If you are a homeowner, you know that the look of your yard can be incredibly important. It is likely the first thing visitors and neighbors notice, and you want it to look good for your guests. Generally, this means investing in the materials that will make it most visually appealing. Chief among them being dirt, and a lot of it. However, all dirt is not created equal and the dirt you use should depend on your particular project.
Both topsoil and fill dirt are crucial to your yard, but for different reasons. Topsoil adds nutrients, making it great for growing plants, grass and gardens. Fill dirt, in contrast, is better used for adding stability to your yard projects and builds. Read more about how topsoil differs from fill-dirt, the different uses of topsoil and how to prepare for a topsoil delivery.
Topsoil vs. Fill Dirt
Topsoil and fill dirt share many similarities: Both are considered dirt. Both used to fill in spaces that are low on soil. Both are sold by cubic-yard and in bulk. But they do differ quite significantly in their composition and how they are used.
Fill dirt usually has remnants of other things in it such as clay lumps, roots or rocks. That said, fill direct is generally not used for growing things, and is instead used for stabilizing areas or making ground more even. Fill dirt is also usually used when the space that needs soil is particularly large. You could think of using fill dirt if you are trying to fill in a space that used to be the location of a swimming pool.
Topsoil, in contrast, is generally free from debris and has more nutrients in it than fill dirt. It is usually used only on the top several inches of the ground and serves as a great base for gardening or to lay new grass. While there is no regulation that determines the percentage of nutrients in topsoil, it is generally richer and more nutrient-dense than fill dirt.
What Projects Need Topsoil Delivery?
While topsoil is not great for stability, per se, it is indispensable for a variety of uses, including landscape shaping, gardening and leveling. Read more about these different uses below:
Landscape Shaping
Topsoil can be a useful resource if you want to add different levels of terrain in your hard. With topsoil, you can build areas up such as flower beds or areas around the base of trees. These areas can also double as locations to put flowers, shrubs, or other plants, making for a practical and more visually appealing addition to your yard.
Leveling & Drainage
Low spots in your yard can be difficult to maintain. They can be tough to cut evenly when you mow your law, and they can often flood after a big rain or snow storm. That said, topsoil can also be used to fill in the low spots of your yard, allowing grass to grow and making the overall look of your yard smoother and more level. Topsoil is also great for areas that hold onto water, or that have drainage issues.
Gardening
In order for your plants to grow properly, they need nutrients. Thus, using quality topsoil could make the difference in the longevity and health of your plants long-term. That said, many topsoil suppliers will allow you to request the most appropriate composition of their topsoil before delivery. Make sure you select a texture that is appropriate for your garden and that the topsoil you use is full of nutrients.
Preparing For a Topsoil Delivery
Planning a project in your yard? Now that you know what type of dirt you need, you need to know how to prepare for a topsoil delivery and what to expect. Preparing the area you plan on using is key, as laying topsoil on unprepared ground could negate all of the positive effects the topsoil could have.
To start, make sure you have selected topsoil that is of the best grade and also in the texture you want for your project. Before you add the topsoil, you want to ensure that you have removed any weeds from the area in which you intend to lay the soil. Then, make sure you have removed any other debris, including rocks. You want to only till topsoil into the top 4 to 6 inches of your existing soil.
Contact Dirt Connections About a Bulk Topsoil Delivery
Topsoil can really improve not only the look of your yard but also your ability to grow healthy, robust plants and gardens. With that said, you want to make sure you select a reputable source for your bulk topsoil delivery. Contact Dirt Connections online today to get a better idea of just what topsoil can do for your yard.
