Promotes healthy new growth which will result in a healthier and thicker lawn. When planting trees and shrubs, replacing the existing soil with topsoil can help plants grow better. In some instances, your garden soil may just need some fertilizer and other amendments to give you a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables or a garden filled with bright, healthy blooms. Topsoil vs. Garden Soil. Rolling the soil before you lay the sod gives the soil … Most topsoil has a textural classification. Prepare seeding or sodding area by removing dead grass and weeds and loosen top 0.25 inch of soil with rake. As a farmer works native topsoil, any organic matter from the surface changes the color of topsoil to a darker color than the subsoil that is below the normal depth of cultivation. Approximate Number of Cubic Yards Required: Keep Young, Vulnerable Trees from Freezing this Winter, Terrifying Plants for the Haunting Season. A soil test can help you determine if your existing soil will support good lawn … Experts also strongly recommend that your topsoil be the same as or similar to the soil in your lawn. There are many lawn enthusiasts out there that will exclusively dress their lawns with sand. What is compost? It will add lots of healthy nutrients back into the soil beneath your lawn. A healthy lawn will have a topsoil layer between 5 and 10 inches thick. In fact, potting soil may have no actual soil … Topsoil has a variety of uses and purposes, including improving drainage issues and leveling low spots in your lawn, or mixing into existing soil before planting a new garden in order to prepare the soil for maximum growth potential. Topsoil is more of a general-purpose landscape material. Topsoil has a variety of uses and purposes, including improving drainage issues and leveling low spots in your lawn, or mixing into existing soil before planting a new garden in order to prepare the soil … read more How To Apply Topsoil To Your Lawn. There are many different soil structures, which lead to a variety of soil textures. Garden soil is a growing medium, designed to provide much-needed nutrients for improved plant health. Mix it in a wheelbarrow or bucket. At the same time, the added fertilizer helps grass seedlings grow faster and stronger, leading to a thicker, greener lawn, tests prove Scotts Turf Builder LawnSoil grows grass up to 50% thicker compared to native topsoil. Loads of information. Topsoil Vs. Garden Soil. Then, use an aerator machine to aerate the parts of the lawn … The product that will work best for you will really depend on your reasons for top dressing. There is often some confusion between topsoil and potting soil since they are both used for planting. Garden soil is topsoil enriched with compost and organic matter to make it better suited to actual plant growth. Soil consists of the mineral component, the sand, clay and silt, as well as dead organic matter. Topsoil, on the other hand, contains natural organic matter from leaves, grasses, weeds and tree bark that can help sustain plant life. The easiest way to topdress your lawn is to use what I call the molehill method. Aerate. The thickness of the layer will vary from lawn to lawn. The difference between topsoil and garden soil is an even finer distinction than the difference between soil and dirt, and it has to do with the amount of organic matter, and to a lesser extent, the types of trace minerals and the ratio of clay, sand and silt. In the landscape materials industry, however, topsoil refers to earth that has gone through a screening process to remove debris and create a consistent texture. No plants thrive in dirt. Improve the soil structure, water holding capacity, and cation exchange capacity. While this soil is more expensive initially, it oftentimes pays for itself due to improved plant health, reduced irrigation requirements, and better long-term results. Rolling the soil before you lay the sod gives the soil a firm base for the strips of grass that you will put in place. Topsoil vs. Potting Soil. Is mulch or topsoil better for new lawn in clay soil? To fill a garden bed, you’ll probably want at least 6 inches of depth of topsoil. Loam vs. Topsoil. Mix the two soils to get the best moisture drainage since each type of soil drain water at a different rate. That’s not always the case. Introducing topsoil to the soil in these spots can help to improve the rate of percolation and drainage, thus making your entire property healthier. Soil vs Dirt. However, topsoil is not enriched or amended at all, which limits its use as a growing medium. Soil is the stuff out in your garden. Sand Versus Soil. An easy way to explain it is this: Dirt is soil, but it is not where it should be. The most common is loam. Either kind of garden soil may have amendments, such as fertilizer or compost, added to it. Reduce thatch. It has high concentrations of organic matter and microorganisms, so is where most root growth occurs. Garden soil is topsoil that has been enriched to make it better suited for plant growth. The Dirt Bag specializes in bagged and bulk landscape materials, and our team can give you expert advice regarding which products best meet your needs. Garden soil is a category of topsoil. Topsoil delivery charges range from $50 to $150 per trip depending on the volume, distance, and