Topsoil provides the organic matter and nutrients necessary for healthy plant life, making it the foundation for successful landscaping and gardening. When starting a project, such as overseeding a lawn or building a raised garden bed, you will likely need to purchase this material in bulk. The cost of topsoil varies significantly based on geographic location and supplier. To budget effectively, it is helpful to understand how bulk materials are measured and what baseline pricing to expect.
Defining Bulk Measurement and Standard Cost
When buying topsoil from a landscape supply yard, the term “scoop” describes the volume loaded by a front-end loader. While not a universal standard, a scoop usually corresponds to a half or full cubic yard (CY). The cubic yard, which equals 27 cubic feet, is the consistent unit of measure for bulk soil purchases, allowing for standardized industry pricing.
The baseline cost for basic, screened topsoil typically falls between \\(15 and \\)30 per cubic yard. This price applies to material picked up at the supplier’s yard, before modifications or delivery fees. Screened topsoil is processed through a mesh to remove large debris like rocks and roots, resulting in a smoother, more manageable product.
Buying topsoil in bags from a retail store is significantly more expensive per unit. A cubic yard requires 18 to 20 bags, translating to a cost of \\(36 to over \\)100 per cubic yard. Therefore, bulk purchasing is a much more economical choice for any mid-to-large-sized project.
Factors Influencing Topsoil Pricing
The quality of the topsoil is the largest variable influencing the price. Unscreened or raw topsoil, which contains debris and may lack nutrients, is the least expensive option. Screened topsoil is moderately priced due to the labor and equipment required to filter out large contaminants.
Premium blends, often called “enriched” or “super loam,” command the highest prices, sometimes exceeding \\(50 per cubic yard. These products are amended with materials like compost, sand, or specialized organic matter. This improves drainage, aeration, and fertility for specific planting needs, and the specialized blending process increases the final price.
Delivery fees are another significant surcharge factored into the final cost. These charges are calculated based on the distance from the supplier’s yard and typically range from \\)50 to \$150 or more per trip. Some suppliers may waive the delivery fee or offer a reduced rate if the order meets a minimum quantity, such as 10 to 15 cubic yards.
The total quantity purchased also influences the per-unit price. Suppliers often offer volume discounts, meaning larger orders (10 or more cubic yards) result in a lower price per cubic yard.
Calculating Your Topsoil Needs
To accurately determine how much topsoil you need, calculate the total volume of your project area in cubic yards. First, measure the length, width, and desired depth of the area, converting all three measurements into feet. For example, four inches of depth converts to approximately 0.33 feet.
Use the standard volume formula once all dimensions are in feet: multiply Length by Width by Depth. Then, divide the resulting cubic feet total by 27 to get the final volume in cubic yards. This calculation provides the exact amount of material needed for your supplier.
Required Depth by Application
The required depth varies widely depending on the application. Top-dressing an existing lawn or overseeding requires only one to three inches. Creating a new lawn from scratch requires four to six inches, while new vegetable or flower garden beds often need a minimum of eight inches to support deep root growth.
It is advisable to order slightly more than the calculated volume to account for settling and compaction. Soil will compress after spreading and watering, so adding an extra 5% to 10% to your final total prevents a shortage. This adjustment ensures you achieve the desired final grade for your project.