Benefits of Good Topsoil
Superior Landscaping Ltd.
Using the right topsoil, and caring for it correctly, is key to having a healthy lawn, flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs.
If you enjoy gardening it’s worth considering how to improve the quality of the topsoil in your backyard. After all, plants rely on topsoil, the uppermost layer of the earth’s surface, for water and necessary nutrients. The more organic matter it has, the darker the soil will look (like what you may see sold in bags or bulk as “black dirt”). This type of dirt is very easy to dig in and support healthy plant growth. However, the type of soil in your yard may look very different. Depending on your region, it can vary from reddish clay to beige sandy soil.
How Do I Figure Out How Much Topsoil I Need?
If you need to fill a raised bed or install a berm, you will need to measure the area’s square footage and depth to calculate cubic feet. To fill a garden bed, you’ll probably want at least 6 inches of depth of topsoil. To install a new lawn, plan to spread a layer of 3-6 inches of topsoil before sowing seed or laying sod, depending on the quality of your existing soil. A soil test can help you determine if your existing soil will support good lawn growth.