Advantages Of Buying Fill Dirt In Bulk

When it comes to buying fill dirt for landscaping projects, many people find that they need significantly more dirt than anticipated. Buying individual sacks can be very tedious, not to mention time-consuming and expensive, but there is an alternative that can make all manner of yard projects easier: bulk fill dirt.

Fill dirt is a type of dirt used to fill in spaces and is normally composed of a mixture of natural materials such as sand, clay, subsoil and rock. Fill dirt may be used for leveling the ground or elevating it for construction and other types of home projects.

Here’s a look at the benefits of obtaining fill dirt in bulk.

It Is Cost-Efficient

Although fill dirt is one of the least expensive types of dirt you can obtain, purchasing it in larger quantities can still add up. Quality may not be as pressing of a concern with fill dirt as it is with gardening soil, but it is nevertheless essential to avoid cutting corners on costs because lower-quality fill dirt can be problematic for many types of projects.

In fact, there are different types of fill dirt for sale, and many of the cheaper varieties might contain animal remains or roots that could get in the way of certain types of projects. In addition, some types of cheaper fill dirt contain organic material that can decompose over time and cause the soil to shift, posing issues for fill dirt that is being used as the foundation for a new structure. Purchasing fill dirt in bulk enables you to buy a greater quantity of better-quality dirt at a more affordable price.

It Avoids Plastic Waste

Although it may be possible to purchase bags of fill dirt in your local home improvement store or garden center, this is only practical in cases where a small quantity is needed. Purchasing multiple bags at a chain store means that you are adding to the very pressing environmental concern of plastic waste as much of this soil is sold in plastic bags. When you buy fill dirt in bulk, it is typically hauled to the site in a dump truck, eliminating the need to use plastic bags.

It Saves Time

Purchasing fill dirt in bulk can save you time because it eliminates the need for multiple trips to the store to haul back the material in batches according to how much you can fit in your vehicle. Because fill dirt is typically delivered to the site, you can work on preparing for your project while waiting for the materials to arrive instead of losing valuable time driving back and forth.

It Avoids The Need For Hauling

On a similar note, ordering fill dirt is very convenient because it eliminates the need to haul fill dirt bag by bag from your vehicle to the area in your yard where it is needed. With bulk fill dirt delivery, you do not need to strain your back lifting heavy bags of dirt or worry about bags breaking in transport and spilling dirt all over your car or driveway. Bulk soil providers will bring the soil to your home and dump it as close as possible to the project site.

It Is Easier To Get The Type Of Fill Dirt You Need

Fill dirt is a broad term, and there are several subtypes within this category. When purchasing fill dirt at a home improvement center, you’ll typically be buying dirt that has been given the generic label of “fill dirt.” However, when you order from specialty soil providers, you can obtain the right type of fill dirt to suit your project.

Here is a brief rundown of the types of fill dirt you can choose from when you buy from specialists.

Clean Fill Dirt

This is dirt that is free of materials that are considered dangerous to animals, humans and the environment. Contrary to popular belief, clean fill dirt has not been screened to eliminate debris and organic materials. However, the label does mean the dirt is environmentally clean and does not contain hazardous materials such as corrosives, radioactive substances, noxious materials or combustibles. It is ideal for projects such as landscaping where being environmentally friendly is important. It is suited to subsoil for flower beds or filling in holes around the yard.

Screened Fill Dirt

Screen fill dirt has been run through a screening machine to filter out debris that is larger than a particular size. Five-eighths of an inch is standard, but screened fill dirt can also be obtained in other sizes.

Although the screening process can make fill dirt’s price tag rise, it is ideal for home landscaping projects where the fill will be spread with a wheelbarrow and shovel because it means there will not be any clay or heavy rocks making it heavier and harder to move. It can also prevent mowers and gardening tools from sustaining damage caused by rocks and other debris.

Common Fill Dirt

Common fill dirt is one of the most affordable types of dirt available as it is dug directly from the ground and is not cleaned, tested or screened. It often contains significant amounts of plant roots, rock and clay, which means it can be difficult to work with your hands.

This type of dirt is normally used for elevating significant spaces where it is going to be spread and moved using heavy construction equipment. This is the type of dirt that some construction companies offer for free.

You Can Purchase Precise Amounts

Purchasing bagged fill dirt can be complicated because you need to calculate the amount that you need. In many cases, you will have to purchase more than you need because the precise amount required for a project rarely works out to be an exact multiple of the amount contained in one bag. With bulk fill dirt, you can tell the provider the precise amount of dirt that is required or the dimensions and nature of your project and they will do the calculations themselves.

In addition to avoiding ending up with extra dirt to store, this can also help keep the price of the project down by preventing you from paying for soil that will not ultimately be needed.

Reach Out To The Soil Experts

Discuss your project with the soil experts at Dirt Connections or call us to arrange a fill dirt delivery. We provide a broad range of dirt and soil types for projects of all sizes with convenient delivery services throughout Northern Virginia.