In case you didn’t know, not all soil is created equal. Different layers of soil produce very different profiles and aspects, making these soil varieties better for some uses over others.
Having a proper understanding of two of the main dirt types can go along way when it comes to undertaking some of your own projects around the home, whether it’s major construction or smaller tasks such as landscaping and gardening. This allows you to know which soil types are appropriate for certain uses, giving you better results in both the short and long term.
Where Did Soil Come From?
Soil had to come from something, so what from? The short answer to this is rock. The long answer is that soil originates from prehistoric rocks that have been broken down over time from wind, heat, rain, and more. As the rock wore down and became granules, organic matter began to mix with it and helped to break it down further. There’s a lot more to it than that, but this is a simplified version.
What is Topsoil?
Topsoil refers to the very top layer of dirt in the earth’s surface. This layer is generally around 4 to 12 inches, and contains a vast amount of nutrients and organic matter. Quality topsoil contains a high amount of carbon, nitrogen, and other helpful nutrients that foster better growth with plants.
Topsoil is the ideal soil to use for your yard and gardening The abundance of organic matter and nutrients enable more oxygen to the plants, and encourage healthier roots and growth. Topsoil does have a certain measure of breakdown and air pockets as a result, making it only suitable for the very top layer, rather than as a supporting layer under structures and landscaping.
Fertilizers and compost can be added to topsoil to increase the amount of nutrients and oxygen inside. Topsoil can eventually be turned into garden soil with enough composting and additions, but this does take some time. This soil will always foster and encourage more growth than fill dirt, and should always be placed on top of fill dirt once it has been set.
What is Fill Dirt?
Fill dirt refers to the layer of dirt under the topsoil, and is sometimes called subsoil. Fill dirt contains a very low amount of organic matter, and a much bigger amount of solid particles that won’t break down or compost over time.
Fill dirt is best used for construction and soil grading because of the low amount of organic material and solid particles. While topsoil is indeed optimal for planting and gardening, the breakdowns and air pockets cause the soil to move and sink in some spots. This is fine for a top layer, but not for a foundation layer that is intended to provide stability for structures and landscaping.
For instance, if you were to fill a hole or gap in your yard with top soil, the dirt will eventually break down some and cause unevenness or even sinking in some spots. Fill dirt doesn’t break down, allowing it to retain the integrity of the surface.
Fill dirt is the only dirt to be used for grading and site preparation around your property. It is the only dirt type that provides stability and protects against break down and unevenness. Whether you are raising the ground level to build a structure on, grading and sloping around your property, or filling up gaps and inconsistencies in your yard and landscaping, fill dirt is always the best method to ensure that your soil is stable and set up to support structures and maintain ideal grading.
Once fill dirt has been poured and set, topsoil may then be added to the top in a layer of 2 to 4 inches. The two soils work together as a team, with one layer providing stability and the other providing an environment for plants and grass to flourish.
Make Your Project Successful With Free Fill Dirt Delivery
Obtaining quality and reliable fill dirt is the first step in making sure that your home project is going to be successful, no matter what the size. It’s also a necessity when building projects such as raised planters and flower beds.
If you are in need of reliable, free dirt delivery, professional residential dirt grading assistance, and site preparation work, contact us today. We have quality fill dirt that can be delivered directly to your work site, as well as the knowledge and tools required to ensure that your projects are always built to last.
