Should I tread new topsoil to sow grass seed?

CraighB

Hi guys,

I am sowing a new lawn and I had to remove the existing soil and replace it with 10cm of new topsoil. After first putting it down it is very light and fluffy and if I sow grass seed directly onto this surely when we can finally walk on it, it will sink?

So my question is once the topsoil is down, do I compact it by treading it with my heels and then raking it to a fine tilth?

I've seen videos of people treading existing soil after they have dug it over to sow a new lawn but I can't find anything about doing the same to new topsoil.

Thanks

Craigh

Fairygirl

Yes - firm it by walking across it each way, then lightly rake to get a suitable top layer for the seed. The seed needs to have good contact with the soil layer too. 

CraighB

That's good to know because that's what I plan to do. I got worried when I read somewhere to not firm the topsoil otherwise you will inhibit the roots growing. But without firming it first surely the new grass would literally collapse when you first walked on it wouldn't it?

Fairygirl

Indeed. It's certainly about getting a balance, but I wouldn't want to just sow seed on top of a thick layer of loose material. 

Elfer

Not an expert but isn't 10cm a bit too much topsoil? What have you got underneath it? Also is this the right season for seeding?

Fairygirl

In many areas, September is a good time - perfect in fact.