Lawn Sand and Leveling Guide
If you’ve ever wondered why people put sand on their lawn, or you’re trying to figure out how to level a lawn with sand, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re dealing with uneven patches, moss, poor drainage, or annoying sand spurs, this guide covers everything you need to know about lawn sand, what type of sand to use, and how to use it properly.
What Is Lawn Sand?
Lawn sand is a traditional lawn care product used to control moss, green up the grass, and improve soil structure. It typically contains:
- Ferrous sulfate (iron sulfate) – kills moss and greens the lawn.
- Ammonium sulfate – a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Sand (usually sharp sand) – improves drainage and helps evenly distribute nutrients.
What is lawn sand made of?
Lawn sand is made of iron sulfate, ammonium sulfate, and sand — a triple-action blend that feeds your lawn, fights moss, and supports healthy soil.
What Does Lawn Sand Do?
Wondering what does lawn sand do to grass or what is lawn sand used for? Here’s what it does:
- Kills moss: Iron sulfate quickly turns moss black and kills it.
- Greens your lawn: The nitrogen gives grass a vivid green boost.
- Improves turf health: Sand improves drainage and soil aeration.
💡 Does lawn sand kill moss and weeds?
Yes, it kills moss effectively but doesn’t target weeds. For weed control, combine lawn sand with other treatments or use a separate selective herbicide.
Why Put Sand on Lawns?
Whether you’re leveling your lawn, improving drainage, or top dressing, sand plays a vital role.
Why add sand to lawn?
- Levels uneven areas.
- Improves drainage in clay-heavy or compacted soil.
- Enhances root development when mixed with organic matter.
- Reduces thatch buildup when used in top dressing.
🔍 Why do people put sand on their lawn?
To fix bumps, improve water flow, boost grass growth, and create a smoother, healthier lawn. It’s a landscaper’s secret weapon.
What Type of Sand to Use for Lawns?
Not all sand is created equal. Choosing the right type is key to success.
Best Sand for Lawns:
| Purpose | Best Sand Type |
|---|---|
| Leveling lawns | Masonry sand or river sand |
| Top dressing | Sharp sand or horticultural sand |
| Drainage improvement | Coarse sand or builder’s sand (with caution) |
Avoid play sand: It’s too fine and can compact, blocking drainage.
Avoid yellow sand or beach sand: It may contain salt or clay that damages grass.
Common Questions:
- What sand to use to level lawn? → Masonry or river sand.
- Can I use play sand to level my lawn? → No, it compacts and prevents drainage.
- Is sharp sand good for lawns? → Yes, especially for top dressing and drainage.
Can You Use Sand to Level a Lawn?
Yes — and here’s how to do it right.
Uneven lawns create mowing headaches and poor water flow. Sand is a great material to fix this, especially when mixed with topsoil or compost.
How to Level a Lawn with Sand (Step-by-Step)
If you’re wondering how to use sand to level a lawn, follow this guide:
Step 1: Choose the Right Sand
Use masonry sand or a 70/30 mix of sand and topsoil.
Step 2: Mow the Lawn
Cut grass shorter than usual to expose low spots.
Step 3: Identify Low Areas
Mark sunken areas using stakes or chalk.
Step 4: Spread Sand
Use a shovel or wheelbarrow to apply sand across low spots. For large areas, use a lawn spreader.
How to spread sand on lawn
Rake sand evenly, then use a leveling rake or drag mat to smooth it out.
Step 5: Water the Lawn
Water lightly to help the sand settle. Repeat the process if needed.
How Much Sand Do I Need to Level My Lawn?
Use this rough guide:
- 1 cubic yard of sand covers 1,000 sq. ft. at 1/3 inch depth.
- For minor leveling: 0.5 to 1 inch of sand mix is enough.
- For severe dips: Fill in layers no more than 1 inch at a time.
Tip: Use a measuring wheel and depth gauge to estimate sand volume more precisely.
Can I Use Sand for Lawn Top Dressing?
Yes! Sand is often used in top dressing lawns to improve soil texture and reduce thatch.
