How To Top Dress And Level Out A St. Augustine grass Lawn. Get your lawn thick and level in one step

Please send pictures to [e-mail] I go live every Wednesday at 8pm to answer your questions live!!
If you like to donate you can send any donations to paypal.me/gornychadd?locale.x...
I will invest all funds back into the channel to produce the best lawn videos I can. Thank you.
How to get rid of Crabgrass:
• How to Treat and get R...
How to fill in thin and bare areas:
• How to Fill in Thin an...
What are chinch bugs:
• What are Chinch Bugs a...
Compacted soil:
• COMPACTED SOIL IN ST.A...
What are sod web worms:
• HOW TO TREAT & IDENTIF...
How to treat and identify grey leaf spot fungus:
• HOW TO TREAT AND IDENT...
What is thatch:
• **WHAT IS THATCH IN YO...
How to fertilize your lawn and shrubs part 1:
• How to Fertilize your ...
How to fertilize your lawn and shrubs part 2:
• What is the best Ferti...

[@jokrazy2002]

Finally a St Aug video instead of cool season or Bermuda. Thank you

[@bettercallchadd]

You are very welcome!! This is why I make these videos!!

[@kylescottjohnston]

I have centipede but I'm with you

[@bettercallchadd]

@kylescottjohnston very similar needs.

[@asp6415]

Glad to see you back on YT. Always with informative content

[@bettercallchadd]

Thank you!! I appreciate the support.

[@dhavalmysore]

Glad to see this video showing top dressing the full lawn. I watched your previous video on filling in bare areas of lawn using either Command or Black Kow plus sand. I should have used Black Kow, but went cheap and used Timberline Cow Manure and Compost, big mistake! It's mostly mulch, and some top soil and barely any Manure. Worst part is, it doesn't "become part of the soil" even after a couple of weeks because there is a lot of mulch in it.

[@bettercallchadd]

I'm sorry to hear that!! That is a problem with a lot of soils. Black kow has been the best, and command is absolutely the best. Do an aeration and another round with good soil and you should be back in action.

[@DIMPICCINI-vm6wk]

New subscriber here...like your videos, they move quickly and nicely. I like the ability to send you pics for evaluation...that puts you a cut above

[@bettercallchadd]

Thank you!! I appreciate the support and subscription!! I'm glad you find these videos useful!! I try to help in any way I can!!

[@vocalone23]

More for St. Augustine👌🏾

[@bettercallchadd]

Absolutely!!

[@mikewalker1081]

Happy to see new videos, just found your channel recently and binged all the videos,, I'm up in Jax and our home was a rental for about 11 years and the prior occupants only mowed, so it's been a journey the last couple years, my next steps will be applying a liquid pest killer, I used granular Spectracide a month ago to make sure either cinch bugs or possibly mole crickets get eliminated, (I had to re-sod part of the yard that something killed the grass) then will be using celcius weed killer mainly spot killing , then apply the fertilizer with nutrients (learned about those 3 numbers from you), then I'll start the long process of giving a hard yard rake, and then do a topping with probably Black Cow and leveling sand. Thanks for all your videos!!!!

[@bettercallchadd]

Those rental yards are a lot of work to bring back!! Sounds like you are making all the right moves. Be patient and keep at it.

[@mikewalker1081]

@@bettercallchadd thx, your videos really help

[@2kostasd]

Love your videos. I put down manure/sand on my lawn about 3 weeks ago after watching some of your previous videos, and my lawn has filled in incredibly already! Will have to find some Comand locally and put that down in the next round - will try aerating it first. Appreciate your videos - my neighbors appreciate them as well!

[@bettercallchadd]

I'm glad to hear that worked for you. It's amazing what some soil can do. Command is incredible. If you can find it, you will love the results.

[@robbiegolding1831]

Huge fan! Where do u get Comand soil? I'm in Palm Coast just south of St. Augustine? Thanks Sir! Also I I have a huge area I lost in back yard with just a few patches still alive, will this still work to fill it back in?

[@2kostasd]

@Robbie Golding I haven't been able to find Comand locally (I'm in south Florida), but have been able to find Black Kow manure at Lowe's - that works great, too.

