Whilst top dressing and loam appear to be very similar products, there are some crucial differences.
Top dressing is a mixture of Silica sand combined with quality topsoil. After being thoroughly mixed, the sand and soil blend is passed through a sterilising unit where it is heat treated to remove any bugs or weeds that may be present in the soil. After this process the top dressing is passed over a 3mm screen to remove any stones or lumps, producing an easy to spread top dressing. Normally top dressing will have two numbers on the label (typically 70/30) which refer to the sand and soil percentage present in the dressing; the first number is always the sand content, whilst the latter is always the content of soil.
Top dressing is usually used on lawns and bowling greens to improve the soil structure and provide better drainage which overall contributes to healthy grass. For bowling greens, using top dressing also helps create a level playing surface and protects any recently sown grass seed.
The loam sold by Agrigemwould never be used on a lawn due to its high clay content. In hot weather the loam will bake and become compacted, resulting in poor rooting for grass and bad drainage. However, loam is ideal for use on a cricket pitch as it is hard but grass will still grow in it. Cricket loam is quarried but doesn’t have any soil added. Similar to top dressing, loam is passed through a heat sterilising unit and then screened to 3mm to remove any bugs, weeds or stones.
There are many different types of cricket loam on the market, each with a different clay content. Typically the names of loams coincides with where the loam is quarried, for example Kettering Loam contains loam quarried in Kettering. The general rule with cricket loam is the higher the clay content the more likely you are to create a quality, hard, consistent wicket with a good bounce and carry.
Overall, the main difference between top dressing and cricket loam is the area they are used (top dressing on lawns and bowling greens and loam on cricket squares) and the presence of clay in loam and not in top dressing.
Take a look at our range of top dressing and loamshere.
If you have any questions or would like more information, emailsales@agrigem.co.ukor call us on 01522 246491.
Allan Morton
Turf Specialist
FAQs
Overall, the main difference between top dressing and cricket loam is the area they are used (top dressing on lawns and bowling greens and loam on cricket squares) and the presence of clay in loam and not in top dressing. Take a look at our range of top dressing and loams here.
Is loam good for top dressing? ›
This type of topsoil is good for smoothing and levelling the lawn's surface and also helps improve soil composition. The loam used in topdressing should be of a higher quality and finely graded. It must be neither sandy nor too much like clay in substance.
Which is better, topsoil or loam? ›
Good quality topsoil often contains decaying organic matter, rich in nutrients to feed your soil. Loam soil contains little or no organic matter, however, it is popular with gardeners, landscapers and green keepers alike because of its ability to retain water and nutrients.
Is top soil or loam better for grass? ›
Most people don't give topsoil a second thought other than to grumble about the mess it makes. But some wonder which soil is the best soil for grass growing. The answer? Friable loam.
Is top dressing the same as topsoil? ›
Top dressing mix is not the same as topsoil but this is one of the main ingredients. The best soil mix for top dressing lawns is made up of soil (loam), sharp sand and organic matter such as fine compost or leaf mould.
What is loam not good for? ›
Disadvantages of loam-based mortars include their water sensitivity (easily dispersible in water), bad adhesion on typical construction substrates, low compressive and flexural strength, and high drying shrinkage.
What is the best material for top dressing a lawn? ›
You can purchase well-composted manure or fine garden compost for top dressing your lawn. The best products have small particles that easily filter through blades of grass. If you use manure, make sure it's herbicide-free, aged and screened. You can customize your own top dressing with a mixture of compost and topsoil.
What are 3 advantages of loam soil? ›
Loam soils generally contain more nutrients, moisture, and humus than sandy soils, have better drainage and infiltration of water and air than silt and clay-rich soils, and are easier to till than clay soils.
Why is loam soil so desirable? ›
Loamy soil is ideal for most garden plants because it holds plenty of moisture but also drains well so that sufficient air can reach the roots. Many gardeners complain of their garden soil being compacted and/or poorly drained. Heavy, compacted soil can be rescued by the enduring gardener.
Is 50/50 topsoil good for growing grass? ›
This 50/50 mix is made up of 50% Garden Gro Compost and 50% Screened Topsoil. It is a versatile product that can be used for growing grass, planting new garden beds, or building up existing garden beds.
The Best Fill Dirt For Leveling A Yard
Experts recommend topdressing the yard using friable soil, which is a mixture of top soil and sand.
How thick should loam be for grass? ›
Add topsoil to achieve a total topsoil depth of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), after firming. The topsoil should be a loamy sand, sandy loam, clay load, loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam or other soil suitable for the area.
What is the best top up soil for lawn? ›
This can include sand, compost, or a combination of the two. If you're choosing to use compost, it's important to make sure it's well-aged and has been broken down into a fine consistency. Generally, sand can work well for clay soils, whereas compost can be beneficial for both clay and sandy soils.
Will grass grow through top dressing? ›
Topdressing is the best way to rejuvenate your lawn without pulling up all your grass (which is a pain) and starting over. As your grass grows through the layer of topdressing, the organic material is incorporated into the soil beneath it, adding nutrients and improving soil quality.
When should I top dress my lawn? ›
You should undertake top dressing to repair holes or uneven lawn just prior to the growing season, usually the beginning of Spring; not when the lawn plants are in their dormant phase or you run the risk of damaging or even killing the lawn entirely. Top dressing for nutrients can be applied at any time.
Why top dress a lawn? ›
Topdressing evens the surface of the field, helps prevent thatch build up by providing a more favorable environment for microorganisms, and prolongs the effects of aeration by physically preventing hole closure.
What kind of soil do you use for top dressing? ›
It is best to use compost or a sandy type loam to spread on the lawn. Before you actually spread the dressing, make sure the grass is actively growing. Topdressing dormant grass may damage it. You should fertilize the lawn a couple of weeks before topdressing; this will help the grass push through the soil quickly.
Which is the best fertilizer for top dressing? ›
In the realm of top-dressing fertilizers, the choice between Urea and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a decision that demands careful consideration.
What is loam best used for? ›
A loamy soil, then, is one that combines all three of these types of particles in relatively equal amounts. Loamy soil is ideal for most garden plants because it holds plenty of moisture but also drains well so that sufficient air can reach the roots.
What kind of soil and sand for top dressing? ›
It's 70% sand and 30% loam soil. The sand will help with drainage, moss control and generally reducing the density of the soil over time. Whereas the loam soil will help with seed-to-soil contact when applied alongside an overseed – meaning a much better/quicker germination rate.
