TOPDRESSING YOUR LAWN

After a long, hot Midwest summer, many lawns are showing signs of stress — thin patches, compacted soil, and dry spots are all common this time of year. The good news? Early fall is the ideal time to bring your lawn back to life. By combining aeration, overseeding, and topdressing with Black Gold Compost, you’ll give your grass the nutrients, microbes, and soil structure it needs to recover now and thrive next spring.

Why Topdress Your Lawn?

Topdressing may sound unusual — spreading compost on top of your grass — but it’s one of the best organic lawn care practices you can do. Here’s why it matters:

• Feeds the soil, not just the grass. Compost adds vital organic matter that most Midwestern soils are lacking. Soil experts often talk about the “strive for 5” — aiming for at least 5% organic matter in your soil to support healthy turf and strong root growth.

• Loosens compacted clay. Kansas City soils are heavy and dense. Compost helps break that up, improving texture and drainage.

• Improves water efficiency. Healthy soils hold water better, which means less runoff, less watering, and more drought resistance.

• Smooths the surface and reduces thatch. Compost naturally breaks down thatch and can level small bumps, pet paths, or uneven areas.

• Encourages soil life. Compost is full of beneficial microbes that keep your lawn’s ecosystem balanced.

AERATION

Aeration is the first step to a successful topdressing. By pulling small plugs of soil, an aerator creates pathways for compost, seed, water, and air to move deeper into the soil profile.

Lawn Aerators and Spreaders can be rented by the day or the hour to save on lawn care costs.

Tips for aeration day:

• Mow the lawn shorter than normal so the aerator and spreaders can do their job effectively.

• Make extra passes in high-traffic zones like sidewalks, dog paths, or kids’ play areas.

• Rent an aerator for the weekend or hire a local lawn care company if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Core aeration pulls little "plugs" of soil to break up soil and allow compost and grass seed to work efficiently.

OVERSEEDING + TOPDRESSING

Once you’ve aerated, it’s time to overseed and topdress:

1. Spread grass seed in bare or thin areas.

2. Apply compost. Spread a thin, even layer (¼–½ inch) of Black Gold Compost across the lawn.

3. Choose your method. For small lawns, use a shovel and rake. For larger spaces, rent a rolling compost & peat spreader or a motorized topdressing machine for easier, more consistent coverage.

4. Work it in. Lightly rake or water so the compost settles into aeration holes and around new seed.

5. Keep it moist. Water lightly and consistently until seeds establish.

Custom Blends for Special Applications

While Black Gold Compost is an excellent choice for most homeowners, some turf areas require something more tailored. At Kansas City Composting, we create custom topdressing blends for golf courses, sports fields, and commercial properties. Whether you need part compost/part sand for improved drainage, or a finely screened mix for a smoother finish, we can make a blend that’s just right.

Greener grass comes from healthier soil — full of nutrients and organic matter.

👉 For custom blends or questions about which product is best for your project, reach out to our team anytime.

Healthy Soil, Healthy Lawns

At Kansas City Composting, we believe a healthy lawn starts with healthy soil. Adding compost increases organic matter, improves soil texture, and introduces beneficial microbes — all while reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

This fall, set your yard up for success by aerating, overseeding, and topdressing with Black Gold Compost. With the right care now, you’ll enjoy greener, thicker grass that’s built to handle the Midwest’s tough seasons.