[@bettercallchadd]

@robbiegolding1831 takecomand.com/ You can check the store finder on their website. Probably need to do sod there. I would say you need at least 50% of grass in the area for soil to be effective within a timely manner.

[@bettercallchadd]

@2kostasd takecomand.com/ Check the website. Also, I have been in talk with life soils, the makers of comand to make this soil more available.

[@atrelopian678]

Great video

[@bettercallchadd]

Thank you!!

[@willwakefield8961]

Great video, thank you. Do you fertilize and water directly after?

[@KrisAlcordo]

So glad you're in jax. Will be reaching out soon!

[@bettercallchadd]

Sounds good!!

[@gerrym75]

Thanks for the advice. I need to both improve my soil but also level out the lawn. Can I do this but using a much sandier mix?

[@bettercallchadd]

Not too much sandier. Especially if you are trying to improve the soil. You can use one bag of black kow to 1 bag of level sand. That would be as sandy as I would recommend. Command is by far the best soil.

[@bensmith5413]

Just realised you're in my town based on your number. All ready requested a consultation on your website. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@bettercallchadd]

I'll be in contact on Monday to schedule a free consultation.

[@bensmith5413]

@@bettercallchadd sounds great.

[@tguid8246]

Chadd, can you make a video on how to aerate St. Augustine grass? I’ve watched your video on growth spots in a yard and that’s what I have. Any tips would be great. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@bettercallchadd]

I absolutely can. Thanks for the comment. The best thing you can do is rent a core aeration machine from your local hardware store. I will definitely make a video on it.

[@mevalemadre6008]

Hi, I enjoy all your videos. I have St. Aug and I’m located in Los Ángeles. Seems Black Kow is out of stock at the moment and Command isn’t available. What other options do we have for manure? Any ingredients we should look for in other Brands of Soil.

[@bettercallchadd]

Oh noo!! The main thing is for the soil to have large chunks of mulch in it. A lot of soil does. So you are looking for darker soil and the soil to be fine.

[@Theoneswholive723]

Hi Chad, I recently added a 50/50 sandy organic soil to my st Augustine. I core aerated my clayish North Texas soil before hand, followed by Milorgonite application. Some areas needed 2 to 3 inches of leveling, for the rest, I dressed with a half an inch or so. Most importantly, I wanted to know of how long you would suggest to wait to mow? I'm sure the lawn will be under stress for a bit. Thanks mate.

[@bettercallchadd]

Nice job!!! I recommend waiting at least two weeks. Then, only mow as needed from there.

[@ernestolongoria8765]

Great video and awesome work! I live in Estero, South Florida and my home is raised on a hill. Would this method work for the hillside? Or will it just roll down the hill as I water it?

[@bettercallchadd]

Thank you!! If you use command it will stay better. You might have to a little thinner but more often on a hill.

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

What would you suggest would be best tool for a home owner to aerate? Is there something reasonably priced that is not back breaking?

[@bettercallchadd]

Renting an aerationer would be the best. Anything you will do will be somewhat backbreaking!! Renting a machine will be best. Maybe you can rent a ride on.

[@carolanne7869]

After doing this when do I irrigate? How often do you recommend irrigation and for how long? Do I buy a gauge and water until 3/4 in full? How far from spinkler head do I place guage. I’ve water 15 min and gauge says 3/4 in full but that seems short of a time to water

[@bettercallchadd]

Water the next morning and normal schedule. Check out my irrigation vidoe for details on watering.

[@MsPotentialis]

Just found your channel! I’m in South Texas with a St. Augustine lawn that’s thin in some areas and the front lawn is riddled with mainly crab grass and a some clover. I was considering re-sodding it but was wondering would this be better option? Would it matter if I’m in the middle of a drought or low precipitation period?

[@bettercallchadd]

If you have a really bad crabgrass issue. You might need to resod. I recommend checking out my crabgrass video. You can do this anytime of year.

[@jasoneppley928]

What would you be looking at price-wise, obviously depending on top dressing material choice, but for 1800 square feet?

[@bettercallchadd]

You could 2 yards of command. The soil alone would cost you about $550.

