When you are deciding to touch up on your garden by growing plants or vegetables, or maybe you’re working to increase the aesthetic of your backyard alongside your patio, you will likely need dirt to fill in necessary areas of your project. No matter the project, it will require at least one type of dirt. If you are unfamiliar with landscaping and gardening, you may be unsure of which material to use for your project and which will work better when supporting topsoil. With that in mind, let’s take a look at whether or not fill dirt will be suitable for your project.
How Fill Dirt Differs From Other Types of Dirt
Fill dirt is one of the best types of dirt when it comes to leveling out land and filling holes and divots. It is generally made up of subsoil and sits about a foot beneath the topsoil. Fill dirt is organic, screened, and is composed up of sand, silt, stones, and clay, which all have relatively small particle sizes. Ideal fill dirt is made with 50% clay since it does not decompose or settle when plenty of clay is present. However, fill dirt only supports the top soil, you cannot plant your garden directly in it.
Fill sand is a relatively useful alternative to fill dirt. As the name implies, it is made of rock particles that have eroded into sand over the years. Fill sand is beneficial when filling in areas with heavy drainage such as septic tanks. It should not be used for construction around your garden, however, since it is prone to shifting. Thus, if you were to use fill sand for your gardening project, it should only be used to support topsoil and not buildings such as patios or retaining walls.
Another substitute for fill dirt that can be used in many different ways is rock fill. Rock fill works very similarly, but contains large rocks that can be used in the landscaping process. Rock fill can clear up any holes and divots in your yard, and can also hold topsoil well into place. The downside of using rock fill to hold topsoil is that the layer of topsoil must be a lot deeper and the use of mulch, compost, or manure is almost a requirement when rock fill is utilized.
Pros and Cons of Using Fill Dirt For Your Garden
There are several ups and downs to using fill dirt when completing your gardening project. Likewise, fill sand and rock fill have benefits and drawbacks for landscaping. Knowing what fill dirt is best for is important when determining how much you will need for your garden. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of using it for your garden.
Pros
In terms of landscaping and gardening, fill dirt is typically seen as being most beneficial for:
- Supporting topsoil and newly placed sod
- Creating a stable and reliable surface to build a patio upon
- Supporting retaining walls for your garden and/or your patio
- Inground swimming pool removal to make more space for your backyard
- Raising the elevation of your topsoil to create a “mound” effect
- You will not always need heavy layers of topsoil as opposed to when using rock fill
Cons
There are some downsides to using fill dirt for your garden, including:
- Fill dirt cannot support plants or vegetation; therefore, you must remove all previous topsoil before placing it down
- Fill sand is able to withstand frequent weathering better
- Rock fill is sometimes better suited for general landscaping
- In rare cases, fill dirt might not properly be screened and may contain dangerous materials
Just to be safe, you can always check with your fill dirt provider to make sure that the dirt they provide is cleared of any refuse, rubble, muck, metal, glass, wood, or other foreign materials.
How can you be sure that your contractor is using the correct type of dirt that you ordered? If you are unaware of or have questions about the composition of dirt used in your yard, you can have it tested by a reputable lab or by your county’s agricultural extension office. Additionally, be sure that your order of fill dirt is in agreement with any applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations to determine whether or not you will need a permit before proceeding with the delivery. Generally, any project that requires at least a truckload of dirt will require a permit issued by Federal, state, or local government.
Speak With a Professional Fill Dirt Company
When planning out your next gardening project, consider speaking to a professional fill dirt company. Dirt Connections always offers affordable and reliable fill dirt delivery to anyone in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Our delivery services will provide you with enough dirt to complete your entire gardening project. We possess the knowledge and the expertise needed to assist you with your garden and backyard as much as possible. Our services extend to multiple subdivisions throughout the D.C. Metro Area and have developed a strong reputation over the years. Dirt Connections’ free fill dirt reserve is always enough to ensure you can complete your project in a timely manner. Be sure to give us a call or contact us as soon as possible for your DC, MD, or Northern VA fill dirt delivery today. We are happy to help!