How to Top Dress a Lawn with Sand:
- Mow and dethatch the lawn.
- Spread sand or sand-soil mix evenly.
- Work it in with a broom or rake.
- Water thoroughly.
🧠 Why top dress lawn with sand?
It helps grass grow stronger, improves drainage, and smoothens the lawn surface.
How to Get Rid of Sand Spurs in Your Lawn
Sand spurs (or sand burrs) are painful weeds. Here’s how to remove them:
Step-by-Step:
- Mow low to expose spurs.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.
- Spot-spray with post-emergent herbicide during growth.
- Aerate and overseed to crowd them out.
- Maintain a thick, healthy lawn to prevent recurrence.
🧤 Always wear gloves when pulling sand spurs — they hurt!
Is Lawn Sand Safe for Pets?
Lawn sand is not pet-friendly immediately after application.
- Keep pets off until it rains or you water the lawn.
- Avoid direct contact with the treated area for 24–48 hours.
Where to Buy Lawn Sand and Sand for Lawns
You can find lawn sand and leveling sand at:
- Garden centers
- DIY stores (like Home Depot, Lowe’s, B&Q)
- Online retailers (Amazon, gardening websites)
- Local landscape suppliers for bulk quantities
🔎 Keyword Tip: Search for “where to buy lawn sand near me” or “what sand to use for lawn leveling UK/US” for local results.
Expert Tips for Using Lawn Sand and Leveling
- Don’t apply lawn sand in extreme heat or drought.
- Water after applying to prevent scorching.
- Rake out dead moss after 7–10 days.
- Repeat leveling only once or twice per season.
- Combine sand with compost or soil for better results.
Top 10 Lawn Sand & Lawn Leveling Products on Amazon
1. Scotts MossEx 3-in-1 Lawn Fertilizer and Moss Control
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Review: This 3-in-1 formula from Scotts quickly kills moss, feeds the lawn, and promotes stronger root growth. It’s ideal for early spring or fall applications. **
Features:
- Contains ferrous sulfate for moss control
- Nitrogen-based fertilizer
- Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.
Benefits:
- Kills moss in days
- Greens lawn fast
- Strengthens turf roots
Best For: Homeowners dealing with mossy patches and nutrient-poor grass.
2. Green Earth Organic Lawn Sand Mix
Rating**: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Review:
An all-natural lawn sand alternative that’s safe for kids and pets. It uses organic iron to suppress moss and boost grass health.
Features:
- Organic ingredients
- Safe for pets and children
- Iron-rich formula
Benefits:
- Natural moss control
- Safe for family use
- Eco-friendly soil amendment
Best For:
Eco-conscious gardeners and families with pets.
3. EZ Level Lawn Leveling Rake – 36″ Wide Head
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
Review:
This professional-grade leveling rake allows you to spread and level sand or topsoil over your lawn evenly and quickly. **
Features:
- 36-inch wide stainless steel head
- Rust-resistant construction
- Long ergonomic handle
Benefits:
- Saves time on large lawns
- Ensures a flat, even surface
- Built to last for years
Best For:
DIY lawn leveling enthusiasts and landscapers.
4. Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Review:
This manual aerator pulls out soil plugs, allowing water, nutrients, and sand to penetrate more deeply into the soil. **
Features:
- Dual-core aerator
- Powder-coated steel
- Cushioned handles
Benefits:
- Reduces soil compaction
- Improves water and sand absorption
- Prepares lawn for top dressing
Best For:
Lawns with compacted or clay-heavy soil.
5. Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Soil – Enriched Topsoil
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Review:
A nutrient-rich topsoil blend perfect for mixing with sand for lawn leveling or top dressing.
Features:
- Contains starter fertilizer
- Enriched with organic matter
- Great for seeding and patching
Benefits:
- Supports new grass growth
- Improves soil texture
- Enhances lawn health
Best For:
Lawn owners reseeding or creating a custom sand-soil mix.
6. Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Iron Fertilizer
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.6/5)
Review:
Instantly greens up your lawn with a liquid iron supplement. No risk of burning and works on all grass types.
