When it comes to construction projects both large and small, fill dirt is often one of most overlooked and underrated materials involved. This may seem strange at first, but fill dirt is a actually a crucial component when it comes to any new construction, and also has many uses for existing construction and household landscaping.
What is Fill Dirt?
Not all dirt is created equal. Fill dirt, sometimes referred to as subsoil, is the dirt of choice for any serious construction or landscaping project. This dirt is the layer found under the very top layer of soil, and provides a stable foundation for whatever is on top of it.
Fill dirt is ideal soil material because it contains hardly any organic matter whatsoever. While organic matter may be good for topsoil used in planting and landscaping, the lack of organic material in fill dirt allows it to be stable, as this material can eventually break down and create pockets that lead to the fill dirt collapsing in some areas. This collapsing of soil can cause significant damage in structures and foundations, even in small amounts.
Because of this, it’s always crucial to use construction-quality soil that can be trusted to withstand decades of weight and pressure.
Whether you are raising a surface to build on, or filling gaps and holes before construction, using fill dirt is the best way to ensure that your construction is built to last, making your projects more durable and also protecting your investment.
Uses for Fill Dirt
Fill dirt has numerous uses for both small and large projects, some of them more obvious than others. Big or small, the purpose of creating and maintaining a stable surface remains the same. It is useful to understand the different uses of fill dirt.
Large Projects
The most common use for fill dirt is grading soil and site preparation for large home construction projects. The dirt is used to provide a base for the rest of the construction to be set upon, so it has to be completely void of organic matter that can breakdown, as well as any foreign objects or larger rocks that could cause any inconsistencies.
Soil grading is accomplished by sloping the soil down and away from the home. Even when done at slight angles, this creates a runoff of water that prevents it from collecting around the home’s base and seeping into the ground, where fountain damage could occur.
Another use for around the home could include filling in any gaps or cavities that are found throughout the premises. Using this type of soil allows you to fill the gaps and holes without worrying about the soil settling over time, or collapsing and creating more inconsistencies in the surface.
Fill dirt can also be used for larger projects such as sidewalk, street, and driveway paving. This ground material can be used for the foundation of the road, as well as creating a flat surface when the natural terrain varies. Naturally, the dirt is often used to facilitate grading and sloping away from the road, which often involves building shoulders.
Small Projects
Although fill dirt isn’t ideal for using in flower beds and planting, it still has plenty of functional uses around a property.
Flower beds have many uses for fill dirt. For instance, fill dirt can be used to create contouring around the flower beds, or as a way to create varied levels throughout the flower bed. Raised flower beds are especially benefitted from this type of soil. These types of beds often require the soil to be raised to a certain level. Using nutrient-rich soil full of organic matter can not only be wasted when used to raise soil, it also risks breaking down over time. Fill material safely raises the soil to the desired level, while creating a base to add the planting soil on top of.
In-ground pools are also helped by using fill dirt. The dirt can be used to create a smooth border without any drop off from where the concrete ends and the grass begins. The same can be said for patio stones and steps placed anywhere in your yard. Retaining walls that are in need of a more secure ground can be helped by fill dirt as well.
Ensure a Successful Project With Professional Dirt Grading and Fill Dirt Delivery Services
Fill dirt and professional dirt grading assistance is highly encouraged to ensure that your project is successful and built to last.
If you need reliable, free dirt delivery, professional residential dirt grading assistance, and site work, get in touch with Dirt Connections today through giving us a call or sending us a message online. We have the knowledge and experience to provide your property with what it needs, whether it’s seeing that your grading is done properly, or even delivering free fill dirt for your projects requiring 10 or more truckloads.
