more coarse and may contain debris from the beach (pebbles, shell pieces, etc. ) What sand is best for top dressing a lawn?.
How much sand do I need for an uneven lawn?
An uneven lawn will need a different type of sand than a lawn that is only getting top-dressed. A common practice is to only add a half-inch at a time and overseed to return a lawn to its level and lush greenness in just a few seasons. If you put down more than that, it can kill the grass and make the soil even more compact than it was before.
Is fine sand good for grass?
Fine Sand Is Ideal for Everyone: Fine sand compacts easily and is not ideal for all lawns. While it’s suitable for leveling, using it too much can suffocate roots and create drainage issues. You Can Use Beach Sand: Beach sand often contains salts and debris that can harm your grass.
Should you top dressing a lawn with sand?
When top dressing a lawn with any material, only a very thin layer should be spread evenly over the entire lawn. Any areas where it globs or mounds up should be corrected immediately. Many people also make the mistake of top dressing with sand to try to correct clay soil.