Topsoil Tips

Topsoil is often purchased to supplement or improve the landscape around the house. Be aware that, with the addition of topsoil, a layer can be created that will affect how water moves through the landscaping. One example would be to put a very sandy topsoil in a planting pit for a tree that is surrounded by a high clay soil with a lot of surface water. The natural tendency would be to create an area that may well be too wet for the plant's roots since the water will tend to accumulate in the clay-like soil and not drain back out.

A diagram that shows two different soil types in a tree planting situation

This is the basis for the recommendation to blend topsoil with the subsoil when putting down topsoil for lawn establishment. Without doing this, a plan can be established where the roots will not penetrate well, and the water may not soak in. In some cases, this differential may cause erosion of the topsoil on steeper slopes.

The soil type opposite of sandy soil would be a high organic soil type. You can add and mix in our Super Soil, which is a 50-50 mix of our high-quality fertile soil and well-aged yard waste compost. This provides root area soil that retains water well and provides nutrients to the root area. 

Based on your landscape preferences, you may want to add mulch around the tree to keep lawnmowers and weed whackers away from the trunk of plantings. It adds a decorative touch to the landscape and can reduce maintenance and trimming. One big caveat is to not build what are called mulch volcanoes by piling Mulch Volcano the mulch up around the trunk. The mulch should not be above the root flare as it can create problems with the trunk. Along with the topsoil and Super Soil, we also have mulch for pick up at our yard or delivery to you. For information, Call The Dirt Guy at 860-303-0500.