1. Not All Maryland Dirt is the Same
Most people just think dirt is just dirt. However, any construction worker or gardener knows that there is a huge difference in the kinds of dirt and how it can be used. When utilizing dirt to complete a landscaping project there are two main types of dirt that differ from one another; topsoil and fill dirt. In Maryland, topsoil is the topmost layer of dirt and is full of nutrients and organic matter that make it ideal for growing plants. Topsoil typically is the first six inches of dirt, however, this can vary depending on where you live. Below topsoil is a different kind of dirt known as fill dirt. Fill dirt is great for construction and landscaping projects, but it it’s not ideal for supporting plant growth.
The main difference between topsoil and fill dirt is that topsoil contains organic matter and fill dirt does not. This has a huge impact on how the dirt can be used. Organic matter begins to break down over time, producing nutrients that supports the growth of plant life, such as a beautiful garden. However, because the organic matter breaks down, this means that the dirt around it shifts over time. This shifting makes the dirt unstable and means it not suitable to build on top of. Maryland fill dirt lacks this organic matter, which means that it won’t compact and shift over time. This makes Maryland fill dirt the perfect dirt to build on top of, and is the most ideal for your next landscaping or construction project. Speak to a Maryland fill dirt contractor for more information and to schedule your fill dirt delivery.
2. Maryland Fill Dirt is Under Topsoil
Fill dirt is found approximately six inches under topsoil, which is the topmost layer of dirt. It’s important to note that because the two layers touch, you need to make sure you’re getting certified fill dirt. Fill dirt that has been taken from right below the layer of topsoil can contain some of the elements of topsoil that make it unsuitable to build on top of. Certified fill dirt means that it has been checked to make sure that it does not contain any organic matter, toxins, or large debris. Make sure that your Maryland fill dirt contractor is licensed and using certified fill dirt.
3. Maryland Fill Dirt Has Many Uses
Maryland fill dirt has tons of uses. It can be used to level out your landscape or it can be used to create dimension in a flat or boring land. Fill dirt is also great to use in foundations as it can be tightly compacted to make it extremely stable. Fill dirt is often used as a base for driveways and parking lots because it provides a sturdy surface that won’t sink under the weight of heavy vehicles. It can also be used to fill holes or dips in your property. For example, after an inground pool has been removed, the hole that is left behind will be filled with fill dirt, returning the land to its original appearance before the pool was installed.
4. Maryland Fill Dirt is Extremely Stable
The lack of organic matter in fill dirt means that it won’t shift over time. It doesn’t contain any materials that will cause the dirt to shift or move as they break down. Maryland fill dirt is extremely stable and reliable, which is why it is so often used in construction projects. Maryland fill dirt is also easy to obtain and use, so if you are doing your project yourself, you’ll know that you’re creating a good foundation.
5. Maryland Fill Dirt is Measured in Cubic Yards
While at first it might seem logical to measure fill dirt by its weight, it’s actually far more effective to measure it in cubic yards. This is because cubic yards measure the volume of a space. Fill dirt is normally used to fill things, so you find the volume of what needs to be filled, and then buy the same volume of fill dirt to fill the space. Finding the volume of the space is relatively easy, but it does depend on the shape of the space. A circular space is going to be calculated differently from a rectangular space. All you have to do is take the dimensions of the space and then use the appropriate equation to convert the dimensions into cubic yards.
6. You Can Get Maryland Fill Dirt For Free
Depending on your Maryland fill dirt contractor, you may be able to get your fill dirt for free. Usually, orders over a certain quantity can qualify for being free. If you’re working on a large project this is great news! However, if you’re working on a smaller project you should know that going through a Maryland fill dirt contractor usually means that you have to order at least one truckload. If you require less dirt than that, you can typically find it anywhere that sells topsoil by the bag.
7. Maryland Fill Dirt is Not Good For Gardening
Remember that fill dirt contains no organic matter, meaning it doesn’t contain any nutrients and is therefore not able to support plant growth. This is one of the reasons why selecting the right dirt is so important. If you’re going to start a garden you want to make sure that you’re buying dirt that is capable of supporting plant growth. However, the two kinds of dirt’s can be used together in some cases. For example, if you’re looking to change the dimensions and appearance of your landscape you can use both kinds of dirt. Fill dirt will be used to create hills, fill holes, and fills dips to construct your desired shape. Topsoil can then be added on top in areas where you wish to have plants grow. If your project requires fill dirt, be sure to reach out to a Maryland fill dirt contractor for more information and to schedule your fill dirt delivery.
