One of the most important parts of any yard or landscape project is choosing the correct material. Choosing the incorrect material for the job can cause you to pay more than you need to, or even worse, compromise the function of the job.
Dirt and compose comes in many forms, often to suit specific applications.
Some of the more common ones are below;
2 way top soil – (loam + sand) Sometimes called 50/50 top soil, this is usually suitable for most lawn and garden applications. This soil is a blend of loamy soil mixed with sand and is usually the most cost-effective form of top soil.
3 way top soil – (loam + compost + sand) This topsoil is usually a premium mix of loamy soil mixed with compost and sand. This mix is usually used in circumstances where you want good moisture retention with adequate drainage. A good choice for lawns or gardens.
Potting soil – (Compost + sand + ground bark + pumice) This soil mix is usually considerably more expensive than other types, great for indoor and outdoor potted plants and garden areas.
Screened fill – Screened fill material is usually native soil that has been screened to remove larger rocks and debris. Fill material is generally used to fill low areas as it is considerably less expensive than top soil.
Unscreened fill – Some suppliers sell fill material that has not been screened and it is less expensive than screened fill. Unscreened fill often has larger rocks and debris mixed in and is suitable for filling in low areas.
Pit run – Pit run is generally a mix of sand, fine particles and small rocks. Pit run is often used as structural base material for roads and parking areas.
Utility sand – Construction sand composed of fine and medium particles. Often used in playgrounds, chicken coops and used to fill hollow retaining wall blocks.
Washed sand – Premium washed sand generally composed of finer particles. Often used as base material for paving stones and pipe bedding.
Vegetable compost – Compost blend of vegetable and plant matter mixed with shredded wood. Generally used to improve drainage in soils and in vegetable gardens.
Composted manure – horse and steer manure that has “cooked”, and broken down into a fluffy mix that is a great choice for improving drainage and in plant and vegetable gardens. Can contain weed seeds if the manure has not completely cooked.
Graystone Tractor Services is experienced in dirt and compost handling and can help you with your dirt project. Call / text us at (360) 542-6460 or fill out our free estimate request.