THE TOPDRESSING PROCESS.
This guide provides a simplistic description of the step-by-step process we use to topdress your yard/turf.

1.PREPARING THE SURFACE
The turf is cut to a recommended height of 1 inch.

2.AERATION
Aeration is the removal of small cores of soil, approximately 2 to 4 inches in depth, this reduces soil compaction and breaks up harsh soil. Aeration allows the top dressing material to easily disperse into the soil, alleviates soil compaction, improves poor drainage areas and increases water and nutrient absorption. Additionally, aeration allows for strong root development, which helps the turf to survive during the hot summer months. Aeration is an additional charge for cool season turf.

3.SEED / COMPOST MIXTURE
Seed is mixed with our high quality compost. The compost will hold the moisture around the seed, increasing germination. It also improves soil quality by adding nutrients that are not readily available in chemical fertilizers. Most importantly, compost encourages water retention and enhances turf color.

4.INSTALLATION
We use our blower trucks for installation. This insures that the application of the compost is even throughout your yard.

5.CLEAN UP
After the mixture is applied, we remove any excess material from the curb, driveway and sidewalks. The property is left in the same condition it was upon arrival.

6.OUR BONDING PROCESS
After clean up is finished, we use a bonding dust that will help keep the mixture from washing away during the watering process.

7.IRRIGATION
After the process is finished, the client is responsible for adequate daily watering. Atlantic Mulch recommends watering the grass/turf 25-35 minutes in the morning and evening, for approximately 12-14 days. Then 15-20 minutes two times a day thereafter.

8.RESULTS
The seed will start germinating and the compost will decompose into the soil, revealing a healthier turf. Fescue seed can begin to germinate in 4 days, depending on the weather. Rye seed can begin to germinate in 2 days, depending on the weather.

ORGANIC TOPDRESSING OF ATHLETIC FIELDS
The desire and need for a more resilient, attractive, and safer athletic fields has grown. Compost is an organic product, which is Inexpensive, versatile, and can be used in the construction, maintenance, and renovation of athletic fields. It is also a cost-effective method for the healthy maintenance of athletic fields for schools, parks and municipalities that may be strapped by shrinking budgets. The addition of compost to sandy and high clay-content soils improves the soil's texture, friability and drainage in athletic fields while slowing the rate of soil compaction.

The nature of athletic fields, with heavy impact in high traffic areas, predisposes the soil to extreme compaction. Use of the field during wet weather worsens compaction, and prevents moisture and nutrients from getting to the turf roots, eventually thinning out the turf. An economical solution to this problem is to aerify and add organic matter on a seasonal basis. Heavily compacted soils should initially be treated in the spring and fall, then bay be adjusted to a minimum of once per year thereafter.