Topsoil, found in the top two to eight inches of the Earth’s surface, comprises mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. It varies in base, quality, and screening size. Despite differences between types of topsoil, they share common uses such as improving drainage, supplementing soil in raised flower beds, serving as a base for garden lawn turf, and more.
Screened top soil undergoes a screening process that eliminates rocks, sticks, clumps, and other materials larger than the screen size. A typical screen size for topsoil is 10mm. This size facilitates easy plant access to essential nutrients, minerals, and water. The finer the topsoil, the higher the cost, reflecting the more extensive processing it has undergone.
The Differences Between Screened And Unscreened Topsoil
Unscreened
It is essentially raw and directly sourced from excavations. The soil retains its natural state, often containing larger particles like roots, rocks, weeds, sticks, stones, and wood chips. While unscreened topsoil may not be the best choice for plant growth due to its unrefined composition, it serves as an excellent foundation for construction projects or gardens.
You can often incorporate both screened and unscreened soil in distinct layers for optimal results. Screened topsoil, with its visual appeal and even nutrient distribution, works well as the top layer. On the other hand, the more affordable unscreened variant is ideal for the lower layers.
Practical Applications
- Filling holes in landscaping
- Raising landscaping beds
- Creating a base for a garden
- Leveling off a garden
- Installing fixtures
Unscreened topsoil proves cost-effective but comes with limitations. Its composition, filled with debris, hinders plant growth. Additionally, air pockets in unscreened type can trap water, and impede roots from growing.
Screened Topsoil
It undergoes a sifting process through a mesh, distinguishing it from unscreened topsoil by its absence of large lumps and debris. This type of topsoil is an excellent option for nourishing a variety of plants, flowers, and vegetables, or for a lawn. Known for its soft texture, screened topsoil blends seamlessly with different fertilizers, compost, and potting soils.
The key advantage lies in its uniform texture, facilitating smooth raking and grading. During sod installation, the use of screened soil ensures a perfectly flat lawn or creating beautiful undulating topography. Investing in high-quality topsoil enhances nutrient capacity for providing to plants and promotes excellent soil structure. Moreover, quality topsoil efficiently absorbs irrigation water, distributing it both vertically and horizontally through capillary action without waterlogging.
Practical Applications
- Gardening
- Establishing a lawn
- Planting vegetables and fruit trees
- Fill for planters and flower pots
- Base for walkways
The production of screened topsoil requires more effort, and the finer soil consistency may result in a higher cost compared to soil with larger particles. Screened surface soil, being looser and softer compared to unscreened topsoil, is more manageable. This makes it particularly well-suited for garden beds and smaller spaces. Moreover, if there’s a need to boost its health by incorporating products like fertilizer, compost, or lime, screened topsoil allows for a more uniform and easier amendment process.
How To Screen Topsoil
To screen small batches, utilize a mesh screening dish. Simply place the topsoil into the dish, position a wheelbarrow underneath, and shake the dish until all the soil has passed through. The dish will retain objects like rocks, clumps, and organic matter, while the screened topsoil collects in the wheelbarrow.
For those aiming for an even finer size, you can do it with the double-screening approach. Follow the previous steps, and then repeat the process using a mesh dish with smaller gaps (screen size).
Verifying The Quality Of Your Topsoil
Color
Dark-colored topsoil often indicates richness, making it favorable for plants. However, excessively dark soil may contain an excess of organic matter. Optimal plant growth occurs in soil that strikes a balance between organic matter and inorganic minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals.
Texture
Ideally, topsoil should possess a loose, crumbly texture. Rub a bit between your thumb and forefinger, feeling for grit – a sign of the mineral content. Watch out for large clumps, as they may signify potential issues.
Moisture
Quality topsoil should retain some moisture. Squeeze a handful; if it forms a ball that sticks in your hand, the clay content might be too high. Clay-based topsoil may not be suitable for your needs.
pH Levels
Plants thrive within specific pH ranges. Inquire about the topsoil’s pH level, aiming for a range between 5.5 and 7.5 for the best plant growth.
Debris
The topsoil should be free of rocks, trash, plant roots, and other foreign materials that could hinder its quality. Clean, debris-free topsoil is essential for successful landscaping or gardening projects.
How Much Does Topsoil Cost?
The cost of acquiring new topsoil is subject to variation based on the source of purchase and the required quantity. Nationally, the average cost of topsoil, inclusive of professional spreading, stands at $600. Homeowners typically allocate between $250 and $1,000 for their topsoil requirements.
Topsoil can be procured either by the yard or by the bag, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per cubic yard or $2 to $5 per bag. Bulk purchases often come with discounts, making it a more cost-effective option for extensive projects. For screened topsoil specifically, the typical cost falls in the range of $20 to $40 per cubic yard.
The Takeaway
Topsoil plays an undeniable role in the success of gardening and landscaping, contributing to moisture retention, providing nutrients, and improving drainage. The cost typically falls within the range of $10 to $50 per cubic yard, inclusive of delivery charges.
For precise details, contact a local landscaping company or topsoil supplier. They can offer a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific location and project requirements.
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