[@ruthlowrey3962]

Was each pile that you made on the lawn a whole bag or part of a bag? I am trying to determine how much I need to buy. I"m thinking I might need 4 or 5 yards of top soil. My whole yard is in poor shape and I have thinned areas where there was too much shade or not enough water or a combination. I live in a northern suburb of Houston, TX, The Woodlands, actually, and we had water rationing for the last three to four years and I inherited a very bad sprinkler system and soil quality. I think the previous owner just re sod much of the problem areas before putting it on the market so I had no idea what I actually had. I"m so glad I found your channel.

[@bettercallchadd]

Yes, each pile was an entire bag!! The lawn being thin and soil being exposed to the sun can destroy it. This is definitely the right steps to take!!

[@gregrivers1532]

Do you have a video showing how to fill in ruts from tires on your St. Augustine lawn

[@bettercallchadd]

I do not, but you could use this method just over where the ruts are instead for large sections of the lawn.

[@bradygaming5034]

Awesome how often would i have to do this to keep the benefits of it once a year or every other year?

[@bettercallchadd]

Do it this thick once a year to solve whatever problems you are having. Once the lawn is thick and healthy, doing a light layer annually will help, or a thick layer every 3 years or so will help.

[@johnerickson5311]

I need to address the large areas of bare lawn in my backyard. Lots of exposed sandy soil. I recently began watering with an oscillating sprinkler, since the irrigation sprinkler system is not reaching the bare areas due to the growth of two croton plants in the middle of the yard. Additionally, 50% of the lawn doesn't get full sun due to trees creating a lot of shade. It's my thinking that as the croton plants have grown to be about 5' tall over the years and coupled with the irrigation heads that aren't getting much water to the areas around the crotons, that is the reason my St. Augustine grass has stopped growing. What if I did the top dressing process and then put seed down..... a grass seed that's similar to St. Augustine. Would that create a bad look with mixed grass? I suppose after putting grass seed down I would then need to put straw down for a few weeks. Correct? One last thing - in this video, what is the name of the plant that is next to the house? I'm looking to put in new shrub-like plants on the backside of the house, an area that doesn't get any sun until maybe 2pm. I live in zone 10a.

[@bettercallchadd]

You could do bermuda seed. But if it's too shady, that won't grow well either. It will look different, but be your best to try.

[@tchornomud]

If I'm concerned with patches of bare spots or winter kill, can I overseed after that process to increase my chances of success??

[@bettercallchadd]

You absolutely can. St.augustine grass does not grow by seed, so that's why it is not shown here.

[@nikkimouton7950]

Chadd, I just did aeration and top dressing with black kow and sand. I sifted the black cow due to rocks. There is also mulch in it as well and largest pieces were sifted out. Will having tons of mulch pieces keep the grass from growing? Also, it’s hot here around 90. Do I water my normal schedule or do I need to water longer or more frequently initially. I have St Augustine and live in south Louisiana. Thank you!!! I love your videos!

[@bettercallchadd]

Unfortunately, black kow can be inconsistent!! Comand is absolutely the best soil to use!!! Yes, definitely water more after an aeration to help the lawn recover. Come over the top with comand soil as needed.

[@nikkimouton7950]

@@bettercallchadd Thank you for responding!! I tried to get Comand and unfortunately, I can’t here in Louisiana.

[@bettercallchadd]

@@nikkimouton7950 sorry to hear!! I am working with comand to make it more available!!

[@SwatBeatsOfficial]

The Tarantino of grass.

[@bettercallchadd]

I'm truly honored!!!

[@carloscastelane2367]

So I know there is a soil applicator that you roll it and it applies the soil, would that be easier or do you think the rake would be a better option? What fertilizer would you recommend for St. Augustine? I'm in St. Cloud Florida.

[@bettercallchadd]

I have tried many soil applicators. They work well for laying a thin 1/2 inch layer. If you are doing more than 1 inch of soil, by hand is the fastest way. Here are my favorite springs fertilizers. The Andersons 16 4 8 with humic acid and micronutrients amzn.to/3wztf5L The Andersons 24 0 11 amzn.to/3uTHaDc The Andersons 16 0 8 with humic acid amzn.to/4bSotAB Lescos 24 2 11 amzn.to/3ImjkDi Lesco 24 0 11 amzn.to/3wxqQbE

[@carloscastelane2367]

Thanks man! life saver!@@bettercallchadd

[@michaell.maloney4026]

Hi Chad, I live in Yulee, and am fighting bare spots all over , large areas, as it quite shady….it is SA, grass….where do we find this Command dirt, I really want to try it. Mike.

