Landscape Improvement: Purchasing Guidelines for Good Topsoil
If you are planning on improving your landscape, you might need to purchase topsoil from a speciality supplier. The topsoil is the upper layer of soil material on the land. It is crucial in landscaping because it contains organic matter and microorganisms. These elements are essential for the healthy growth of your plants. If you are buying topsoil for the first time, you might find it difficult to select the right topsoil for your needs. Therefore, you should ask for professional guidance from your soil supplier or landscaping expert. Here are some general guidelines for choosing topsoil for different applications.
Filling Holes and Ponds
You will need clean soil for your landscaping work if there are holes on your property. In general, holes on residential lots are formed due to past excavation projects. If you did not have sufficient soil for backfilling, your ground might not be level. Also, holes can be remnants of old landscaping features. For example, if you had a pond that dried up or if you uprooted large trees, you might have an unattractive hole on your property. The topsoil for this application does not have to have special characteristics. You can purchase 'as dug' soil from your supplier. As long as the topsoil is clean, it will perform well. This soil option is inexpensive and perfect for large filling projects.
Laying Natural Turf
If you are preparing to plant natural grass on your land, you might need topsoil to top up your existing substrate. This process is essential if your current soil material cannot support the healthy growth of the grass. Typically, topsoil for laying turf does not have to exceptionally rich for ideal performance. It can be plain soil without additional enriching compounds. However, the topsoil must be correctly screened to avoid grass growth problems. In simple terms, stones and other large lamps should be removed from the topsoil. Also, remnants of weeds should be eliminated because these can compete with grass for nutrients, causing unhealthy and unattractive plant growth. Additionally, you should check the type of soil. Typically, sandy loam soil will have the best effect on grass growth.
Growing Flowers and Vegetables
If you would like to build a vegetable or flower garden as part of your residential landscape, you will need to look for high-quality soil. These plants require different nutrients for continued growth after the initial planting. Therefore, your purchased topsoil should be blended with some organic compost or other improving compounds. The organic matter will provide good drainage and supply the best nutrients.
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