When should I topdress my lawn?

If your turf has brown areas from unlevel spots after mowing (scalping), then topdressing can help level the soil surface and promote healthy turf.  Also, if you take a plug and see excessive thatch build up or shallow roots, topdressing along with core aeration will help promote healthy turf.  The time of year to apply topdressing sand is key. Warm season turfgrass such as bermuda, zoysia, and centipede should be topdressed once it has begun to turn green or is green.  In Georgia, that is typically when soil temperatures reach optimal level in April or May at the earliest.  Topdressing season can extend through June and July into August.  The limiting factor is allowing enough time for it to grow through the topdressing application before it goes dormant. Topdressing cool season grasses such as fescue and rye is best done with overseeding in the Fall.