wherever you use top dressing. Which is why ... that the best time to top dress your lawn is typically in late spring or early autumn when the grass is actively growing. So, yes, right about ...

Brush a sandy top dressing across the surface of the lawn ... To finish off, perk up tired lawns by giving them a feed. Use an autumn lawn fertiliser, which is high in phosphates and potash.

An alternative to top-dressing is to spread a thin layer of autumn leaves over the lawn and mow them well, with the grass box off the lawnmower. Two cuts may be needed. If you need a new lawnmower ...