When Should a Property Owner Choose Topsoil or Fill Dirt in Austin, TX?

by | Jun 13, 2017 | Landscaping

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As first-time homeowners plan landscaping and gardening projects, they may want to buy some special soil for these new features. However, the abundance of choices available can make the decision of which materials to buy seem baffling. For instance, when wanting to build raised areas or add soil to even out the terrain, would it be better to buy topsoil or fill dirt in Austin, TX?

Until someone first begins these types of projects, he or she may never have realized how many categories of dirt there are. Shopping can become a little bewildering because certain categories have no hard-and-fast standards for the components or characteristics of the material. In general, topsoil is of better quality for growing plants, while fill dirt in Austin, TX is used for projects that do not require those characteristics.

This is not to say that fill dirt is a low-quality material. In fact, it is more useful for certain jobs than topsoil is. It provides a more stable, dense surface, making it ideal for filling in depressions and holes in a yard. In contrast, people generally order topsoil or black dirt when they want soil for the garden, as this material contains more nutrients and is the right consistency for growing vegetables, flowers, and other plants aside from grass.

One time when it may be better to use topsoil as fill dirt is when the ground has a high clay content and does not drain rainwater or irrigation water very well. Topsoil allows for better percolation of water through the soil. In addition, a combination of the materials can be used to build a septic system mound when the ground has drainage problems. The technicians generally prefer to use fill dirt for most of the mound and cover it with about six inches of topsoil. That creates a superb drainage area for the system.

A company such as Loftin Trucking & Materials is ready to deliver either type of soil to residential properties. They also accept orders for landscaping rock of various types. Please visit the website to learn more about this particular company’s services.

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