Is Sharp Sand Good for Turf?

Yes, sharp sand is generally good for turf and is commonly used for improving lawn health, particularly through top dressing.

Sharp sand is a popular choice among lawn care enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its angular particles provide excellent structure, making it ideal for specific turf applications. As noted in lawn care practices, sharp sand is commonly used as a top dressing for lawns. In fact, sand is one of the best materials to topdress grass due to its ability to improve soil structure and drainage.

Why Use Sharp Sand for Turf?

The primary benefit of using sharp sand on turf relates to soil composition and drainage.

• Improving Drainage: Sharp sand is particularly effective when dealing with heavy, compacted soils, such as clay. The reference highlights this: "Whilst premium bunker sand is the top pick for golf courses, sharp sand is ideal to be spread over heavy clay soils to improve drainage." The sharp, irregular edges of the sand particles prevent them from compacting easily, creating pore spaces within the soil that allow water to drain through more freely.
• Soil Aeration: By improving drainage, sharp sand also indirectly helps with soil aeration. Better water movement means better air movement into the root zone, which is crucial for healthy grass growth.
• Leveling: Top dressing with sharp sand can also help to smooth out minor imperfections and bumps in the lawn surface over time.

How to Use Sharp Sand on Your Lawn

Sharp sand is typically applied as a top dressing. This involves spreading a thin layer of sand evenly over the existing turf.

Steps often include:

1. Mow the lawn to a slightly lower height than usual.
2. Aerate the lawn (optional but recommended, especially for compacted soil).
3. Spread a thin layer (usually no more than 1/4 inch) of sharp sand over the lawn surface.
4. Work the sand into the grass canopy and aeration holes using a rake, brush, or the back of a shovel.
5. Water the lawn lightly to help the sand settle.

Important Considerations:

• Use the correct type of sand – sharp sand (also known as coarse or grit sand) is suitable, not fine sand or building sand which can compact and worsen drainage issues.
• Do not apply too much sand at once, as this can smother the grass. Multiple thin applications are better than one thick layer.
• Sharp sand is best used on lawns with heavy or clay-based soils. Adding large amounts of sand to already sandy soils can sometimes negatively impact nutrient retention.

While other specialized sands like premium bunker sand might be preferred for highly manicured surfaces such as golf greens (as mentioned in the reference), sharp sand remains a practical and effective material for improving drainage and structure in typical home lawns, especially those struggling with clay soil.