Why Adding Tons of Topsoil Every Year Isn't Necessary

The Grandmother's Annual Soil Ritual

Buying 50 bags of soil, manure, and peat every spring is overkill. Soil doesn't evaporate—it may compact or erode slightly, but not that much.

What Actually Helps

• Seed-to-soil contact – Light raking, not burying seed under inches of new mix.
• Consistent moisture – Seedlings die if they dry out even once.
• Quality seed – Low germination rates cause bare spots.
• pH check – Acidic soil (common under pines) hinders grass.

Better Approach

Core aerate, top-dress with ¼–½ inch compost, overseed with a shade-tolerant mix (like tall fescue), and keep damp. Save the heavy lifting—and the budget.