If you are planning a landscaping project, chances are you have come across options for clean fill and screened fill dirt. Both types of soil can be beneficial for landscaping projects, but each one has different characteristics that make them better suited to certain tasks.
What is Clean Fill Dirt?
Clean fill dirt is a general term used to describe any soil material that is free from contaminants such as chemicals, oils and other hazardous materials. It is often used as a fill material in areas where construction or gardening activities require a large amount of material to be shifted. It is also commonly used as a foundational layer, or to add hills or more dimensions to a property.
This makes it ideal for a variety of projects, including small garden beds, landfills and large-scale landscaping projects. The process of creating clean fill dirt begins with collecting the natural soil from local sources and screening it thoroughly to remove any particles or debris that could be harmful to the desired project. Once the soil is sorted and screened, it is put through an additional round of screening and sorting in order to produce only the highest quality clean fill dirt.
Despite its name, clean fill dirt is not an ideal option for growing plants because it is not naturally rich in nutrients. However, when paired with a topsoil that contains organic materials, it can be a great option for use in landscaping projects on a budget.
Overall, clean fill dirt is:
- Free from contaminants such as chemicals, oils and other hazardous materials
- Ideal for large-scale construction projects
- Can be used to create foundations
- Can be used in landscaping in combination with organic topsoil
- Economical option for filling land
What is Screened Fill Dirt?
Screened fill dirt goes through a material screening process before being made available for sale. This type of fill dirt has been passed through a screen which removes particles that are too small or too large, such as twigs and sticks, which could interfere with the final application of your landscape project.
The final product is usually quite uniform in color and texture making it ideal for spreading evenly over an area to provide a smooth foundation in uneven areas, or filling in holes. Depending on your unique project needs, screened fill dirt can be custom screened to enable it to have the specific makeup that your project requires.
Screened fill dirt has the following characteristics:
- Has been passed through a screen that removes particles that are too small or too large including rocks, twigs and sticks
- Uniform in color and texture
- Ideal for filling in holes or creating a level surface for uneven areas
- Aesthetically pleasing option for landscaping projects
How To Choose Between Clean and Screened Fill Dirt
When it comes to choosing between screened fill dirt and clean fill dirt, there are a few key factors to consider. The main difference between these two types of fill dirt is that clean fill dirt has been screened to remove any and all contaminants, while screened fill dirt has only been screened to remove roots, debris, and other objectionable materials to produce a uniform product.
The composition of screened fill dirt when combined with water becomes a very compacted, solid dirt due to the absence of larger particles. This makes it more ideal than clean dirt for areas requiring a firm foundation layer.
If you just need basic dirt for a project without any special requirements, then clean fill dirt may be a good choice. Clean fill dirt can be used as a less expensive option in landscaping, but it will require topsoil with organic materials if you plan to add plants or trees to the project. Clean fill can be beneficial for adding multi-dimensional aspects to a landscape such as hills or multi-level gardens at a more affordable price than screened fill dirt.
Finding the Right Type of Fill Dirt For Your Needs With Barclay Earth Depot
When selecting either type of fill dirt for your project keep in mind the purpose you intend it to serve. Remember that both types of fill dirt have very distinct qualities when planning your landscaping project.
Choosing a reputable source for any dirt you choose is also important. The experts at Barclay Earth Depot can review your project with you to advise on the appropriate choice and can assist with calculating the amount you need. For more information, contact our team of fill dirt experts today at 941-933-4448.