[@bettercallchadd]

Mulch masters has command. Are you able to trim trees up to get more light into those areas? If it's too shady even with soil you could see minimal results.

[@mlee9049]

Hi, we are located in Palm Coast and are building a new home that will have Saint Augustine grass. Is it best to have the black dirt put down on the fill before our grass, or will top dressing work the same?

[@bettercallchadd]

Before is ideal.

[@atrelopian678]

So, the company near me does a 50/50 of compost and topsoil is that also good? Also, I noticed at 7:38 you have an aeration picture. Can you aerate Saint Augustine grass? I do have poor drainage and a lot of thatch buildup. Funny thing is, I bag my grass clippings and my grass is only four years old and it’s suffering. You need a discord so people can answer questions. I deal with Bermuda grass. I work at Disney’s ESPN Sports complex in turf but don’t know much about st Augustine. Thank you for the information

[@bettercallchadd]

It depends on what is in the compost. A lot of soil places just use that term. Yes, absolutely for a core aeration on St.augustine. The thatch in St. Augustine is not from the clippings. It's from over fertilization. Too much quick relase nitrogen causes thatch in St.augustine grass!! Wow, what a cool job!! I would love to come see what yall do!!

[@tcwest83]

Great Video. I wish You were in Houston Tx. Im starting from scratch. Im going o Till up my old st Augustine and install all new SOD. Should this be done with newly installed SOD as well? If so should it be used under the new sod, on top of the new sod or Both? Also, whats the best way to fill in uneven spots once all the old Grass is Tilled up? THANKS. I subscribed

[@bettercallchadd]

Thanks for the support!! I was in Houston not too long ago. I absolutely enjoyed the area. The best thing would be to put the soil underneath. Now you have more clay soil, which I'm assuming you do. Then you can use more sand to fill in the cracks and under the sod to help with drainage. The flat back part of the rake would be the best thing to even out the ground after tilling the old sod.

[@tcwest83]

Thanks for the repy. The dirt you used is not available in my area (i called). Whats the next best kind of dirt to use

[@bettercallchadd]

@@tcwest83 black kow mixed is the next best!!

[@b_amayzd3646]

I've been seeing your video for some time now and have put some of your work into action. My question is... how long should I wait to see results? And should I reapply to the section again once it has rained for about a week? Also, would it be a good idea to use a compost spreader to do my whole lawn? Maybe doing one bag of blck kow with have a bag of sand? Thank you.

[@bettercallchadd]

It definitely takes some time. Depending on the soil and thick, you lay it. Usually, you will see the areas green up within two weeks. Some areas might take the whole summer to fill in. There is no need to re apply after the rain. Unless you dif not put enough down. The soil will always settle to about half the amount you put there. That's you need to go twice as thick as you think. A compact spreader would be fine as long as you are applying it thick enough. Black kow and sand is a great mix. Command soil is the best.

[@b_amayzd3646]

@@bettercallchadd so if i go over it with black kow in a spreader, should i come Over it a second time? Or do you think I can just go over my whole lawn once? Also, what if I just throw down black kow on its own without sand, is that bad?

[@bettercallchadd]

@B_aMayzD you want to be about 2 to 3 inches thick. So it will depend the settings on the spreader. Just black kow can hold too much moisture in the rainy season and cause root rot and fungus. Especially in areas with shade or that already hold moisture.

[@edwinpena4184]

Thank you for all the time that you dedicate to make these very insightful videos. I just laid out new st Augustine grass in my backyard. I can already tell that it is going to be very bumpy, even though i level the soil as much as i could before i had the installer laid it out. I have a lot of top soil left. Can i use that top soil to fill in the gaps and level out the the yard? Should i mix the top soil with sand? How long should i wait to begin this process (the lawn is literally 3 days old).

[@bettercallchadd]

No problem!! I'm glad you found these videos useful. Thanks for the support. You absolutely can do that. I recommend that you already have sandy soil to mix with some darker, richer soil. If the soil is in good shape, sand is fine. I would wait at least 2 months before doing this. You want the lawn to establish.

