A beautiful landscape boosts curb appeal and makes your property more enjoyable. As you plan the garden and hardscaping elements, you might wonder whether to use fill dirt or sand as the foundation for new features. These materials can also fill empty spaces, giving your property a uniform appearance. Below is a brief guide about how these landscaping materials differ and their advantages in outdoor areas.

Fill Dirt

While topsoil is nutrient-rich dirt that comes from the upper layers of the ground, fill dirt does not contain organic matter and comes from deeper beneath the surface. While this means it isn't the ideal choice for planting vegetation, this material is an excellent choice if you want to raise landscaping beds, create hills, or level the surface of your lot before landscaping. Since it does not contain biological compounds that decompose and displace the soil, the material will not shift or settle, helping it resist runoff and erosion.

Suppliers filter the dirt multiple times to remove debris and rocks, which helps the material pack together tightly and keep its shape. This makes it ideal for using as a foundation beneath walkways, pathways, and stepping stones. Additionally, this landscaping material is readily available and affordable in bulk.

Fill Sand

This material consists of fine rock particles that have been processed through crushing machines. It does not absorb moisture, making it perfect for promoting drainage around landscaping beds, trench drains, and water features in your yard.

The particles of sand compact together well and are smaller than dirt, so they can easily fill gaps between stone pavers on walkways, pathways, and patios. Additionally, you can choose either a white or golden color, both of which provide a beautiful display if you plan to expose the sand. For example, if you want to create an edge between your lawn and garden, the sand will help prevent grass and weeds from reaching the soil. Fill sand is also a beautiful and functional material for volleyball courts and children's play areas.

When you need fill dirt or sand for your outdoor projects, contact Affordable Landscape Supplies in Burlington, KY. They provide landscape supplies to homeowners and contractors throughout Boone and Kenton counties. Call (859) 586-9142 to place a bulk order for landscaping materials, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help you transform your outdoor areas.