Item 3. Estimating Topdressing Materials for Lawns

Many lawn materials are sold by the cubic yard, so the gardener needs to know how far a cubic yard will go. Loose quantities of topsoil, compost and manure usually fluff up during shipment, so will cover more area for a given amount. Sand, ground limestone and washed steam cinders, on the other hand, pack down in transit and do not gain in bulk. This is why two sets of figures are given.

When using sand, limestone or cinders

To a depth of	Use one yard over an area of
6"	41 sq. ft.
4"	60 sq. ft.
3"	81 sq. ft.
2"	121 sq. ft.
1"	243 sq. ft.

When using humus, topsoil or compost

6"	54 sq. ft.
4"	81 sq. ft.
3"	108 sq. ft.
r	162 sq. ft.
r	324 sq. ft.

Wheelbarrows differ in size and ratings are not always exact. A three-cubic-foot wheelbarrow, for example, may not carry more than 2% cubic feet. Be sure to measure the capacity of your wheelbarrow in advance. (A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.)

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