Loam soil is the standard for gardening and landscaping due to its balanced composition. It is an optimal mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, often including a good measure of organic matter. This blend provides ideal physical properties for plant growth, such as excellent water retention, good drainage, and sufficient aeration for root health. For large projects like installing a new lawn or significant landscape grading, purchasing loam in bulk is the most economical way to acquire the necessary volume. Understanding the logistics of ordering and receiving a large quantity of material is essential.
Understanding Bulk Soil Measurement and Delivery
Bulk soil is sold by volume, with the standard unit being the cubic yard. A single cubic yard is a volume equivalent to a cube measuring three feet on all sides, which equals 27 cubic feet. Using cubic yards ensures a consistent measure for pricing and ordering, as the weight of soil fluctuates significantly based on moisture content.
To determine the required volume, calculate the area’s length, width, and desired depth, ensuring all measurements are in feet. For example, to cover a 10-foot by 20-foot area with a depth of four inches (0.33 feet), multiply the dimensions to get 66 cubic feet. Dividing this by 27 (cubic feet per yard) shows you need approximately 2.44 cubic yards of material.
Once the volume is calculated, there are two primary delivery methods. Dump truck delivery is the most common for large quantities, depositing the material as a single, loose pile. When selecting a drop spot, ensure the area is free of overhead wires and that the truck has clear access, as heavy vehicles often cannot drive onto soft ground or residential driveways due to the vehicle’s weight. For smaller orders or sites with limited access, many suppliers offer “super sacks” or bulk bags, typically holding one cubic yard. These bags are delivered on a flatbed truck and can be placed precisely using a forklift, offering a cleaner, contained option.
Identifying Local Bulk Loam Suppliers
Dedicated landscape supply yards are the most direct source for bulk loam, specializing in high-volume materials for both commercial and residential projects. These businesses usually offer the largest selection and the best pricing structure for multi-cubic yard orders. Many local nurseries or garden centers also handle bulk materials, sometimes offering premium soil blends tailored for specific uses.
Local quarries or composting facilities may also be viable sources, especially if they produce their own soil blends from screened aggregates and organic amendments. When contacting potential suppliers, ask specific questions to ensure a smooth transaction. Inquire about the minimum order size, as some companies have a three or five-cubic yard minimum for delivery, and confirm the current per-cubic-yard price.
Ask about the soil’s screening process, which removes large debris, rocks, and uncomposted materials, directly impacting the loam’s usability. Understanding the supplier’s source and screening method prevents receiving material that requires extensive preparation before use. Finally, confirm the delivery fee, which is a separate charge from the material cost and can significantly influence the total project expense.
Essential Quality Checks Before Ordering
Verifying the quality of the loam before placing a large order ensures the soil meets the project’s needs. True loam is characterized by a relatively even mix of sand, silt, and clay particles, often cited as approximately 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. This balance provides the desirable structure for water retention, nutrient availability, and drainage.
The ribbon test is a simple field test that determines the soil’s texture by feel. Wet a small sample, roll it into a ball, and press it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon. High-quality loam forms a short, weak ribbon less than one inch long before breaking. A long, slick ribbon indicates high clay content, while soil that crumbles instantly is likely too sandy.
Visually inspect a sample for excessive organic matter, which might indicate a compost-heavy mix rather than true loam, or for contaminants like construction debris. Ask the supplier if the loam has been screened using a fine mesh, such as a half-inch screen, to remove weed seeds, rocks, and large clumps. Screening ensures the bulk material is immediately ready for spreading and planting without significant additional labor.