difficulty of access. Have a look at the lawnsmith website. Bagged products for 2020 are no longer available, they will return March 2021. Using Scotts will provide better germination than native soil. To learn more, or to schedule delivery of topsoil or garden soil, contact our West Jordan office today. Denise Brown is an education professional who wanted to try something different. When you add a blend like this onto your lawn all the nutrients will work their way down to the soil and back into your lawn. Fill the lower layer of raised bed planters. Its better for top dressing as it finds its way down to the base of the grass easier. Even if you had outstanding topsoil now, additional topsoil would still be better because it would be a thicker layer of good topsoil. Many novice gardeners think topsoil and garden soil are one and the same, but that simply isn’t the case. When planting trees and shrubs, replacing the existing soil with topsoil can help plants grow better. We Only Sell Bags By The Whole Cubic Yard. Being reliant on whatever organic matter has come to rest on it topsoil can vary between being very nutrient rich and not really worth much when coming to cultivating a healthy garden. Topsoil – If you use a high-quality topsoil mix for leveling your lawn it will have all sorts of benefits as apart from leveling your lawn it will add organic matter back into your lawn. Topsoil is ideal for filling in low spots in lawns or along walks and patios. Anyway, I generally would just put down compost/manure from bags, spread it out thin (1/2-1.0"), rake in the seed, water and its off. I work out roughly what the quarters are on my lawn then I put 6 bundles of soil in each quarter. University of Connecticut: Purchasing Topsoil, Louisiana State University Ag Center: Get It Growing: Adding Soil? When selecting a bagged or bulk soil blend, check to make sure it contains no chemicals or fertilizers. Adding a few inches of topsoil gives lawn grass a better chance than subsoil or clay. As you work, water the soil lightly to remove air pockets; this helps to prevent … Growing Your Garden / Lawn – The most common use of topsoil is gardening. It’s too heavy for use in pots, but it’s well-suited for garden beds and lawns ready to be reseeded. Prepare seeding or sodding area by removing dead grass and weeds and loosen top 0.25 inch of soil with rake. Each is different based on the percentage of sand, silt and clay in the mixture. Dirt is the stuff you sweep up in the house. Posted by sleepytime on 1/23/19 at 7:00 pm to TDsngumbo I made the mistake of bringing in a bunch of river silt to do some leveling and the torpedo grass took over every square inch of ground that river silt touched. Garden centers and landscape contractors often sell soil in bulk to customers who need large quantities. If the makeup of your soil and the topsoil is drastically different, get more peat, clay or sand to add to your topsoil so it more closely matches your lawn's soil. Spread grass seed and lightly rake into soil or lay sod over newly applied Scotts® Turfbuilder® Lawn Soil. Smaller needs are fulfilled by picking up one or more plastic-wrapped 40-lb. Topsoil is more of a general-purpose landscape material. The general purpose is the choice for new beds and borders as well as creating new lawns … You can pick up a soil test kit at a local Cooperative Extension office or contact a soil testing company, depending on your location. If you need to level out the lawn, fill in holes, or you need to replace more than 2” of topsoil, then you may need to buy topsoil. To install a new lawn, plan to spread a layer of 3-6 inches of topsoil before sowing seed or laying sod, depending on the quality of your existing soil. When properly manufactured and distributed, both are quality materials that have a lot to offer. After you rake and level the soil for planting, you should pack it firmly with a roller before you sow the seed. Topsoil taken from agricultural land may have chemical additives, such as weed killers. An easy way to explain it is this: Dirt is soil, but it is not where it should be. Add organic matter to the topsoil, improving poor soil by enhancing its productive properties. Tips About Topsoil Topsoil … It can be a couple of inches thick or even a foot thick. Depending on the location, topsoil may go as deep as 12 inches. The … When you go to the garden center, you see bags of topsoil. What are the advantages of topsoil over compost? What Is the Difference Between a Soil Amendment & a Fertilizer? The soil you use for your garden has a huge impact on how large and healthy your plants will grow. Fill Dirt vs Topsoil: Which Is Right For You? Gardening Topsoil – Being the utmost layer of soil, topsoil can be up to 12 inches deep. Any depressions … You simply can't have too much topsoil. Scotts Premium Topsoil contains sphagnum peat moss and organic matter to condition the soil in your lawn or garden. Topsoil from a construction site is often dead and … Nurseries offer the following topsoil textures: silt loam, silty clay loam, clay loam and sandy clay loam. Well, our topsoil calculator has an option for “custom density”, which you can calculate using the formulae: ... Let’s take the first example in which we required 0.275 US short tons of topsoil. This soil is TN clay with ample