Topsoil is the nutrient-rich, surface layer of Earth that can be mixed with the existing soil in your yard to help plants grow. It also improves drainage to prevent soil erosion. Organic matter, fertilizer, and lime are often added to further enrich the material. If you are planning a do-it-yourself, residential landscaping project, here are helpful instructions on how to spread topsoil correctly to reap the benefits it provides. 

How to Spread Topsoil

1. Choose the Right Material

When ordering topsoil, select a material that has a similar consistency to the naturally occurring soil in your yard. This way, you won't face drainage and aeration problems that impede plant growth. What issues you want to correct with the existing soil should be considered, too. 

If the soil in your yard contains heavy metals, for instance, sandy, silica-based topsoil is alkaline and will improve the conditions. Loam-based topsoil contains varying proportions of clay, silt, and sand to add more moisture and nutrients to the growing area. Clay-based varieties compact easily, which prevents water-soluble nutrients from washing away in damp environments. 

2. Remove Debris & Divide Area Into Smaller Sections

Where you spread topsoil should be free of rocks, twigs, fallen leaves, and other debris, so use a rake to clear the area before you begin. 

Next, put four stakes in four corners (to create a five-square-foot work area), as it's best to spread the material in small sections. If you plan to plant a flowerbed or vegetable garden, mix compost in with the topsoil. After, place one shovelful of topsoil on the ground for each square foot within the confined space. The mounds of material should be the same height. Use the back of the shovel or a garden hoe to mix the mounds together until there is an even, one- to two-inch layer of topsoil on the ground. Spritz the layer of topsoil with water, as doing so will make it easier to compact the material with a lawn roller. Repeat the process with the next section(s) of the yard. 

3. Aerate the Soil

As the last step, create air pockets in the topsoil. This will promote better drainage and make it easier for plant roots to absorb nutrients and get the oxygen needed so they don't suffocate. You can use a rolling aerator, a spiked mower attachment, aeration shoes (which have spikes covering the soles), or pitchfork-like aeration prongs to create the tiny airholes in the ground.

For topsoil, gravel landscaping products, and additional materials for do-it-yourself yard work, reach out to Syracusa Sand & Gravel in Victor, NY. The venerable stone supplier has been a fixture in Ontario County since 1949 thanks to the variety of topsoil, gravel, sand, and stone available. Call (585) 924-7146 to find out what's in stock and place an order.