Can You Spread Topsoil With a Spreader?

Spreading topsoil or compost can be messy, which is why a lot of lawncare services use broadcast spreaders. However, using the wrong kind of spreader can clog the tool and render it useless. It’s important to sift through the topsoil and remove large debris beforehand.

You can spread topsoil with a spreader by dumping the topsoil into the spreader and creating a 1/2-inch layer on top of the soil. You can also use a riding mower spreader attachment. Once the grass sprouts, you can add up to six inches of topsoil to provide nutrients and drainage for the roots.

In this post, I’ll explain how to use a spreader to spread topsoil, how you can add topsoil to an existing lawn, and how thick the topsoil should be for grass.

How to Spread Topsoil With a Spreader

To spread topsoil with a spreader, follow these instructions:

1. Open the spreader and fill it with your topsoil of choice. Make sure the topsoil is lightweight and thin enough (a mid-grade topsoil should be fine). Large debris won’t leave the spreader, so you might have to manually remove and dump these pieces into the soil when you’re done.
2. Close and lock the spreader, then push it with its handles. If you don’t lock it, there’s a good chance the door will flap open and dump the topsoil all over the place. You’ll have to rake or shovel it a lot earlier, which is tedious and difficult.
3. Move at an even pace to ensure the topsoil is evenly distributed on the lawn. Keep an eye on the topsoil and do your best to build a layer that’s about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. You can move some of the topsoil with your boots, but make sure it’s as even as possible before finishing this step.
4. Level the topsoil with a shovel or rake. You can rake the topsoil after laying grass seed, but it’s important to level it with a shovel beforehand. Grass seed needs to be raked to push it into the topsoil as much as possible. This process ensures the seeds don’t blow away and can spread their roots.
5. Measure the topsoil and decide if you need to add more to the lawn. Remember to keep your topsoil around 1/2 of an inch thick before laying grass seed. You can increase it up to four inches, add the grass seeds, then lay an additional two inches.

If you’re looking for a spreader for your topsoil, try the Landzie Lawn & Garden Spreader. It can be used with top soil, potting soil, peat moss, and compost. This lightweight spreader rolls over the lawn and distributes the soil through a mesh metal basket. You can push it or tow it behind a riding mower.

Spreading topsoil doesn’t have to be difficult. You can use a manual spreader or a tow-behind spreader. Both solutions offer much quicker results than the traditional shovel-and-pile method (especially if you have a large lawn or garden).

Penn Live recommends steering of broadcast spreaders when spreading topsoil. You can use some drop spreaders, but make sure they have wide enough holes and the proper weight limit for the heavy topsoil.

How Do You Spread Top Soil to an Existing Lawn?

To spread topsoil to an existing lawn, shovel small loads to patch holes and level the soil. You can use a soft plastic rake or the smooth backside of a metal rake to even out the topsoil on the lawn. A 1/4-inch layer of topsoil is the perfect amount for most yards.

You could also use a riding mower. The tow-behind spreaders are some of the main reasons riding mowers are worth it. They’re easier than push spreaders, but you can patch a small yard with a shovel and a rake. However, a riding mower might be a bit too much if you have a tiny patch of grass to manage.

Remember to water the topsoil right after spreading it. Don’t add to much water or the topsoil will stink. This process occurs when the soil holds a ton of moisture without draining quickly enough. The excess moisture leads to all sorts of unwanted lawn diseases that take a while to remove. Rake the topsoil for aeration, or use aeration boots and aeration tools.

How Thick Should Topsoil Be for Grass?

Topsoil should be between four to six inches thick for grass. This thickness ensures the grass roots can stretch well below the surface. It also optimizes soil drainage, nutrient absorption, hydration, and aeration. Always till the soil if it’s compact.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Home Guides suggest adding up to six inches of topsoil to your grass. Another option is to till the topsoil into clay or sandy soil. You could also lay the topsoil on top of mulch if you want better drainage on a sloped hill or a tiered garden.
• Too much topsoil is a bad thing because it can reduce the oxygen in the soil. Your grass will struggle to get its nutrients, water, sunlight, and oxygen. Furthermore, excessive amounts of topsoil often lead to mildew, bacteria, and mold growth. It could also cause fungal growth.
• Consider the type of topsoil you’re adding to the grass. Scotts Premium Topsoil offers an excellent soil combination for gardens, lawns, and everything in between. The company recommends the aforementioned six-inch layer, then plant the grass seeds and water them daily.

Topsoil is far too beneficial to avoid when growing a new lawn. It’s also an excellent addition to growing and pre-existing lawns. Whether you prefer a tow-behind roller, a dump spreader, or a shovel, I highly recommend adding topsoil to your yard when the existing soil gets too compacted.

Also, if you want to use a tow-behind spreader, I suggest the Agri-Fab Max Tow-Behind Spreader. It can hold up to 175 pounds of topsoil, making it the ultimate choice for yards of all sizes. The durable treaded tires provide great traction, and it’s all backed by a three-year limited manufacturer warranty.