All About Topsoil: Your Questions Answered

If you’re landscaping at your place of business or creating a garden at home, you’ll certainly have heard the term “topsoil” thrown around. But what exactly is topsoil and why is it so important? We’ll answer some of the most common questions (including the “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden?” query) in today’s post.

What Is Topsoil?

Technically speaking, topsoil is the top layer of the earth’s surface. Usually, the topsoil layer extends about five to 10 inches down into the ground. This dark-colored soil is rich in organic matter and microorganisms, so it makes sense that this layer is also where the bulk of biological activity takes place. In other words, the topsoil layer is where plant roots can be found, as nutrients are easy to obtain here.

What Is Topsoil Used For?

As you might have guessed, topsoil is often used for gardening and landscaping. But topsoil uses extend beyond planting. It can also be used to repair damage to lawns and level out a yard, as well as to improve soil drainage on a given property. It can even be used to change the slope of the ground surface.

Are There Different Types of Topsoil?

Yes! Although all topsoil contains the same ingredients, there are actually three distinct types of topsoil. It all depends on the proportion of components. That may prompt you to inquire: “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden?” Before you can determine that, it helps to know your options.

Sand, loam, and clay topsoil make up the three categories available to you. Sand topsoil, as you might have guessed, has a higher proportion of minerals and rocks. This category can be further divided into two types: silica (which is quartz-based) and aragonite (which is made from shellfish, coral, and other beach lifeforms). Sand topsoil is often used for commercial and agricultural projects. Loam topsoil contains even proportions of silt, clay, and sand. It’s often used in farming and can be found in naturally fertile areas; it generally contains more moisture and nutrients than sand topsoil. Clay topsoil contains a greater proportion of decayed organic material (often, powdered rocks and dried plants). Because it’s less prone to water erosion, clay topsoil can be a good choice when creating barriers.

What Kind of Topsoil Do I Need For My Garden?

Now, it’s time to answer your “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden” question. Ultimately, there’s not one definitive answer to this. That’s because the type of topsoil you need will largely depend on the type of topsoil you naturally have in a given space. If you don’t know what type of soil you already have on your property, you might want to consider having a sample tested. That can allow you to know more about what your garden is missing and what it really needs to thrive. In the end, you’ll want to choose a topsoil with the correct proportions of sand, clay, and organic matter, as well as the nutrients your plants need to survive. Your topsoil should also retain enough moisture for your plants without creating drainage issues.

Where Can I Get High-Quality Topsoil?

While there are many places that offer topsoil for sale, you should consider working with a resource for topsoil delivery Seattle homeowners and business owners trust. Not all topsoil is created equal, but when you work with a great provider, your property will look its best for the whole season. To learn more, please contact us today.