Great landscaping starts with great soil, specifically great topsoil. Topsoil is an essential first step in any successful landscaping project. Without it, plants don’t have a nutritious foundation from which to grow, lawns can get patchy, and your summer vegetable garden might not thrive the way you were hoping.
So how do you know what to look for when choosing good-quality topsoil? We’ll break down six key characteristics.
Color
If soil has a red or orange coloring, it’s likely not topsoil and it may be clay. While color is a great visual indicator, it doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s just one of a few key signs that your topsoil quality is setting up your plants for success.
Texture
When topsoil easily crumbles between your fingers, this is a great indicator of high-quality material and the presence of rich organic matter. A topsoil that’s too tough, clumpy, or stiff will not give plants an optimal environment to grow in. Water won’t be properly absorbed and plants will suffer. Tough texture can be a sign that there’s too much clay in your topsoil. Topsoil that has a lot of sand will also struggle to hold water or nutrients well.
Shredded
Shredded topsoil is not always necessary, depending on the type of planting you’re doing, but it can be helpful for creating uniform soil. Shredding makes topsoil even, less clumpy, and consistent in particle size. Consistency is good for proper water absorption and drainage as well as optimal nutrient delivery to roots. Non-shredded topsoil has its benefits too, so don’t count it out. If you need help deciding which type to choose, reach out to our Bray team.
Origin
It’s good to know where your topsoil is coming from. Topsoil is generally sourced from open fields, river valleys, agricultural land, and construction sites. Topsoil can also be manufactured by mixing sand, silt, clay, and organic compost. At Bray Topsoil and Gravel, our topsoil is collected locally and then prepared and stored at our plant in Alexandria, Kentucky.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is what makes for healthy, nutritious topsoil. It’s important for holding the right amount of water, giving the soil structure, preventing erosion, and retaining nutrients. Organic matter comes from living, dead, and decomposing plants, small animals, and microorganisms. Good-quality topsoil will be rich in organic matter.
pH Levels
Good topsoil will have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The proper pH level for your topsoil is very important because it affects nutrient availability. Local extension offices in Kentucky can test the pH level of topsoil if you’re concerned about yours.
Bray’s Topsoil Calculator
Ready to start your topsoil project? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re patching a few bare spots in your lawn or building a business park landscape, Bray Topsoil and Gravel has the high-quality topsoil you need.
Bray makes it easy to scope your projects with our material calculator.
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Bray Topsoil & Gravel has been providing the Greater Cincinnati area with quality natural topsoil delivery for 25+ years.
Interested in our services? Request a quote online or call 859-635-5680 today!
