Is Too Much Topsoil a Bad Thing? 5 Important Facts

Topsoil is often praised as one of the best ingredients for a healthy lawn and garden. However, too much of anything can damage a yard. Topsoil contains quite a bit of additives, especially if you’re using a low-grade product.

Too much topsoil is bad because it can prevent the roots from getting enough moisture, oxygen, and sunlight. Excessive amounts of topsoil can make the ground spongey, leading the fungal growth, mold, and weeds. It can also compact the soil beneath it, preventing drainage.

In this post, I’ll explain what happens when you use too much topsoil and how to know how much you’re supposed to add to your garden and lawn. I’ll also dive into whether or not your grass can grow through a thick layer of topsoil.

Can You Use Too Much Topsoil?

You can use too much topsoil because it will prevent the plants from receiving sunlight, hydration, and so on. Michigan State University claims almost all topsoils have weeds in them, which means you might notice strange plants growing in the yard after adding too much topsoil. Additionally, topsoil gets quite heavy when it’s wet, which damages the growing plants under it.

If you want to use the right amount of topsoil without adding weeds, harsh chemicals, and other unwanted additives to the soil, I suggest Michigan Peat Garden Magic Topsoil. This 40-pound bag combines peat and sand to enrich the soil and provide optimal moisture drainage. It also loosens tough clay and dense dirt while leveling spongey lawns.

Too much or too little topsoil can cause various problems. Below, I’ll help you balance your lawn for the optimal amount of topsoil.

Is More Topsoil Better?

More topsoil is better if you don’t have at least six inches of topsoil for a new lawn. Sprouting grass can stretch its roots down to six inches below the surfaces, so it’s important to have enough topsoil to provide essential nutrients. More topsoil also encourages healthy drainage, oxygen levels, and nutrients in the soil.

Here are the benefits of adding the right amount of topsoil:

• A healthy topsoil layer prevents the dirt from compacting. SFGate suggests adding between four to six inches of topsoil to promote healthy growth. Rain and droughts dry and crack the hardened dirt. Adding extra topsoil enriches the dirt and prevents it from getting too dense.
• Adding too much topsoil can leave soft spots in the yard. These soft patches occur when the thick topsoil layer compacts in some areas and fluffs in others. It makes the lawn and garden look uneven. Furthermore, excessive topsoil will cause crabgrass to grow, along with other weeds.
• Topsoil is packed with essential nutrients for grass and other plants. People often believe more topsoil is better because it has almost everything your yard needs to thrive. Using the proper amount yields unparalleled results that you won’t find in compact soil.
• Adding the right amount of topsoil allows moisture to get through the surface and hydrate the roots. Topsoil is aerated to help with drainage and moisture retention. The perfect combination helps your lawn and garden look wonderful. Too much drainage or moisture retention from layering too much topsoil proves to be problematic, though.

While more topsoil is often better for new lawns and gardens, too much of it can have adverse effects. Make sure you know how much topsoil you need before adding it to the yard. The last thing you need is for the lawn to be dry, patchy, or soft from excessive amounts of topsoil.

However, some people prefer laying topsoil on top of their lawn after the grass sprouts. It’s best to use topsoil before laying the grass seeds, but there’s no doubt that your grass can benefit from topsoil around the clock. Find out what happens if you add topsoil to the grass below.

Does Grass Grow Through Topsoil?

Grass grows through topsoil if there’s not too much of it. Most grass seeds can germinate and sprout under the topsoil. However, it’s best to not add more than a couple of inches of topsoil to pre-existing lawns. The topsoil should never be more than halfway above the grass blade if it’s sprouted.

So, what should you know about putting topsoil on grass?

• It’s important to use the right amount of topsoil on your lawn. Too much topsoil can cause the aforementioned problems, such as suffocated roots and drainage problems. Check with the topsoil producer to find out how much you need for your yard.
• Grass can grow through the topsoil, but too much soil will hinder the grass’s growth and durability. As the topsoil saturates with water, it becomes much heavier. The weight of the topsoil can become too much for the growing grass to handle.
• You should use less topsoil if you intend to put mulch under the soil. Mulch and topsoil both add a new layer of benefits to your lawn. Combining them is an excellent choice for those who prefer healthy, thriving gardens and lawns. Use a fraction of topsoil if you want to put it on top of the mulch.
• Use topsoil sparingly when tending to a healthy lawn. Topsoil is great for new lawns. Too much topsoil will harm a growing, pre-existing yard. Never let the topsoil get too high above the lawn or the grass blades will break and the roots won’t get oxygen or sunlight.
• Wait until the new grass sprouts to add a layer of topsoil. Most grasses require topsoil once they’ve sprouted and grown for a few weeks. Add more topsoil once you see the grass growing through the soil. This process allows the fragile seedlings to grow without the pressure of the topsoil.

Topsoil is an excellent addition to your lawn or garden. It provides dozens of benefits with very few drawbacks. However, using too much topsoil will cause a handful of issues that take a while to deal with. Instead, use the recommended amount provided by the topsoil brand to prevent these common problems.