Topsoil makes up the first few inches of dirt in your yard or garden. Good topsoil fosters the perfect environment for plant growth, allowing you to maintain a beautiful, lush landscape. However, optimal topsoil usually doesn’t exist naturally. For the best conditions, you need to order your topsoil from a reputable supplier, a process which can be more complex than it seems.

For one thing, there are no regulations on the quality or content of products marketed as topsoil. Poor-quality topsoil can be full of rocks and debris, or, it may not have the texture and nutrient content necessary for your landscaping project. To ensure you're getting decent dirt, ask for recommendations from local landscapers, and examine the product yourself if possible.

Good topsoil should have a loose, crumbly texture, and it should not form clumps in your hand. There should be no odor other than a rich, earthy smell, and the color should be dark. There may be a little warmth due to compost, but excessive heat is a problem. The pH should be balanced—between 5.5 and 7.5—and the mixture needs to be at least 98% weed free.

Once you've found a supplier you trust, choose a formula that will work for your yard and your budget. Many suppliers offer different mixtures for lawns, gardens, and general landscaping projects, as the various plants involved have different needs. If you aren't sure what type of topsoil will work best for you, just ask.

When placing your order, start by calculating the amount of topsoil you need. This is the area of the ground to be covered, multiplied by the depth of topsoil you want—usually two to three inches. You'll also need to consider delivery or pickup options, and where the soil order should be placed on your property.

It may take some digging to find a topsoil you like, but once you do, the process is straightforward. If you need help, contact a trusted supplier today!

Syracusa Sand & Gravel Inc. is a topsoil, sand, and stone supplier in Victor, NY. They offer a range of quality topsoil options to complete your landscaping projects. For more information, call them at (585) 310-2693 or send them a message online.