There are a number of reasons your lawn or garden may need a topsoil replenishment, including visible signs of nutrient depletion like dead grass or bare spots, erosion, exposed tree roots, poor drainage, or lackluster plant growth. 

If your yard is experiencing any of these issues, adding fresh topsoil can help put nutrients back into the soil, act as a healthy base for grass when covering up bald and bare patches, and aid in building up eroded areas to help with water drainage. 

While there are many ways to use topsoil in your landscaping projects, there still remains the question of when is the best time to put topsoil down: Is one time of year better than another?

The short answer is, yes, topsoil works best when used in warmer months, like early spring and fall. Read on to learn more about getting the most out of your topsoil. 

THE BEST TIME TO PUT TOPSOIL DOWN

Although exact timing depends on where you live and your desired landscaping outcome, a general rule is that early spring and fall are the best times for putting topsoil down.

Early Spring

Once you’re sure winter and the threat of frost has passed, consider adding a fresh layer of topsoil to your lawn and/or garden. 

Putting down fresh topsoil in the spring works well because: 

• The soil is softer and more workable after winter has passed. This allows for easier spreading, leveling, and aeration of fresh topsoil. 
• Spreading a new layer of topsoil encourages root growth for both plants and grass.  
• Laying down topsoil in early spring gives the soil time for it to settle into the earth and integrate into existing soil before planting season begins. 

Fall

If you’ve missed your topsoil window in the spring or feel as though your soil nutrients have been depleted over the summer, the next best time to put topsoil down is in the fall. 

Reasons to add topsoil in the fall include: 

• Ground temperatures warm enough to still allow for grass and other plants to take root before winter. 
• Adding topsoil to your lawn and garden in the fall allows for its vital nutrients to be available as soon as spring starts.  
• Rain and other wet weather can help “lock in” the soil’s moisture as well as provide drainage in well-worn areas. 

Factors to Consider When Putting Down Topsoil

Whether you choose to put topsoil down in the spring or fall, consider the following factors when adding a new layer: 

• Never put down topsoil when extreme temperatures or heavy rain or other adverse weather conditions are expected. 
• The type of grass or other vegetation you want to grow will depend on where you live. Check your grass or plant growing instructions for best results. 
• It’s best to prepare your area before adding topsoil by removing weeds, rocks, sticks, and other debris before adding topsoil. 
• Consider aerating your yard, which allows it to “breathe” and let in more nutrients and water to prep it for planting.
• If your yard or garden is compacted, consider tilling or turning the current soil before adding a layer of topsoil for best integration. 

Bray Topsoil & Gravel has been providing the Greater Cincinnati area with quality natural topsoil delivery for over 25+ years. 

Simply request a quote online or call 859-635-5680 today!