[@edwinpena4184]

Yes, i have a dark rich soil, so I will mix it with some sand. Another question, is it safe to place insecticide to a new sod? I want to prevent any sod worm or chinch bug.

[@bettercallchadd]

@edwinpena4184 Yes. You can apply pest prevention to new sod!!

[@gavinpeltier6733]

Hey Chad what about using a compost spreader instead of using a rake?

[@bettercallchadd]

You can. But if you need a thick layer, that will take a long time. That's good for a thin layer.

[@danilo352]

I was subscribed and now activated the bell for your timely videos! (Since I missed this one lol) I’m in Gainesville. Should I wait until Spring to do this? Thanks!

[@bettercallchadd]

Thanks for the support. Thr sooner you do soil the better.

[@danilo352]

@@bettercallchadd thanks for getting back to me!!!

[@danilo352]

The leaves will start falling (I have a magnolia tree) and I’m about to try to fertilize my lawn (haven’t done it since spring). Does that change anything? I’d like to give you a call and pay you for that consulting, even as a way to thank you for these videos. When are good times?

[@robbiegolding1831]

I'm in Palm Coast. Where do u get Comand Soil? Is there anywhere in the greater St Aug area is available?

[@bettercallchadd]

Mulch masters in Jacksonville.

[@sharonfulton1119]

Hi Chadd! Thanks for the video. Does a lawn need to be de-thatched as well as aerated before adding the new soil? If Command not available, what should I look to purchase?

[@bettercallchadd]

If it's St.augustine, DO NOT DETHATCH. You can dethatch other grasses. I would recommend a mix of black kow and play sand or leveling sand.

[@sharonfulton1119]

Thanks for quick reply! You just saved me a ton of money.

[@bettercallchadd]

@@sharonfulton1119 no problem

[@mikeg9b]

What time of year should you do this? I'm in Houston, TX.

[@bettercallchadd]

Any!! The sooner, the better.

[@craiglsu72]

I’m in N Louisiana, when is the best time to do this top dress and can I do it during the summer?

[@bettercallchadd]

Spring is ideal. You can do it year-round if needed. Summer is absolutely fine.

[@ccgaskell]

would this method work on Zoysia in the Ocala area ?

[@bettercallchadd]

Absolutely!!

[@atrelopian678]

How about I get a load of sand and soil mix? I’m thinking maybe 50/50

[@bettercallchadd]

Yess!!

[@c.r.m2811]

New subscriber here! When is the ideal time to top dress an entire lawn (~ 6,500 sqft). 14 years in my home, but first time full time lawn DIY'er for almost a year. Always suspected I didnt have the strongest soil. Since i have taken over I think its better than it has been, but could probably be a little better.... St. Augustine / below frost line

[@bettercallchadd]

Spring and fall are best. You can do it in the summer as well if it's really needed!! Thanks for the support!!

[@c.r.m2811]

@@bettercallchadd thanks for the follow-up. Saw your vid on spot treating so think I will hit some bare spots and consider a fall application in preparation for next year's awesomeness 😃

[@HJ-lz4dt]

Could this same method be used in Centipede grass? I live in South Ga. Thanks!

[@bettercallchadd]

Absolutely!!!

[@HJ-lz4dt]

@@bettercallchadd Thanks! 👍

[@jy1753]

I've been looking for Command soil in Jacksonville Orange PArk area. No luck Where can i find it. I see this is current. Thanks buddy.

[@bettercallchadd]

Try mulch and more or mulch masters. I believe one of them have it.

[@jy1753]

@@bettercallchadd Thank you buddy- Stay safe. Good work here.

[@bettercallchadd]

@@jy1753 thank you. You as well!!

[@bradygaming5034]

I wonder how many bags I'll need lol I'll spend about 100$ on the black cow top soil in not able to get that stuff not local

[@bettercallchadd]

You will need more than you thing. That front area is the video was about 30 bags. I recommend mixing some sand with your black kow.

[@albacontreras9512]

Do I have to wait til Spring to level my St. Augustine?

[@bettercallchadd]

Absolutely not!! Spring to fall.

[@benjamineckhart9705]

I laid command a tad to thick and it burned lawn but seems to be coming back. Im at week 2 currently would i be able to email you pictures for advice?

