Get the Dirt on Buying Topsoil by the Cubic Yard

Transforming your outdoor space into a lush, vibrant garden area requires quality topsoil that nourishes plants and promotes healthy growth. But determining how much topsoil you need and finding cost-effective solutions can be tricky. When tackling major landscaping projects, buying topsoil by the cubic yard is the most efficient and affordable option.

You'll learn how to calculate the correct amount for your space, evaluate topsoil quality, arrange delivery, and properly handle the soil for optimal results. Let's dig in!

How Much Topsoil Do You Need?

The starting point in any topsoil purchase is accurately measuring the square footage of the area you want to cover. Length x width will give you total square feet. Common projects include:

• New garden beds or planting areas
• Filling in low spots or grading a lawn
• Topdressing an existing lawn
• Building up soil around new trees and shrubs

Next, decide on the depth needed--usually between 2-4 inches for gardens and 3-4 inches for lawns. Anything less than 2 inches won't provide sufficient rooting depth.

Now use this simple formula to calculate cubic yards:

Square feet x depth (in inches) / 324 = cubic yards needed

Let's say your new garden bed is 12 ft x 15 ft, totaling 180 square feet. You want a 4-inch depth for optimal plant growth. Using our formula:

180 sq ft x 4 in / 324 = 2.2 cubic yards

Round up to 3 cubic yards to give yourself a little extra. Estimating a bit high is better than not getting enough.

Typical Topsoil Needs

To give you a sense of typical yardage:

• 1 cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inch depth
• raised garden bed: 2x8' = 16 sq ft --> 0.5 cubic yards
• new tree planting: 50 sq ft --> 1.5 cubic yards
• front yard landscaping: 500 sq ft at 3" depth --> 15 cubic yards

Measure carefully, use our formula, and you'll get the perfect amount of topsoil for your project the first time.

Factors Affecting Cost Per Cubic Yard of Topsoil

Once you know cubic yards needed, it's time to budget for the project. Cost per cubic yard of topsoil can range dramatically from $5 per cubic yard for basic fill dirt to $50 or more for premium screened topsoil blends. Here are the main factors affecting price:

Type of Topsoil

At the lower end, basic fill dirt with few nutrients costs $5-$15 per cubic yard. This works for purely structural landscaping uses.

Mid-range topsoil with some organic matter starts at $20 per cu yd. This blend supports basic plants and grasses.

High-quality screened loam with rich organic content and a blend of sand, silt, and clay costs $30-$60 per cubic yard. This premium soil is ideal for gardens.

Regional Variations

Another major factor is regional pricing differences based on soil supplies, demand, and transportation costs. Average ranges per cubic yard:

• Northeastern U.S. - $35-50
• Midwest - $25-$45
• South - $45-$65
• West Coast - $55-$75

Delivery Fees

Delivery costs make up a significant portion of total price. Prices vary based on:

• Mileage and distance from the supplier
• Minimum load requirements
• Accessibility of the delivery site

Gravel driveways, tight spaces, or steep slopes can result in added fees. Average delivery fees range from $20 for close urban areas to $60+ for long rural drives.

Buying By Volume

When buying loose materials like soil and mulch, purchasing by the cubic yard instead of tonnage is best. Weight per yard fluctuates hugely depending on moisture content. Volume ensures you consistently get the coverage you need.

Buying Topsoil in Bulk vs. Bags

Bulk delivery by the cubic yard is far more cost effective than buying bagged soil for large projects. But bags can be worthwhile for small beds or patching jobs. Here's the breakdown:

Bulk Soil Savings

Bulk topsoil costs $20-$60 per cubic yard delivered depending on quality and location. Bagged soils average $3-$5 per .75-.80 cubic foot bag. To match the 2.2 cubic yard example above would take almost 90 bags costing over $450!

Get Exact Yardage

With bulk delivery you can order the precise amount calculated so you don't end up with too little or extra that may go to waste.

Bagged Convenience

For DIY projects under 1 yard, bagged soil from big box stores allows you to get materials easily without delivery fees. Just avoid underestimating how many bags you'll need.

Check Volume & Coverage

When estimating bags needed, remember cubic yard bags hold about .75-.80 cu ft of soil. Our 2.2 cu yd example would need about 35 bags to equal one yard of coverage.

Evaluating Topsoil Quality

With bulk orders, you'll need to assess characteristics like texture, structure, and rock content yourself. Here's what to look for in quality topsoil:

Ideal Soil Texture

Sandy loam or loam topsoil provide the best balance of drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding ability.

• Clay soils compact easily and drain slowly
• Sandy soils drain too quickly and leach nutrients

Ask your supplier for the texture percentages or test a soil sample yourself.

Screening Pros and Cons

Screened topsoil has passed through mesh screens to remove rocks, debris, and large particles. While smoother, screening also removes beneficial aggregates that help retain moisture and nutrients. Completely screened soil may need added organic material.

Organic Matter is Key

Good topsoil contains 4-10% organic material like compost or humus. Organic matter improves nutrient levels, moisture retention, and drainage. Topsoil with less than 2% organic content will need amendments.

Weed Seeds - Unavoidable but Manageable

All topsoil contains some weed seeds, but higher quality soils have fewer. To reduce future weeding:

• Use mulch to block light
• Plant densely to outcompete weeds
• Pull weeds early before they seed

Asking for testing results and inspecting soil yourself both help assess quality.

Arranging Affordable Topsoil Delivery

For cost-effective topsoil delivery:

Compare Truck vs. Trailer Options

Truck delivery is faster but limited to under 12 cubic yards. For larger loads or accessibility issues, trailer delivery works better despite being slower.

Reduce Minimum Loads

Suppliers often have minimum delivery amounts like 10-12 yards. For smaller projects, negotiate a lower minimum or see if they deliver shared truckloads.

Factor in Delivery Fees

Get an estimate of delivery fees upfront, including any fuel or oversize surcharges. This allows you to accurately compare quotes.

Schedule Carefully

Arrange delivery when you or a helper can accept the load and access to the site is clear. Most suppliers charge fees for missed or redirected deliveries.

Spreading and Preparing Delivered Topsoil

To handle bulk loads and properly prepare the topsoil:

Move Soil Efficiently

Use equipment like a skid steer loader or tractor to efficiently move topsoil where needed. Shoveling by hand works for smaller areas.

Blend Existing Soil

As you spread, blend some existing soil in to help the layers bond. This prevents settling or subsidence issues.

Grade and Contour

Rake thoroughly to remove low spots or uneven areas where water can pool.Contour to promote proper drainage.

Avoid Compaction

Wet soil compacts more easily. Spread layers of 4-6 inches and limit heavy equipment passes to maintain aeration.

Ongoing Topsoil Management

Good topsoil needs regular care to remain healthy and productive:

Test and Amend Soil

Check pH and nutrient levels yearly and amend as needed. Organic fertilizers and lime can adjust soil conditions over time.

Improve Drainage

Improve drainage with French drains, or by contouring the area with swales and berms to avoid standing water.

Reduce Erosion and Runoff

Use cover crops, mulch, or stone pathways to protect soil between plantings. Divert rainwater flows to prevent topsoil washing away.

Control Weeds and Pests

Use mulch, preen, or corn gluten to block weeds. Rotate plants and fertilize appropriately to prevent pest issues.

When starting a major landscaping project, understanding how to find and buy quality topsoil is half the battle. Determine your cubic yard needs, budget for delivery fees, and arrange a premium bulk soil product for your plants to thrive. With careful preparation and handling, your topsoil will enrich your garden for years to come.