Quick answer
The amount of sand needed for turf depends on the size of the area you want to cover. As a general guideline, use about 1 ton of sand per 1000 square feet of turf. So for a 5000 square foot lawn, you would need around 5 tons of sand. The sand is usually applied in a topdressing layer about 1/4 inch thick.
What is topdressing sand?
Topdressing sand is a specially formulated sand used to improve the health and appearance of turfgrass. It contains particle sizes ideal for filling in pore spaces in the soil and evening out bumps and depressions in the lawn. Topdressing sand allows for better air circulation and drainage in the root zone. It also provides a smooth, level surface for mowing and other lawn care tasks.
Benefits of using topdressing sand
– Improves drainage and reduces compaction
– Encourages turfgrass growth and thinning
– Helps control thatch buildup
– Smooths out uneven spots and divots
– Provides firmer footing for mowing and sports
– Enhances the appearance of the lawn
When to apply topdressing sand
The best times to topdress turf are during the growing season in early fall or early spring. Avoid summer applications when heat stress is a concern. The grass needs to be actively growing to effectively work the sand down into the canopy.
Fall and spring are ideal times because the turf is more resilient and can recover from the disruption of topdressing. The moderate temperatures also help the sand settle in without compacting.
How much sand to apply
For routine topdressing of an existing lawn, apply sand at a rate of 1 cubic yard per 1000 square feet of turfgrass. This equals about 1 ton of sand for every 1000 square feet.
To fill in major depressions or grade a new lawn, up to 2 yards per 1000 square feet may be needed. Always use the minimum amount required to get the desired results. Too much sand can smother grass or alter the soil composition.
Topdressing sand application tips
– Choose a high-quality topdressing sand suitable for turf. Avoid masonry sands.
– Water the lawn thoroughly a day or two before topdressing.
– Apply fertilizer 1-2 weeks before topdressing to stimulate growth.
– Use a drop or rotary spreader to apply the sand evenly.
– Work the sand into the grass using a drag mat, rake or lawn roller.
– Irrigate lightly after topdressing to settle the sand into the canopy.
– Allow grass to grow up through the sand for 2-3 mowings before removing excess.
– Topdress annually in the fall to improve lawn quality over time.
Figuring out how many bags you need
Topdressing sand is commonly sold in bags or bulk loads. Bagged sand is convenient but more expensive per yard than buying in bulk.
Here is how to estimate the number of bags needed:
1. Determine the square footage of the area to be topdressed.
2. Decide on the application rate – usually 1 yard of sand per 1000 sq ft.
3. Convert the yardage amount to tons – there are about 1.4 tons per cubic yard of sand.
4. Figure the number of bags needed based on the weight of each bag, which is typically 40 or 50 pounds. There are 2000 pounds in a ton.
For example, to apply 1 yard of sand over 5000 sq ft:
1. 5000 sq ft lawn
2. 1 yard per 1000 sq ft = 5 yards needed
3. 5 yards x 1.4 tons/yard = 7 tons
4. 7 tons x 2000 lb/ton = 14,000 lbs
5. With 40 lb bags: 14,000 lbs / 40 lbs/bag = 350 bags
So you would need approximately 350 bags of 40 lb sand to topdress a 5000 square foot lawn at 1 yard per 1000 square feet.
Buying sand in bulk
For larger areas, bulk sand delivery is much more efficient and economical. Sand can be purchased by the ton from landscape supply centers or quarries. Typical bulk topdressing materials include:
– Washed concrete sand
– Masonry sand
– Silica sand
– Calcium carbonate sand
When getting bulk loads, make sure to order the specific amount you calculated for your project. Extra sand that sits around too long can become contaminated. Also have the sand dumped and staged where it will be easy to access with wheelbarrows or a tractor.
Using a sand calculator
To take the guesswork out, you can use an online sand calculator:
| Lawn size | Sand needed |
| 1000 sq ft | 1 ton or 1 cubic yard |
| 5000 sq ft | 5 tons or 5 cubic yards |
| 10,000 sq ft | 10 tons or 10 cubic yards |
| 15,000 sq ft | 15 tons or 15 cubic yards |
| 20,000 sq ft | 20 tons or 20 cubic yards |
| 25,000 sq ft | 25 tons or 25 cubic yards |
| 50,000 sq ft | 50 tons or 50 cubic yards |
Just enter your lawn size and the calculator will recommend how much topdressing sand to get. This takes the guesswork out of estimating materials.
Sand alternatives and additives
Although sand is the traditional topdressing medium, some turf managers also use:
– Compost – adds organic matter to the soil.
– Peat moss – lightens heavy soils and retains moisture.
– Calcified clay – increases water and nutrient retention.
– Soil conditioners – help loosen compacted soils.
These materials can be used alone or blended with sand in different ratios. For example, a 50/50 mix of topdressing sand and compost is common.
Some pros also add soil amendments to sand to enhance the effects:
– Fertilizer – provides nutrients to the turf.
– Gypsum – improves drainage in clay soils.
– Lime – increases pH in acidic soils.
– Biochar – boosts nutrient and water holding capacity.
Work amendments into the sand thoroughly before spreading. This delivers nutrients directly to the grass roots as the sand moves into the canopy.
Renting a lawn roller
After spreading the topdressing sand, you need to work it down into the turfgrass. This is typically done using a push roller or a powered lawn roller.
Rolling helps settle the sand into the grass canopy and improve contact with the underlying soil. This encourages the turf to knit up through the sand.
If you only have a small yard, a hand push roller may suffice. But for larger areas, renting a ride-on power roller saves labor and gets the job done faster. Power rollers are available at most equipment rental stores.
Some tips for effective rolling:
– Roll in different directions to settle sand into the turfgrass.
– Adjust roller weight for your soil type – more weight for sandy soils, less for heavy clay.
– Roll when soil is slightly moist but not soggy wet.
– Make multiple passes if needed to get full contact with the turf.
– Be careful not to over-roll and damage the lawn.
Proper rolling after topdressing is key to achieving an even, smooth result. Taking time to rent a suitable roller is worth the effort.
Conclusion
Topdressing with sand is an excellent way to improve the quality and appearance of your lawn. For best results:
– Calculate the exact quantity of sand needed based on square footage.
– Use 1 cubic yard of sand per 1000 sq ft as a standard application rate.
– Order sand bulk for larger areas to save money.
– Add amendments like compost or fertilizer to enhance the effects.
– Smooth and settle the sand into the grass with a lawn roller.
With the right amount of quality topdressing sand properly worked in, your turf will be healthy, durable, and beautiful.
