What You Should Know About Topsoil
Utah's TopSoil:
Much of the Wasatch front is a clay or sandy base. Clay blocks or holds moister and water rushes through sand, both in the extreme.
The ideal mixture of topsoil is approximately these percentages. (40 % sand - 10 % clay - 25 % silt - 25% organic matter) This is considered a Sandy Loam composition. Organic matter or humus is critical to hold water.
Most of the land-based biological activity of the Earth takes place here, in the decaying humus in topsoil in the first 4 inches of soil.
Why do I need to bring in topsoil in a new home’s landscape?
New lawns and gardens soil requires months and years of microbial activity to become beneficial. Topsoil is often buried or scraped off at new home sites. Consequently, homeowners are left with very poor soil for their lawns.
Construction can also damage the quality of topsoil. Topsoil is held in place by plants roots; however, when trees are cut down and brush cleared, the topsoil has nothing to hold onto.
Topsoil is generally available to buy in two different grades:
Premium grade:
No weeds or seeds, high in fertility, this loamy soil has good structure and is commonly used to build up flower borders or create new beds or amending poor soil when placing sod.
(40 % sand - 10 % clay - 25 % silt - 25% organic matter)
General-purpose grade:
No weeds or seeds. Good for making new beds or borders, or as a base for sowing new lawns. Coarser grades are particularly useful for turf laying while finer grades are good for top dressing lawns.
(60 % sand - 10 % clay - 25 % silt - 5% Organic matter)
Quick Facts
For new seeding or sod you will need at least 4 inches of top soil
New beds will need about 8 inches or more
Topsoil is available in two grades: Millcreek Premium Blend & Millcreek Triple Screened.