Fill dirt and topsoil each serve distinct purposes. Understanding when to use fill dirt and topsoil is important if you’re embarking on a landscaping or hardscaping project, such as starting a garden or laying a foundation. In this blog, we explore what fill dirt and topsoil are, list their purposes, examine the key differences between soil and dirt, and review which is better for residential and commercial projects.
What Is Fill Dirt?
Fill dirt is a dense subsoil made of a combination of natural materials including rock, sand, clay, and shale. There is an insufficient amount of nutrients in fill dirt for plants or other organic matter to thrive. As the name suggests, fill dirt most commonly fill hole or depressions in the ground in order to help create and maintain a level surface. When you’re shopping for fill dirt, make sure to check that it’s clean fill dirt. “What is clean fill dirt?” you might ask. Well, clean fill dirt is free from toxins and chemicals, meets local regulations, and doesn’t contain debris that may hinder its functionality.
What Is Fill Dirt Used For?
Fill dirt can serve different purposes for each individual, depending on the landscaping or hardscaping project they’re planning. Here are some of the numerous ways you can use fill dirt:
- Foundation: By filling and compacting uneven areas of land, fill dirt creates a stable base to build foundations, roadways, and driveways.
- Filling in Holes: Fill dirt can fill potholes, excavation areas, and surfaces affected by erosion. This reduces the risk of sinkholes and soil instability.
- Reshaping Landscapes: Fill dirt can help you reshape your existing landscapes with raised garden beds, hills or valleys, and berms.
- Filling Gaps: Gaps can form around retaining walls, sidewalks, roadways, and foundations. Fill dirt effectively fills all types of gaps, from small holes to large trenches.
How Is Fill Dirt Different from Topsoil?
The purpose and composition of fill dirt is what differentiates it from topsoil. Fill dirt lacks the necessary nutrients and organic materials to help establish roots and support pant growth. Where topsoil is most effective for gardens and lawns, fill dirt is more effective for providing structural stability in construction projects. The cost of fill dirt is typically less per cubic yard than topsoil because it lacks fertility, is commonly available, and is often needed in larger quantities for expansive commercial properties.
Is Fill Dirt Better for Residential or Commercial Properties?
Fill dirt is suitable for both commercial and residential hardscaping. Whether you’re constructing a home, condo development, or retail store, you can use fill dirt to prepare the land for construction. In addition, fill dirt prevents erosion and improves drainage, which is useful for paving both residential driveways and commercial parking lots.
What Is Topsoil?
Topsoil is a loose nutrient rich soil that supports plant growth. As the uppermost layer of soil, it’s more likely to shift and settle over time. It’s high concentration of organic matter and microorganisms makes it extremely fertile and ideal for landscaping project such as flower or vegetable gardens and establishing lawns. Topsoil contains a mixture of organic matter, including decomposed plant material, minerals, and humus. This combination creates the perfect environment for developing roots. As there are many types of topsoil, check with the distributor to ensure you’re purchasing the right soil for your specific needs.
What Is Topsoil Used For?
Topsoil improves soil quality and enhances outdoor aesthetics in gardening and landscaping projects. Here is a list of primary uses for topsoil:
- Shaping Landscapes: You can add volume to your yard by creating multiple levels of terrain using topsoil. Fill holes, plant seed, and lay sod with topsoil.
- Growing Lawns and Gardens: The balance of nutrients in topsoil contributes to the growth of lush grass and vibrant flower beds.
- Filling Low Spots: Low spots in your yard can make it appear distorted. Adding topsoil to these areas helps produce new grass, reducing dips and creating a smoother appearance.
- Encouraging Drainage: Excess water can overwhelm the plants in your yard. Topsoil improves drainage, which prevents standing water and results in healthier plant life.
How Is Topsoil Different from Fill Dirt?
Although topsoil can be used to fill holes or level terrain, it’s more suitable for smaller landscaping projects. Where fill dirt could level a sizable commercial property, topsoil wouldn’t be able to keep a large building or structure from shifting in the ground over the years. The deep brown shade of topsoil comes from the organisms and minerals that support plant life, while fill dirt, consisting of rocks, clay, and sand, has a lighter and more varied colour palette.
Is Topsoil Better for Residential or Commercial Properties?
Topsoil is better suited for residential properties rather than commercial. This is because of its ability to help establish and grow thriving root systems for garden beds and lawns. Commercial buildings typically occupy the majority of the lot, leaving little space for grass and gardens. Instead of green spaces, you’ll often see parking lots and driveways on a commercial property. Topsoil is much more useful for front yards, backyards, flower beds, and produce gardens on residential properties.
Select the Right Option for Your Property
Knowing what differentiates topsoil and fill dirt is important for making informed landscaping decisions. Here is a summary of the key differences between dirt and soil:
- Fill dirt is useful for commercial and residential properties when establishing solid structural bases, levelling, and building foundations.
- Topsoil is used more commonly in residential landscaping projects to provide essential nutrients to plants, improve root development and soil fertility, as well as enhance the overall appearance of an outdoor space.
Queensville Sod is an expert landscaping company with a multitude of high-quality products, including topsoil. Our team can answer all your questions and advise you on dirt vs soil based on your project details. Visit the Queensville Sod online store to explore our full collection of garden soil featuring delivery services and competitive pricing.
