Topsoil is the uppermost layer of the Earth’s surface, often rich in organic matter and nutrients necessary for plant growth. This fertile material is the foundation of any successful garden, lawn, or landscaping project. Understanding the logistics of purchasing this commodity is important for managing project costs and ensuring the material meets specific needs. This guide will walk through the practical considerations for buying topsoil, from packaging options to determining quality.
Purchasing Formats and Measurement Units
Topsoil is typically sold in two primary forms: bagged or bulk, depending on the volume required for a project. Bagged topsoil is generally measured and sold by volume in cubic feet at retail stores. This format offers convenience and portability, making it suitable for small projects like patching a lawn or filling a few planters. However, the cost per unit of volume is significantly higher when purchasing soil in bags.
For larger landscaping jobs, such as building raised garden beds or grading a substantial area, buying topsoil in bulk is the more economical option. Bulk material is commonly sold by the cubic yard, which is a volume equivalent to 27 cubic feet. A single cubic yard of soil is substantial, covering an area of 100 square feet at a depth of three inches.
Accurate project planning requires estimating the necessary volume in cubic yards to avoid over-purchasing. This estimation is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and desired depth (all converted to feet), and then dividing the total cubic footage by 27. Bulk delivery requires adequate space for a dump truck to deposit the material.
Selecting a Supplier
The choice of purchasing format often guides consumers to different types of suppliers, each offering a distinct buying experience. General retail and big-box stores specialize in selling bagged topsoil, which provides customers with easy access and standardized product consistency. While convenient for small tasks, the quality of bagged soil can be inconsistent, and staff may not be specialized in soil composition.
Local nurseries and garden centers often provide a middle ground, selling high-quality bagged products alongside smaller quantities of bulk material. These suppliers frequently employ knowledgeable staff who can offer specific advice on soil amendments and usage. They cater well to medium-sized residential projects where quality is prioritized over the lowest possible price.
For projects demanding multiple cubic yards, dedicated landscape supply yards or bulk distributors are the most appropriate source. These businesses focus on moving high volumes of material and typically require the customer to arrange for delivery or pick up the material themselves. They handle large orders and often offer various screened and specialized soil blends suitable for different applications.
Identifying Topsoil Grade and Quality
The price of topsoil is directly related to its grade and the processing it has undergone before sale. A primary differentiator is whether the material is “screened” or “unscreened.” Screening involves passing the soil through a mesh or grid to remove large debris, rocks, roots, and hard clay clods, resulting in a finer, more uniform product that is easier to work with. Unscreened soil is less expensive but requires more manual labor from the end-user to remove unwanted materials before planting.
Quality topsoil is often defined by its composition, ideally being loam. Loam is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, allowing for good drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients. Excessively sandy soil drains too quickly, while clay-heavy soil can compact, impeding water percolation and root growth. Buyers should avoid cheap “fill dirt,” which lacks the organic content and structure necessary for healthy plant life.
The presence of organic matter is another indicator of high-grade soil, as decomposed plant material improves structure and nutrient content. Premium topsoils may be laboratory-tested for pH or nutrient profiles, or custom-blended with compost or sand for specific applications, such as filling raised beds. These quality factors—screening, balanced composition, and amendments—determine the final market value and utility of the material.