If your lawn looks dull and is plagued with weeds, you are likely on the lookout for some products that will help to make it healthy and lusciously green. Gardening enthusiasts may have an understanding as to what lawn sand is, however, as it is becoming less commonly used, others may not.
In our guide, we have provided you with the definition and purpose of lawn sand and how it should be used.
Lawn sand – what is it? Simply put, lawn sand is a tonic that consists of three ingredients; iron sulfate, ammonium sulfate, and fine sand. Each of these ingredients serves a different purpose, but in general, lawn sand improves the condition of your lawn and promotes healthy growth.
Knowing when to apply lawn sand is going to influence how well it works. Generally, it is recommended that you apply it during spring, anytime from the end of March to the beginning of April.
If it is too cold, the ingredients will struggle to work together to achieve the desired results. It is worth noting that this is only a guideline seeing as the weather and temperature can differ depending on your location.
Alternatively, you can wait for any indications of new growth as winter comes to an end and temperatures begin to get warmer.
Avoid using lawn sand during a drought or very dry period as there is a risk of the chemical ingredients burning your lawn.
Nowadays, it isn’t as commonly used because more focused products have since entered the market. Needless to say, there are still several reasons why you may choose to use lawn sand.
What does lawn sand do?
Lawn sand has a fine powder consistency that clings to any weeds and moss in the lawn. Each of the three ingredients serves a specific purpose in helping to improve the overall appearance of your lawn.
The iron sulfate is known to effectively kill moss and it will also target the growth of unwanted weeds. Aside from this, it can also help to improve the grass’s resistance to disease, whilst making it greener and stronger.
The second ingredient is ammonium sulfate. This nitrogen-based chemical supports healthy growth and by working with the iron sulfate it will make your grass look greener whilst freeing it of weeds and moss.
Dressing your lawn with sand doesn’t have any huge benefits, however, it makes the product easier to distribute and will also fertilize the soil. Using lawn sand will help to improve grass coverage.
A great thing about lawn sand is that it can be used fairly regularly. Applying it every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended within the time frame that we have stated above. This allows sufficient time for your lawn to grow healthily and it will gradually target weed and moss growth.
Lawn sand can be applied in one of two ways. You can either sprinkle it on using your hands or if you have one available, you can use a lawn spreader. As mentioned previously, the sand will sit on the moss and weeds rather than the actual strands of grass. In doing so, the chemical ingredients will directly impact the roots and the soil.
How to use lawn sand
Do not apply an excessive amount of lawn sand as it may scorch your grass. Moreover, you must also ensure that you apply it in the right conditions.
If it is windy, there is a risk of the sand blowing back towards you. Should you decide to apply it by hand, ensure that you are wearing protective gloves.
The exact amount of product that is required will be determined by the square meters of your lawn. The manufacturer will specify the correct dose for each square meter, so it is important to read through the instructions carefully before starting to apply it.
Ideally, you should apply lawn sand at least 3 days before or 3 days after mowing your lawn. This will allow for the best results.
If your lawn has recently been newly seeded, you will not need to use lawn sand for at least six months.
The following steps provide a useful guide regarding the correct application of lawn sand.
Step 1 – If you have decided to mow your lawn before applying the lawn sand, make sure that you do it three days before. This will improve the coverage, whilst making it easier for the sand to cling to the soil.
Step 2 – Next you will need to mark out sections of your lawn that need to be treated. Applying it by hand isn’t as accurate as applying it via a spreader, so establishing the different sections will ensure that the surface is properly covered.
Step 3 – Once you have read the instructions and are aware of how much product you need to apply, split the necessary amount into two equal doses. Spread the first dose to the areas where it is required via your preferred method.
Step 4 – Take the second dose and walk across your lawn in the opposite direction spreading the sand at the same time.
Step 5 – Do not let anyone walk on your lawn until it has rained. If you do not have any rain within 48 hours of application, you will need to water your lawn instead. Once it has been thoroughly watered it can then be walked on.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several benefits associated with the application of lawn sand.
Though it may be thought of as an old-fashioned type of treatment, the ingredients that it is made from will not only improve the health of your lawn but the appearance of it too.
Along with the benefits we have listed above, it is also cost-effective and easy to use. If you have any hesitations regarding how this product should be applied to your lawn, you can follow the steps that we have listed in our guide above.
