Duncan Hector Turf Care
  • Home
  • SHOP
  • My Lawn Care System
  • Brilliant Mower Info
    • The Brilliant Mower
    • Mower settings & Manual
  • Lawn Speed Calculator
  • Turfpedia
    • SEARCH >> The Turfpedia
    • DEFRA Regulations
    • Turf Maintenance >
      • Aerating
      • Bacteria
      • Irrigation
      • Laser Levelling
      • Mowing
      • Mycorrhizal Fungi
      • Rabbit Runs
      • Rolling
      • Scarifying
      • Seeding
      • Spraying and Spreading
      • Sustainable Turf Management
      • Top Dressing
    • Turf Problems >
      • Compaction
      • Diseases
      • Dry Patch
      • Moss
      • Pests
      • Thatch
      • Weeds
    • Machinery >
      • Equipment maintenance
      • Cylinder Regrinding
      • Spikers
      • Spreaders
      • Sprayers >
        • Sprayers
        • Sprayer assembly
    • Croquet Lawn Technical
    • Gazette Articles >
      • Extracts from my column
  • Videos
    • Cameos
    • Coaching
    • Croquet Games
    • Croquet Shots
    • Lawn Maintenance
  • Admin
    • Contact
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Enquiry Form
Top Dressing for Croquet Lawns

Top dressing can be applied during the playing season to address localised dips without disrupting play. A light dressing of around 2mm of sand can be used to gradually level problem areas. If mowing at 5mm, this thin layer won't smother the grass. After about a week, another 2mm layer can be applied, and the process can continue until the dip is filled. This method is effective for minor levelling, and reseeding is usually unnecessary.
For this purpose, I recommend round-grained soft sand (commonly known as builder's sand), which is cost-effective. 

Benefits and Best Practices
Top dressing enhances the flatness of the croquet lawn and can be combined with seeding and fertilising for improved results. Using pure sand is advantageous because it flows easily, making application simple. However, sharp sand should be avoided, as it can compact into an impervious layer.
For thicker applications, such as significant levelling work, a sand/loam mix (typically 70/30 or 60/40) is recommended to provide better structure. It's crucial to keep the material dry, as damp top dressing can become lumpy and difficult to spread evenly.
Builder's sand is widely available and affordable, reducing transportation costs. If a sand/loam mix is required, it can be sourced from specialist suppliers at approximately £30–£60 per tonne (for bulk orders of 10 tonnes or more). Costs vary based on delivery distance.
When to Apply Top Dressing
  • Best Time: Autumn – This allows the grass several months to recover, and if seeding is done beforehand, seedlings have time to establish.
  • Avoid: Spring – Thick layers can inhibit grass recovery, particularly in dry conditions. If applying in spring, keep the layer thin.

Application Rates
The typical application rate is between 2 to 5 tonnes per lawn (2 to 7.5 cubic meters). The method used at Letchworth and Newport Croquet Clubs is demonstrated in the accompanying video.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain a smooth, well-levelled croquet lawn while minimising disruption to play.
Fertiliser - Granular Programmes
Fertiliser - Liquid Programmes
Fertiliser by the bag

Wetting Agents
Lawn Speed Improver
Soluble Iron
Soil Conditioner
Moss - Worm Casts - Disease
Seeding Compost
​Seed

Atco Mowers
Brilliant Mowers
Sprayers
Spreaders
Spikers
Downloads

​
Picture
Brilliant 170 Mowers
NPTC certification
Safe use of pesticides

PA1 and PA6
Certificate No 662856
Accreditation No 500/7103/8

Website design by
 Moat House Media Ltd
Copyright Moat House Media Ltd 2025
  • Home
  • SHOP
  • My Lawn Care System
  • Brilliant Mower Info
    • The Brilliant Mower
    • Mower settings & Manual
  • Lawn Speed Calculator
  • Turfpedia
    • SEARCH >> The Turfpedia
    • DEFRA Regulations
    • Turf Maintenance >
      • Aerating
      • Bacteria
      • Irrigation
      • Laser Levelling
      • Mowing
      • Mycorrhizal Fungi
      • Rabbit Runs
      • Rolling
      • Scarifying
      • Seeding
      • Spraying and Spreading
      • Sustainable Turf Management
      • Top Dressing
    • Turf Problems >
      • Compaction
      • Diseases
      • Dry Patch
      • Moss
      • Pests
      • Thatch
      • Weeds
    • Machinery >
      • Equipment maintenance
      • Cylinder Regrinding
      • Spikers
      • Spreaders
      • Sprayers >
        • Sprayers
        • Sprayer assembly
    • Croquet Lawn Technical
    • Gazette Articles >
      • Extracts from my column
  • Videos
    • Cameos
    • Coaching
    • Croquet Games
    • Croquet Shots
    • Lawn Maintenance
  • Admin
    • Contact
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Enquiry Form