Features:
- 6% iron concentration
- Hose-end sprayer included
- Fast-acting formula
Benefits:
- Deep green color in days
- Easy to apply
- Safe for pets and kids
Best For:
Anyone wanting a quick, safe lawn green-up solution.
7. Sandbaggy Washed Masonry Sand (50 lbs.)
Rating**: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Review:
High-quality washed sand that’s perfect for leveling lawns or mixing with topsoil for top dressing.
Features:
- Clean and screened
- 100% natural
- Coarse texture
Benefits:
- No dust or clay
- Excellent drainage
- Consistent leveling results
👤 Best For:
DIYers and landscapers doing lawn leveling or drainage improvement.
8. Scotts Elite Broadcast Spreader
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Review:
A high-performing spreader designed to evenly distribute lawn sand, seed, or fertilizer across large areas.
Features:
- Holds up to 20,000 sq. ft. of product
- Dual rotors for accuracy
- EdgeGuard technology
Benefits:
- Quick coverage
- Reduces waste
- Saves time on large lawns
Best For:
Homeowners with medium to large lawns needing consistent coverage.
9. Pennington Smart Seed Lawn Repair Mix
Rating**: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Review:
Perfect for patching bare spots after leveling or moss removal. Includes seed, mulch, and fertilizer in one.
Features:
- 3-in-1 repair solution
- Grows in sunny and shady spots
- Mulch holds moisture
Benefits:
- Speeds up patch repair
- Supports early root development
- Easy to use
Best For:
Filling in bare patches after applying lawn sand or leveling.
10. Earthwise 21-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Review:
A lightweight and eco-friendly tool for sweeping up loose sand, moss, leaves, and debris after lawn care treatments.
Features:
- 21-inch sweep width
- Easy-to-empty hopper
- No electricity or gas required
Benefits:
- Keeps lawn tidy post-treatment
- Reduces cleanup time
- Quiet and eco-friendly
Best For:
Anyone needing a quick way to clean up after lawn sand or aeration.
Summary Table
| Product | Purpose | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts MossEx | Moss control | Greens + kills moss | Mossy lawns |
| Green Earth Lawn Sand | Organic moss control | Pet-safe & natural | Eco/pet homes |
| EZ Level Rake | Leveling | Fast & even leveling | DIY homeowners |
| Yard Butler Aerator | Aerating | Improves soil drainage | Clay/compacted soil |
| Scotts Lawn Soil | Soil enrichment | Boosts seed growth | Lawn top dressing |
| Simple Iron Spray | Greening | Fast lawn color | Lawn color boost |
| Sandbaggy Sand | Leveling material | Clean & coarse | Leveling & top dressing |
| Scotts Elite Spreader | Spreading | Covers large areas | Big lawns |
| Pennington Repair Mix | Seeding | Quick bare patch repair | Post-leveling |
| Earthwise Sweeper | Cleanup | Easy debris removal | Lawn maintenance |
Common FAQs
Q: Can I level my lawn with just sand?
Yes, but mixing with topsoil or compost is better.
Q: When should I put sand on my lawn?
Spring and autumn are ideal — avoid summer heat and winter frost.
Q: Can you use paver sand, builder’s sand, or play sand?
Only use masonry or river sand. Other sands are too fine or contain clay.
Q: Does putting sand on your lawn help drainage?
Yes, especially in clay-heavy or compacted soils.
Final Thoughts on Lawn Sand and Sanding Your Lawn
To recap, lawn sand is a powerful product for moss control, greening, and soil health. Meanwhile, using sand to level a lawn is a smart, cost-effective way to smooth out bumps and improve drainage. Visit gardenkt for more.
Whether you’re asking “what does lawn sand do?” or “can sand be used to level a lawn?”, now you’ve got the expert answers.
Ready to Transform Your Lawn?
✔ Kill moss
✔ Green up your grass
✔ Fix bumps and dips
✔ Improve drainage
✔ Say goodbye to sand spurs
It’s time to sand your lawn like a pro.
Let your neighbors wonder how your yard looks like a golf course.
