Top dressing (or topdressing) is the process of spreading sand or organic material on top of grass turf. It is used as a method of altering the soil composition and topography.

Top dressing with organic matter helps to improve biological processes by adding beneficial microorganisms. This in turn, serves as a long lasting natural fertilizer and helps to prevent thatch buildup.

Using sand as a top dressing, particularly in combination with aeration, alters the composition of the soil to reduce compaction and improve drainage.

Top dressing also smoothes out bumps in the turf to provide an even, lush surface.