How to add topsoil

I came across the "Organic Lawn Care For the Cheap and Lazy", and read about how important a thick topsoil layer is for a healthy lawn.

Our landscaping was done when our house was built (about 9 years ago), and they laid down 3 inches of topsoil.  I'm betting it was 3 inches wet, because there isn't much there.  An inch or two down is clay/sand.  I'm in metro-west MA area.  The grass is good, but not great.  Crabgrass grows near the sidewalk/driveway (heat source), I've been using Scotts non-organic thus far, and water every 3 or so days (yes, I realize that's not best after reading the above info).

The driveway separates two sections of lawn (side of house, and front of house).  How would one add 5-7 inches of top soil if the land is already even with the driveway?  Is the only solution to dig up what's there and add all the topsoil to make it even again?  We have in-ground sprinklers which would make this more difficult (besides the cost to do something like this).  It's about 8000 sq feet of lawn in all.

Is there a "2nd best" option for a situation like this?

Thanks for all the info...

-Craig

You can't add that much topsoil at one time without killing off your lawn. Topdress it with an inch at a time over a period of years and it will blend in. Ammending soil takes time, and unless you want to start your lawn from scratch, take it slow and easy, a bit at a time.

Find something better than topsoil to add to your lawn as well, something with more organic matter.

I wasn't planning on adding that much at one time.   Just curious if I add one inch per year, after 10 years, will the lawn base be 10 inches taller, or will it work itself down and keep the approximate same height?

Also, instead of topsoil, what is recommended?  Something I can buy at a store/garden center?

Thanks!

-Craig

compost would be excellent. 'top soil' that you purchase is often very depleted of organic matter which is what makes your soil porous and also helps it retain appropriate amounts of water (sponge like). start a compost pile! leaves kitchen scraps old straw manure etc... or if you are in a hurry you could contact a local riding stable for some stall cleanings to compost. that stuff is incredible!

Did you read the wacky thing at the bottom about stuff one might do with a power post hole digger?

If you continue to add an inch a year, it will build up the height of your existing lawn.

"Topsoil" as they call it, from most garden centers or any of the box stores is usually crap, particularly from the box stores because that has been "sterilized" in one form or another to kill off weed seeds and "undesireable" organic compounds.