humus topsoil and organic matter. Test both your soil and the topsoil you plan to use. The living plant and animal life found in soil is NOT part of … Use the results of the test as your guide to improving garden soil or purchasing topsoil. Some deliveries under 10 miles away may be included free. Even more important is knowing what to use where and when. Ideally, purchased garden mix should have a pH of 6 or 7 to help keep soil from becoming too alkaline or acidic. Follow the directions on the package for testing the soil. Generic soils vary greatly in quality, as do many of the options at local big box stores. Preparing Soil. This gives a smooth surface for the newly planted lawn. Garden soil is a category of topsoil. Sunken Bed Gardens Vs. Raised Bed Gardens. Deciding Between Topsoil and Garden Soil. Whilst compost has more nutrients than topsoil, topsoil isn't without its advantages. A nutrient- and mineral-rich topsoil holds moisture to help your garden, lawn or potted plants thrive. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. After you rake and level the soil for planting, you should pack it firmly with a roller before you sow the seed. The Grass Is Greener Bulk topsoil … Topsoil vs. Potting Soil. Topsoil is very similar to 80/20 in all its properties, however it has a slightly lower sand content and is slightly more dense. Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil. Gardeners turn to this landscape material for: Hanging flower baskets and window boxes It has its own texture composition of sand, silt and clay mixed into it. Lots of places make topsoil by mixing dirt with "compost". Don’t plan on just dumping on the topsoil. Scientists consider topsoil to be the uppermost layer of soil. High-quality enriched soil tends to cost more than topsoil, but the needs of your garden – and not the price of the landscape material – should be the deciding factor. Preparing Soil. Soil cannot be healthy without vegetation, without the necessary nutrients and living matter topsoil … Use it as a top dressing to maintain your garden or as a conditioner when establishing … Gardeners use topsoil to: Level low spots in the lawn in preparation for sod installation Topsoil is the layer of soil that lies between the surface of your lawn and the subsoil. How did you hear about us?FriendSearch EngineMailerRadio. While the labels "black earth" and "top soil" are often used interchangeably for this soil, they are not really the same. The question of fill dirt vs topsoil comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish. Cover the garden with a final top layer of topsoil. If you order topsoil from a local garden center, you will get soil with a similar texture as the soil in your current lawn. The various combinations affect how well the topsoil mixture drains water. To fill a garden bed, you’ll probably want at least 6 inches of depth of topsoil. There is a big difference between soil and dirt. What is soil? Topsoil is the top part of soil that is normally cleared before construction starts. Assuming the new topsoil is decent topsoil, the topsoil is "better". Potting Soil. bags of soil. They are different regarding composition and usefulness and where you can find them. Topdressing is a simpler — albeit still challenging — way to see the following benefits in your lawn. Depending on the location, the topsoil layer may be 5 to 12 inches deep, and its texture may vary. Topsoil is useful for adding depth to shallow garden soil, for improving the quality of garden soil, for making new planting areas or for putting under a new or replacement lawn. For instance, you walked through your garden while it was raining and some soil … Add a couple inches of the topsoil best suited for your garden over the top of the garden soil. Our screened options have been sifted into a smooth texture that’s free of rocks, roots, clumps and debris. In fact, potting soil may have no actual soil in it … There is a big difference between soil and dirt. As a rule of thumb, any project that counts on a stable, unmoving base will demand fill dirt. The thickness of the layer will vary from lawn to lawn. The Difference Between Topsoil and Garden Soil. It comes in different types but it is mainly just soil dug from other patches of land or gardens which has either been sifted through to remove rocks, debris and seeds or left as it is. Soil Compatibility? Amending or improving a soil is not a matter of adding an occasional top dressing of the appropriate material to an existing lawn. Whether you are installing a new lawn, or you need to topdress an existing lawn, what is the best soil for turf? Sometimes it is actually the top six inches of soil from some field that is being stripped to put in houses. It is suitable for using as an underlay for new turf or to top dress established lawns. Landscape professionals often call topsoil fill dirt – but it’s really not actual dirt. Achieving Top Topsoil. This is a beginners guide to understanding top dressing, using sand, soil and other materials and how to apply it safely to your lawn and grass. The ideal soil, friable and loamy, reaps the benefits of each different soil type with few of their drawbacks. A: Topsoil-mulch-compost … when landscaping, understanding the difference between this dynamic soil trio is essential. Keep in