[@bettercallchadd]

You have to lay it really thick. The areas will recover nicely, though!!! Yes you can send them to [e-mail]

[@benjamineckhart9705]

@turforganics7846 thank you emailed you. I had the best lawn in the neighborhood but wanted to build soil structure on a new construction house so I can get it better every year.

[@adamhopson1143]

My soil is really compacted clay. The grass grows sideways not very tall. Trying to core aerate is hell because the soil clogs the tines. Could laying a top dressing on really thick be a solution? I guess I’d be worried about “burying” the existing grass, but it doesn’t want to grow very much in the soil it currently has. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@adamhopson1143]

*I have St Augustine in Houston*

[@bettercallchadd]

Applying good soil would absolutely help. You might have to do it a few times, but that's definitely the answer. You can apply to 2 to 3 inches at one time, depending on how thin your lawn is. If you are concerned about burying, apply a little thinner at first and wait to see the results.

[@adamhopson1143]

Awesome. Thats what I’ll do then. I’ve got plenty of coverage, it just doesn’t want to grow tall. The soil is quite thin and compacted clay. Thanks for the reply. I love your videos.

[@bettercallchadd]

@adamhopson1143 Good luck. No problem. I appreciate the support.

[@charlesespinoza9961]

​@@adamhopson1143most of us in South Texas do

[@swaydestr]

Can you do this in the summer ?

[@bettercallchadd]

Absolutely!!

[@xr1supra85ba]

Where is everyone finding Command? I use their website to find a dealer but when I get to that site, theres no mention of it being available on the site. Where is everyone sourcing it from (in Florida). Ive used black cow and sakreet sand and that worked great, but would like to give command a run on a few spots for testing. Also to note, Chad is in way better shape than I am. Glad I'm not the only one laboring and breathing heavy from work like this lol.

[@bettercallchadd]

Mulch masters in Jacksonville has it.

[@jvjdrn]

Comand’s website has a store locator by zip code.

[@bettercallchadd]

@@jvjdrn thank you for this. I will recommend this to people!!

[@coachRJ_]

So you would aerate first then treat it with fertilizer and then soil on top of it?

[@bettercallchadd]

Yess!!!

[@coachRJ_]

@@bettercallchadd thanks brother

[@carloscastelane2367]

@@bettercallchadd And what would be the time gap between those actions?

[@bettercallchadd]

@@carloscastelane2367 same day!!

[@carloscastelane2367]

Thank you!@@bettercallchadd

[@arthurtreyenterprises843]

What's the propose for top dressing

[@bettercallchadd]

To thicken up a thin and compacted lawn. Also, to build a layer of rich soil full of organic matter to feed your lawn more naturally and allow the fertilization you apply to work even better. This is best if you have very poor sandy soil. It will take about 15 years for sandy soil to build organic matter where this will get you there in 1 growing season.

[@viperdj23]

Do you guys service in the north Jax area yet? Would rather use you guys than some of these bigger companies like Turner, etc…

[@bettercallchadd]

Unfortunately, we do not. I apologize.

[@viperdj23]

@@bettercallchadd not a problem man, your videos are very helpful. Thank you!

[@patbyron4445]

Where do you purchase Command

[@bettercallchadd]

You can get at mulch masters in the Jacksonville area!!

[@williamguillIII]

So, after dressing the lawn. Should one water this in, or let mother nature just let it settle on it's on, with whatever rain that comes?

[@bettercallchadd]

Just water as normal for the time of year.

[@mhomer4]

It works. Its amazing

[@donfregin8668]

That lawn looks pretty dam flat already what do you do when you have four to five inch low spots

[@bettercallchadd]

For spots that low, you will need to repeat this process until flat. Must wait at least 6 months between applications.

[@revotivo44]

odd this is my street. haha

[@bettercallchadd]

Your street is famous!!!

[@Som1getDvagisl]

So what happens next? Lol

[@bettercallchadd]

Stay off the lawn water as normal, and the lawn will start to fill in and thicken up.

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

Jeepers. ONE 35 lb bag of Black Kow is $47!!!!

[@bettercallchadd]

What?!?! Where are you located? That's crazy!!

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

@@bettercallchadd Plant City in Central FL

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

At Walmary

[@Basichomelife]

Black cow should be 8 bucks

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

@@Basichomelife It should be but at our Walmart, it's $47