Many homeowners and DIY landscapers often wonder if their yard needs topsoil or fill dirt. Not all earth is the same, and the kind you use will impact your landscaping project for better or worse. Consider the guide below to learn the differences between fill dirt and topsoil and the best times to use them. 

Fill Dirt

Fill dirt is a common landscaping material comprised of sand, clay, and pieces of broken rock. It offers little to no nutrients to sustain organic matter, so plants likely won't grow with it. For that reason, fill dirt is often used in construction and soil grading projects. 

However, fill dirt is beneficial for some landscaping projects because it doesn't break down and shift its surface. It gives the ground stability and prevents shifting and unevenness because its particles don't break down. You can use this landscaping material to fill gaps in your yard, stabilize your soil, and install support structures. 

Topsoil

Topsoil is entirely different from fill dirt because it contains plenty of nutrients like nitrogen and carbon that help plants thrive. It comes from the top four to 12 inches of soil, hence the name, and is often used to grow plants and vegetables. The material is suitable for flower pots and garden beds. 

Unlike fill dirt that is coarse, light-colored, and dry, topsoil tends to be dark brown and full of organic material. Its nutrients and organic materials make topsoil ideal for plant growth. However, the soil has air pockets and will eventually break down, causing shifts and unevenness on the ground. Therefore, it's most suitable as the top layer of a garden or yard and not as a deep support layer for landscaping. 

Whether you need topsoil or fill dirt for your next landscaping project, you can rely on Affordable Landscape Supplies in Burlington, KY, to have quality materials from top brands. Proudly serving Boonen and Kenton Counties, this landscape material supplier has an impressive inventory of bulk mulch, gravel, flagstone paving, topsoil, and more. Their knowledgeable team offers one-on-one service to help bring your landscape ideas to life. Call (859) 586-9142 or visit them online to learn more about their products.