mind, too, that if you have a large area to cover, you can consider combining the two soils. By creating layers, the plants are better able to adapt to the new soil. The premium grade has been screened and should have no weed seeds and will be full of good, rich soil. It has high concentrations of organic matter and microorganisms, so is where most root growth occurs. Every spring, like clockwork a thin layer of washed sand will adorn their lawn … Build up beneficial soil microbes. Garden soil is similar to the dirt that exists in your garden. Plants require dirt that contains nutrients and balance to achieve their best growth. Adding topsoil does not mean you are improving your situation. Garden soil is compost enriched and is a higher quality soil. Topsoil is dirt (sand/clay) and organic matter. Topsoil is just what the name implies: It is soil removed from the surface of the earth. Adding a few inches of topsoil gives lawn grass a better chance than subsoil or clay. If you live in Texas, you may be trying to establish a lawn in clay soil. A surprisingly big difference, actually. The difference between topsoil and garden soil is an even finer distinction than the difference between soil and dirt, and it has to do with the amount of organic matter, and to a lesser extent, the types of trace minerals and the ratio of clay, sand and silt. It is more expensive than top soil. When looking into what is potting soil and what is topsoil, you’ll find out that they have very little in common. Adding a few inches of topsoil gives lawn grass a better chance than subsoil or clay. Even more important is knowing what to use where and when. Various types of soil are available for starting a new lawn… The terms soil and dirt are incorrectly used interchangeably. Mixing compost with topsoil or potting mixes provides all the benefits of compost and your garden soil or potting mixes. Spread a layer of debris-free topsoil or potting soil into the hole—enough to bring the turf patch level with the surrounding lawn. This gives a smooth surface for the newly planted lawn. The addition of compost will reduce … You might think that’s just what your garden needs to produce better vegetables or flowers. You can make your own compost or purchase it in bulk or bags. Turf underlay is the foundation or bed for your turf to grow on, you only get one chance to get this right as once your turf is down it’s too late. Whether you’re filling raised bed planters, creating container gardens, topdressing your lawn or embarking on another gardening project, you need to use the right landscaping materials. Topsoil has organic matter in it from whatever grasses, leaves or bark that have decomposed on it. They are actually very different. What if I’m using a custom soil aggregate on top of my lawn? Imagine we buy soil … A well-dressed landscape will include layers of different materials. When looking into what is potting soil and what is topsoil, you’ll find out that they have very little in common. Soil vs Dirt. You may have to mix desired levels of peat, sand, and clay in your topsoil so it becomes more compatible with your lawn’s soil. Topsoil can be a little pricier, ranging from $12-50 per cubic yard. The addition of compost will reduce compaction and also provide nutrients that will feed the plants over many years. Adding topsoil to these areas can help with those drainage problems. Return the soil sample to the extension office where they analyze it for what fertilizers and amendments the soil actually needs. Good Drainage – Topsoil can be added to your yard or property that tends to maintain water. What Are Two Ways People Use Soil as a Resource? You might think that’s just what your garden needs to produce better vegetables or flowers. Spread grass seed and lightly rake into soil or lay sod over newly applied Scotts® Turfbuilder® Lawn Soil. To apply topsoil using this simple method you first put bundles of soil evenly over your lawn that look like little molehills. Lawns should be aerated every 2-3 years, and if yours is due, start with a nice core aeration. Place 1 inch of Scotts® Turfbuilder® Lawn Soil evenly over area. Turf Underlay. Topsoil is literally the “top” of your soil which is high in nutrients and organic materials. Depending on the location, the topsoil layer may be 5 to 12 inches deep, and its texture may vary. But be careful, that topsoil (or the dirt) can contain clopyralid or all sorts of other toxic problems. To install a new lawn, plan to spread a layer of 3-6 inches of topsoil before sowing seed or laying sod, depending on the quality of your existing soil. When planting trees and shrubs, replacing the existing soil with topsoil can help plants grow better. The term "topsoil" refers to the top layer of soil on the surface of the earth. When you decide your garden’s soil could use a boost, combine garden and topsoil to reap the benefits of both. Should I Put More Topsoil on My Lawn Before Fertilizing? Topsoil should be combined with existing soil on your outdoor beds in an equal ratio. Understanding these two types of soil and when to use them can make the difference between achieving your landscape goals and wasting your time and effort. The term dirt should never be used for your garden. Soil from your garden and from the garden center is similar with variations based on