Fill dirt, topsoil and aggregate, these terms and more may have crossed your path on your journey to find the materials you need to complete your project. There is a wide array of dirt and soil available to use; the choices may seem daunting, but the differences between each type and its uses are not complicated.
The two biggest categories are fill dirt and topsoil, each of which can be used for many different tasks. It is important to understand which is right for your needs and will give the best results so that your project will last as long as possible.
What Is Fill Dirt Made Of?
Fill dirt is very small particles of broken-down rock, and in base form, with nothing else mixed in. It is generally a mixture of differently sized pieces ranging from gravel to sand to clay and typically has little to no organic matter. The exact mixture within fill dirt can vary, and you can even pick different types of fill dirt according to your project needs. For example, if you want material that repels water and prevents seepage, opt for a blend that contains more clay.
What Is Topsoil Made Of?
Topsoil, appropriately named, is the top layer of soil. It is rich in nutrients and ideal for growing plants. In contrast, to fill dirt, topsoil contains organic materials, such as decomposed plant pieces and insects, along with sand and clay. This makes it less ideal for leveling uneven or poorly graded areas because the organic materials inside will eventually break down and lead to air pockets that create uneven surfaces. It is a very good choice for landscaping, though!
When Do You Use Fill Dirt?
Fill dirt is a stable substance that you can use anywhere you want to build something that will not shift over time making it useful for construction projects. It is ideal for creating a secure base for the foundation of a building or a paved area such as a road or parking lot. It is also good for building up the land, such as when creating a levee or reinforcing a retaining wall. If you need to regrade your yard to make it more level and even, the material to be looked at is fill dirt, because it is better than topsoil at holding its shape.
When Do You Use Topsoil?
You should use topsoil anywhere you want to grow plants. This means it is great for shaping your lawn, making a garden, or for any other landscaping project that won’t be supporting a structure. Topsoil is not good for construction. The decomposition of its organic materials causes those solid particles to be replaced by pockets of air, which the dirt above then falls into, leading to a lumpy surface forming over time.
Topsoil is often used to create flower beds or to fill small holes and uneven surfaces where you want the grass to grow. Just be sure not to rely on it for support underneath heavy objects or you may experience leaning.
Best Topsoil Or Fill Dirt For Your Needs
There are many different types of fill dirt and topsoil. These categories are often determined by either how processed the material is or the specific combination of components that make up the soil. For example, these materials may be rated by the size of the debris within, or whether they have been chemically treated.
The best soil to use for landscaping or other areas you will be directly interacting with is material that has been certified to be safe. This means that any hazardous materials have been removed. Another quality of the best soils to use is that they have been screened to take out any large pieces making them easier to work with and more consistent.
The best fill dirt has also been tested to ensure it meets the regulations for a specific project. This is especially important for use beneath a building foundation, in order to ensure the safety of the structure. This type of fill dirt is often clay and gravel, but varying combinations of materials are used in different places based on the characteristics of that region.
Trust The Experts To Provide You With High-Quality Fill Dirt And Topsoil
Your project is important and the supplier of your materials should be trustworthy. The experts at Barclay Earth Depot will be happy to help you choose the correct material for your project. We stand behind the quality of our fill dirt and topsoil, so you can rest easy knowing your project will be a success. Contact our trusted professionals to learn more or to get started with an order.
