Top Tips for Topsoil

Advice from the Experts at GDT&S to help homeowners and landscapers get the most from using topsoil.

Healthy soil is essential to maintaining a healthy, productive garden. Over time, topsoil naturally erodes, so it’s vital to replenish it with the nutrients it lacks. Whether you need to level the ground for turf, improve drainage, or create a more nutritious soil, pairing the right topsoil with your garden task will guarantee results.

What’s In This Guide for You?

• • Why topsoil matters
  • Matching topsoil to soil type
  • How much topsoil do you need?
  • How to apply topsoil
  • When to apply topsoil
  • The best topsoil for turfing
  • View our range of topsoil
  • Speak to GDT&S

Why Topsoil Matters

Topsoil is not just a ‘nice-to-have’; it can make all the difference to how your plants and turf respond. Packed with essential nutrients, topsoil helps replenish what your soil lacks. This supports drainage, water retention, and root growth for turf, plants, and vegetables. Ultimately, topsoil helps you:

• • Achieve a professional level of turf laying and gardening
  • Improve plant root development
  • Turf longevity and durability
  • Improve water drainage to reduce waterlogging
  • Create consistent growing conditions

View our range of topsoil

5 Top Tips for Topsoil Results

Tip One: Matching Topsoil to Existing Ground Conditions

First, not all soils are the same, and not all topsoils are the same. Each has distinct properties and behaves differently. It’s important to understand the soil type you’re working with to select the most suitable topsoil.

• Clay Soil – You’ll notice a sticky texture that holds water and can be easily rolled into a ball. When it’s wet, it becomes very heavy. When it’s dry, it can become rock-solid, potentially causing drainage issues. For these reasons, a free-draining, screened topsoil would be best to improve structure and drainage.
• Sandy Soil – Similar to sand, this has a fine, gritty texture and does not form into a ball. It often has fantastic drainage qualities, but this can also wash out key nutrients. Choose a nutrient-rich topsoil, such as our Soil Conditioner, to help retain moisture and maintain nutrient levels that support plant growth.
• Chalky Soil – With a high stone content, chalky soil can be hard, lumpy, and therefore, difficult to work with. It’s often low in organic matter, so adding topsoil with organic matter, such as our Horticultural Loam or Raised Bed Mix, will help create a healthier growing layer for roots to establish and for turf/plants to thrive.

To break down the different types of topsoil further, head to our article, ‘What is the Best Type of Topsoil?’

Tip Two: Correct Application is Just as Important

When and how you apply topsoil can also affect its effectiveness. Follow these best practices for applying topsoil:

1. 1. Clear weeds, debris, and old turf from the area
   2. Spread topsoil evenly using your hand or a topsoil spreader
   3. Lightly press the topsoil into place without compacting it
   4. Rake over to ensure a level and even covering

If you’re turfing, aim for a firm level of topsoil to make laying out turf a quicker and smoother process.

Tip 3: How Much Topsoil Do You Need?

Great question! Our guide on How Much Topsoil Should I Use? goes into more detail, but ultimately, it all comes down to where you’re adding topsoil:

For laying turf

• • Aim for 50-75mm of topsoil, enough to create a nutrient-rich layer for roots to grow through.

For lawn levelling

• • Add 10-30mm spread over uneven areas. You can build this gradually as needed.

For borders and planting beds

• • 100-150mm depending on plant type. Mix it into the top layer of soil for a nutrient-rich bed.

Rule of thumb for topsoil:

• • 1 tonne of topsoil typically covers 10m2 at 50mm deep.

Ordering topsoil at the same time as your turf ensures you receive the correct quantity and all required materials together. Saving time, cost, and accuracy!

Tip 4: When Do You Need Topsoil?

Topsoil offers huge benefits to a range of landscaping, such as:

• • Laying fresh turf on poor or compacted soil
  • When replacing an old lawn with new turf
  • Levelling or reshaping an existing lawn
  • With grass seed to help seeds settle and not blow away
  • In garden flower beds or vegetable patches, struggling to grow

Tip 5: The Best Topsoil for Laying Turf

For professional results when laying turf, we recommend a free-draining, screened topsoil like our high-quality topsoil. This sandy loam topsoil has a workable texture that supports:

• • Soil structure for root development
  • Improves water retention and drainage
  • Provides vital nutrients for turf to grow full and strong

It’s also compliant with British Standard BS3882:2015 for topsoil, so it’s one of the best you can get!

View Our Range of Topsoil

• • Topsoil
  • Horticultural Loam
  • Raised Bed Mix
  • Compost
  • Soil Conditioner
  • View all topsoil

Why Order Topsoil from GDT&S

When you order topsoil alongside your turf or landscape materials, you also benefit from:

• • One coordinated delivery
  • Delivery precisely where you need it
  • Accurate quantities for your project
  • Access to everything you need for a seamless installation
  • Expert advice tailored to your project
  • A stronger and healthier lawn from day-one

Speak to The Experts

Our final tip: if you’re unsure about topsoil, speak to the team at George Davies Turf & Stone! We understand the importance of topsoil and can help you choose the right topsoil for your landscaping project. If you’re ordering turf, make sure you have topsoil added to your order. If you’re a landscaper, don’t miss out on our Trade Accounts for added benefits for you and your clients.

Helpful Articles

• Laying the Perfect Foundations with Topsoil
• The Essential Guide to Turf & Topsoil for Your Garden
• Can I Put Topsoil Down in Winter?