Your Landscaping Options: Understanding The Different Types Of Fill Dirt

By Ray Bradley on

types of fill dirtFor a beautiful, healthy garden, it’s important to find the right type of fill dirt. This will vary depending on your project, but healthy soil usually contains 45% minerals, 25% water, 25% air, and 5% organic matter. That being said, how else can fill dirt vary? By knowing the different types of fill dirt content, you can be better prepared for your next gardening project and keep your yard looking fresh and stunning.

  • Sand: Some fill dirt has more sand than others. If your soil has more than 50% sand, it is ideal for filling the areas of your yard where you want to put plants. This is especially true if you are trying to create slopes or make your yard more level overall.
  • Clay: Be careful with soil that contains clay, since the contents should only be about 10-20% if you are looking to place plants on top. This is because water does not easily drain through clay. Soils with a higher clay content are ideal for providing a base for hardscaping and/or other yard structures.
  • Screened: When fill dirt is screened, all rocks and other debris are removed from it. One of the main benefits of buying screened dirt is that it also removes large clumps, so you can spread it around your yard evenly. This can be especially useful for growing grass, since it provides a smooth surface.
  • Non-Screened: Not every landscaping project requires screened dirt, so you do have the option to purchase non-screened dirt as well. Some homeowners prefer the extra organic material in non-screened dirt to fill spaces in their yard. While screened dirt is better for growing plants, non-screened dirt can be suitable for filling your lawn to make it more even.

To best understand which of the types of fill dirt is best for you, talk to us at SLM or call your local landscaping supply company. Professionals in the field can advise your landscaping decisions and help you make your yard as beautiful as possible. Then you can consider which other types of landscape supply will be necessary for your project. Every detail counts when designing your ideal landscape.