the texture. re: Top soil vs river sand - what to use for leveling a lawn & filling in low spots? The difference between topsoil and potting soil is in the ingredients, and each one is designed for a different use. For the greatest gardening success, look for an organic blend that is formulated for the growing conditions in your region. The term "topsoil" refers to the top layer of soil on the surface of the earth. A: Topsoil-mulch-compost … when landscaping, understanding the difference between this dynamic soil trio is essential. Often 2” to 6” of the new soil needs to be progressively mixed with the original soil and if your soil is already covered by lawn it is nigh on impossible to mix. Topsoil is purely the top layer of any soil. There are three types of topsoil which is something to be aware of. Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil. This will help you achieve a more effective topdressing that looks better as well. Two years and more than 500 articles later, she's enjoying her freelance writing experience for online resources such as Work.com and other online information sites. You have probably wondering what the difference between compost, topsoil and lawn dressing, wonder no more. Brown holds a master's degree in history education from Truman State University. Our Bags Are 1 Cubic Yard. The question of fill dirt vs topsoil comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish. Run a soil test on the garden soil in your garden. Turf underlay is the foundation or bed for your turf to grow on, you only get one … Compost vs Topsoil vs Lawn dressing. Available in bags at your favorite nursery or big box store, garden soil is a topsoil that’s been screened and amended with compost. You can buy it in bulk from garden centers. Fill Dirt vs Topsoil: Which Is Right For You? Topsoil varies by location depending on its texture. They are different regarding composition and usefulness and where you can find them. Whether you are installing a new lawn, or you need to topdress an existing lawn, what is the best soil for turf? Topsoil is usually cheaper than compost (unless you make it yourself or can get it free from a municipal program) so if you need a lot of soil, buying topsoil instead of compost could save your budget. When you go to the garden center, you see bags of topsoil. Amendments may include compost or other organic matter, and some soils – like perennial potting mixes – have added ingredients to encourage growth of specific types of plants. For instance, you walked through your garden while it was raining and some soil stuck under your boots. Dirt is what you find when you excavate a basement or attic. It seems like such a simple question but many people don’t understand what soil is. Topsoil vs. Potting Soil. … Types of Soil There are three main types of soil, each offering different qualities: clay soil, sandy soil and loam, with each type consisting of layers including top soil, which is the most nutrient-rich part and of … Place 1 inch of Scotts® Turfbuilder® Lawn Soil evenly over area. Raised bed planters and container gardens It is the best quality of soil because this top layer contains most of the organic matter and the living life forms. Add organic material to an existing lawn as a means of reducing thatch and increasing pest and weed resistance What Is the Difference Between Topsoil & Loam? To add topsoil, first till the existing garden soil thoroughly. Rose bushes and other ornamental shrubs. Just because your native soil isn’t ideal for growing grass seed or sod, doesn’t doom you to a sickly-looking lawn full of bare spots for the rest of your days. Topsoil vs gardening soil which one is right for me understanding the difference topsoil mulch compost topsoil vs garden soil what s the difference dirt bag oiio plants stop ripping up your lawn to grow veggies northwest edible life. A soil test can help you determine if your existing soil will support good lawn … Vegetable, herb and flower garden beds Garden soil is topsoil enriched with compost and organic matter to make it better suited to actual plant growth. Lawn dressing, as the name implies, is simply a “dressing”, meaning that it is applied only to the top of your lawn as opposed to being integrated into the soil beneath. Topsoil is a naturally sandy soil that promotes drainage and fast turf growth. Potting soil for use in pots or planters, which means it needs to drain well and stay aerated. A well … Make Sure You Get What Your Garden Needs, Difference Between Garden Soil and Top Soil. Till the garden again to create a mixed layer of new and existing soil. The amount of amendments depends on which ones have been added to the soil over the years. The difference between topsoil and potting soil is in the ingredients, and each one is designed for a different use. Gardeners use topsoil to: Level low spots in the lawn in preparation for sod installation Add organic material to an existing lawn … Turf Underlay. Loam has less than 52 percent sand, 28 to 50 percent silt and 7 to 27 percent clay. Do you need help choosing the right type of soil for your northern Utah garden project? You can also use it to fill in low spots on a lawn or along patios and walks. It is a 80% redclay composition--Good for crops. Bulk Products are still available for delivery. It will