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Should you apply sand after lawn core aeration in New Zealand?
When using the aerator does the lawn need to be sanded afterwards?
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We have a guide on this here: https://www.newzealandlawnaddicts.com/lawn-tips/lawn-coring/
If the job is leveling and firming up the surface, or keeping those core holes open so water moves through better, sand's the one. It stays put, it doesn't break down, and it keeps the profile free-draining. The catch is layering. If your base is a heavier native soil and you drop pure sand on top, you create a texture change at the interface and water perches right there instead of draining through. You end up with the opposite of what you wanted. Pure sand only really pays off if your root zone is already sand-based, or you're committing to topdressing with sand every year so it blends in over time rather than sitting as one layer.
For most home lawns a screened, sand based top-dressing mix (sand with a bit of organic in it) is the safer middle than either extreme. You get some leveling and firmness without the hard sand over clay layering, and a little organic matter without drowning the drainage. If you do go sand, use a washed medium sand, not fine builder's or beach sand.