Topsoil: Uses, Cost, and Buying Guide
Also known as: Garden Soil, Screened Topsoil, Black Dirt
What Is Topsoil?
Nutrient-rich upper layer of soil, ideal for establishing lawns, gardens, and planting beds. Quality topsoil is dark, crumbly, and full of organic matter that supports plant growth. Screened topsoil has been filtered to remove rocks, roots, and debris.
How Much Topsoil Do I Need?
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Is Topsoil Right for You?
Best for
- ✓ Lawn establishment
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Raised beds
- ✓ Grading for sod
Not recommended for
- ✗ Structural fill
- ✗ Under pavers or gravel
- ✗ Drainage applications
Common Uses
- ✓ Lawn seeding
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Raised bed fill
- ✓ Landscape grading
- ✓ Sod installation
- ✓ Tree and shrub planting
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Rich in nutrients for plant growth | − Settles significantly after delivery |
| + Creates ideal growing medium | − Quality varies greatly between suppliers |
| + Dark color absorbs warmth for earlier spring planting | − Can contain weed seeds |
| + Screened options are ready to use | − Heavy when wet |
| + Essential for any planting project | − Should never be used as structural fill |
Topsoil Sizes & Colors
Fine, crumbly soil texture when screened. Dark brown to black color indicates high organic content. "Screened" topsoil has been run through a 3/8" or 1/2" screen to remove debris. Blended topsoil may include compost for extra nutrients.
Topsoil Cost
| Measure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per ton | $12 – $30 |
| Per cubic yard | $15 – $40 |
Topsoil is sold by the cubic yard at most landscape supply yards. 2-10% organic content is ideal — too much organic matter means excessive settling.
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size. Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
Topsoil vs Alternatives
Pea Gravel vs Topsoil
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Crushed Limestone vs Topsoil
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#57 Gravel vs Topsoil
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Crusher Run vs Topsoil
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Fill Dirt vs Topsoil
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Brown Shredded Mulch vs Topsoil
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Black Shredded Mulch vs Topsoil
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Rip Rap vs Topsoil
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Compost vs Topsoil
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Bank Run Gravel vs Topsoil
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Marble Chips vs Topsoil
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Lava Rock vs Topsoil
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Stone Dust vs Topsoil
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Construction Gravel vs Topsoil
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Recycled Asphalt vs Topsoil
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Bluestone vs Topsoil
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Jersey Shore Gravel vs Topsoil
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Mexican Beach Pebble vs Topsoil
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Topsoil by City
Topsoil Crushed limestone is commonly used and readily available in the following cities:
Find Topsoil Near You
9821 E OH-37, Sunbury, Ohio
515 Windmill Dr, Fallon, Nevada
22 McBride Rd, Slate Hill, New York
2629 Orchard Lake Rd, Sylvan Lake, Michigan
3255 S Old Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska
11531 Highland St, Anchorage, Alaska