Topsoil: What's the Fuss All About?

Although we’d love to have flawless soil that produces the healthiest turf, brightest plants, and most flavoursome vegetables, we all know that’s not always the case! The quality of your soil ultimately impacts the success of whatever you’re growing. One way to guarantee excellent results is by including a highly nutritious topsoil.

This article covers everything you need to know about topsoil: what it is, why our gardens love it, when to use it, and how to effectively apply topsoil to your landscaping project. So, let’s get started!

What Is Topsoil? 

As the name suggests, topsoil is the top layer of soil often found just below your turf. But it can be found anywhere in your garden or outdoor space where there is soil. Usually, a depth of 2 to 8 inches provides a blanket of goodness for your turf. Topsoil’s fine texture also helps create an even surface that retains and drains water as well as absorbs sunlight, organic matter, and useful microorganisms – everything that contributes to the growth, health and resilience of your grass.

The Benefits of Topsoil

• Aids water retention and drainage
• Stores essential nutrients
• Improves soil quality and structure
• Balances your soil’s pH levels
• Strengthens soil density and structure
• Encourages plant growth
• Healthier plants, turf and veggies
• Creates even lawns

Shop Our Range of Topsoil

Topsoil

Horticultural Loam

Raised Bed Mix

Ericaceous Soil

Soil Conditioner

Why You Must Use Topsoil When Laying Turf

When laying natural turf or injecting new life into an existing lawn, it’s essential to make sure the soil you are growing it in is rich and nutritious, giving your grass the best chance. Topsoil provides a layer into which grass seed can be sown for optimal growing. It also protects against direct sunlight and excessive moisture – helping it survive and thrive throughout every season. Finally, and most importantly, it provides the correct nutrients needed for grass to grow – the higher the concentration of nutrients, the faster and better results you’ll see.

When To Use Topsoil

Although topsoil is a fantastic addition to healthy turf, it can be used across your landscaping to give your garden a boost. For example:

• Improving soil quality – Topsoil aids your soil’s structure, density, texture and pH levels. If a particular patch struggles to grow plants, a good topsoil could be the solution.
• Filling dips and divots – Topsoil is a quick, easy and effective way to level out surfaces. Fill dips in your lawn or flowerbeds to create an even surface.
• For laying new turf – Topsoil is an essential layer for successful turf growth. It helps create a flat surface to roll out turf and provides vital nutrients to the roots.
• Creating flowerbeds – Topsoil is an easy way to fill your flowerbeds with good, high-quality soil. Packed full of nutrients, topsoil helps your plants establish their roots and access key reserves.
• In allotments – Like flowers, your fruit and veg require essential nutrients to deliver full, colourful and tasty results. Topsoil will help them withstand weather conditions and provide a great harvest.
• Sowing grass seeds – Topsoil creates a solid base that helps grass seeds settle in, preventing them from blowing away. This can be a small patch in your lawn or an entire area where you want to grow turf from seed.
• Winter garden care – By spreading a layer of topsoil over the base of your plants, you protect both your plants and soil from frost, which helps keep the roots strong and ready for spring.
• Winter lawn care – If you notice your lawn is struggling in winter or want to prepare your grass for colder months, a layer of topsoil can revive stressed lawns and prepare them for spring.

How Should Topsoil Be Applied?

To reap the maximum benefits, it’s vital that topsoil is applied correctly. Our laying the foundations with top-quality topsoil blog provides a detailed breakdown, but here’s a quick guide to correctly apply topsoil:

1. Prepare the ground

Break up the existing soil to loosen any compacted soil. Remove any large sticks/stones and other debris from the ground.

2. Apply a layer of compost

Scattering a layer of compost acts as a barrier between the original soil and topsoil. Not only will compost provide a boost of organic goodness, but it will also protect your new grass from dry spells and garden pests.

3. Lay your topsoil

You are now ready to lay your topsoil. When spreading the soil, it is best to work backwards to avoid compaction in the areas you have already laid. Distribute the soil in small piles around the area and use a rake to spread it out.

4. Water your topsoil

Lightly water your freshly laid topsoil to help it settle into place and prevent it from shifting.

How Much Topsoil Do I Need?

The quickest way to calculate how much topsoil you need is with our topsoil calculator. Measure the width, length and depth of the area you’re covering, then enter the numbers into the calculator to determine how much topsoil you’ll need. Our topsoil calculator blog offers a step-by-step guide on ordering the exact amount of topsoil needed for your project.

Our topsoil is ordered and delivered in bulk bags, which is often the most cost-effective option, as it allows for safe storage and can be used throughout your landscaping project. There’s no need to worry about moving it; our drivers will place it precisely where you need it.

What Kind of Topsoil Should I Be Buying?

This depends entirely upon the type of soil you’re working with and what you will be using it for. For example, our Raised Bed Mix will help your fruits and vegetables thrive, owing to the perfect combination of sandy topsoil and organic compost. We stock several types of topsoil, so finding one that suits your needs shouldn’t be a problem. You can also explore our topsoil vs. compost blog or contact the team to find the right topsoil for you.

Topsoil Tips

Our top tips on topsoil blog provides everything you need to know about buying, handling and laying topsoil. But as a quick reference, here are some of our best tips for topsoil:

• Avoid handling topsoil excessively when it is wet, as compaction becomes significantly greater.
• Once you have laid your topsoil, avoid footfall on the area to allow time for it to establish and breathe.
• Topsoil is not just a great product for new grass but can also help revive tired, existing lawns.
• Adding high-quality topsoil to your lawn will help establish and nurture it, allowing the grass to grow strong, bright, and healthy.
• Applying topsoil correctly will ensure that your time and money are not wasted, and that you can fully appreciate your garden when the good weather returns.

Topsoil Suppliers Near You

Like all our products, we ensure that our topsoil is of the highest quality while remaining at a fair price. We source our topsoil from a family-run business in Norfolk that has been running for over 40 years – so they really know their stuff!

We choose to source from them because of their commitment to consistent advancements and developments in topsoil. They also have a soil analysis laboratory at their HQ, meaning they continually monitor and maintain the quality of their product.

To order your topsoil from GDT & Stone, visit our topsoil range online or give our customer services team a call. For landscapers using a large quantity of topsoil, check out our Trade Account, where you’ll receive additional benefits.