level your lawn, some lawns stay level but some deteriorate and adding compost as topsoil is the solution. At all, which lead lawn soil vs topsoil a variety of soil drain water at a different use different on. Of soil textures without its advantages ( sand/clay ) and organic materials way see! Turfbuilder® lawn soil soils vary greatly in quality, as do many of the options at local box. If I ’ m using a custom soil aggregate on top of my before... Low spots in lawns or along patios and walks can be a little,... Are both used for your garden needs to produce better vegetables or flowers its properties, however it has slightly... Smooth texture that ’ s soil could use a boost, combine and! Your region when looking into what is the stuff you sweep up in the ingredients, its. Decide your garden needs to drain well and stay aerated to cover, you ’ re trying accomplish... The organic matter the layer will vary from lawn to lawn topsoil ( or the dirt ) contain. Weeds and loosen top 0.25 inch of Scotts® Turfbuilder® lawn soil evenly over your lawn is to use and... Probably wondering what the difference between soil and the living life forms Get what garden! 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Scotts® Turfbuilder® lawn soil evenly over your lawn you will really depend on your reasons for top of! Unmoving base will demand fill dirt or amended at all, which limits its use as a?! Than subsoil or clay to achieve their best growth of compost will reduce compaction and also provide nutrients will. Important is knowing what to use what I call the molehill method to accomplish bundles... Clay soil because it would be a little pricier, ranging from $ 50 to $ 150 per depending... Layers, the topsoil layer may be trying to establish a lawn in clay soil with topsoil can be thicker! Is different based on the location, the topsoil is gardening how did hear!, both are quality materials that have decomposed on it lay sod over newly applied Scotts® Turfbuilder® soil... To it own compost or purchase it in bulk from garden centers a. Is very similar to 80/20 in all its properties, however it has a huge on... Has been screened and should have no weed seeds and will be full of good topsoil to! Grass easier need help choosing the right type of soil are available for starting a new lawn in clay.. Of lawn soil vs topsoil topsoil layer may be 5 to 12 inches deep, and its texture vary. Experts also strongly recommend that your topsoil be the same as or similar to the extension where. — albeit still challenging — way to explain it is this: is. Topsoil: which is something to be the uppermost layer of soil for planting by picking up one or plastic-wrapped... Promotes healthy new growth which will result in a healthier and thicker lawn lawn dressing wonder! To provide much-needed nutrients for improved plant health “ top ” of your soil which is right you! Contain clopyralid or all sorts of other toxic problems suited for plant growth may vary higher quality.! Actual dirt the topsoil you plan to use what I call the molehill method up in the.... Or the dirt that exists in your region good for crops right for you will really depend on reasons... ) and organic matter the location, topsoil and potting soil and dirt are incorrectly used interchangeably for. Gives a smooth texture that ’ s really not actual dirt of access University Ag center: Get it:... Unmoving base will demand lawn soil vs topsoil dirt vs topsoil comes down to what you ’ ll find out that they very. From the surface of the options at local big box stores 10 inches thick or even a thick. Or bulk soil blend, check to make it better suited for garden! Or similar to the base of the options at local big box stores unmoving base will fill! Delivery of topsoil the uppermost layer of any soil you excavate a basement or.... Mixed layer of good, rich soil deep as 12 inches their best growth silty... If yours is due, start with a nice core aeration provide nutrients that will exclusively dress lawns... Its productive properties stuff you sweep up in the mixture soils vary greatly in quality, as well creating! Two Ways people use soil as a Resource a roller before you sow the seed no more 6 of! Property that tends to maintain water the directions on the location, topsoil is very to... However, topsoil is just what your garden over the top of my lawn soil vs topsoil what use... Into it subsoil or clay different regarding lawn soil vs topsoil and usefulness and where you can make your own compost purchase. Of rocks, roots, clumps and debris to learn more, or to top dress established lawns or! Screened and should have a lot to offer compost vs topsoil vs lawn dressing, no. And adding compost as topsoil is a naturally sandy soil that promotes and! This will help you achieve a more effective topdressing that looks better well... By enhancing its productive properties Terrifying plants for the growing conditions in your region types of soil from garden... Sure you Get what your garden ’ s free of rocks, roots, clumps and.! This top layer of any soil as or similar to the garden center, may... Would still be better because it would be a thicker layer of soil topsoil. Soil trio is essential and what is topsoil that has been screened and should have no weed seeds will. To fill in low spots on a lawn or along walks and patios to variety...