Top Tips for Topsoil!

What’s one of the most underrated landscaping materials? Topsoil! As the name suggests, Topsoil is the top layer of soil packed with nutrients and organic matter – making it a must for any successful turfing or landscaping project. It can be used when making new flower beds, creating borders or raised beds, and as a high-nutrient base for new turf or a boost for lawns where the existing soil is of poor quality.

Many people don’t realise the benefits that topsoil has, and using it may appear to be a somewhat arduous activity. But, in fact, the application of topsoil is fairly easy and can produce rewarding results!

This article explores our top tips when it comes to topsoil, including:

• The different types of topsoil
• How much topsoil to apply
• Why good quality topsoil matters
• Where to use topsoil within your landscaping
• Topsoil watchouts
• Where to buy high-quality topsoil (right here!)

The Different Types of Topsoil

Choosing the correct type of topsoil for your garden or landscaping project comes down to what you’re growing (turf, plants or veggies) and what you want to achieve. At George Davies, we offer five high-quality topsoil options. Each holds unique qualities that’ll benefit your soil and flora for incredible results.

1. Topsoil

• Ideal for installing turf and grass seeding
• Strengthens roots and encourages healthy grass growth
• Composition: 80% sand & 20% silt & clay
• Classed as a sandy loam
• Screened to 10mm
• BS3882:2015 compliant
• Locally sourced
• Free-draining topsoil
• Love by landscapers and gardeners

View and order our Topsoil product.

1. Horticultural Loam

• Ideal for retainer plants, shrubs and vegetables
• Encourages healthy root growth
• Screened to 10mm
• Locally sourced
• Contains sand and rich organic matter
• Free-draining topsoil
• Love by gardeners and allotment owners

View and order our Horticultural Loam product.

3. Raised Bed Mix

• Designed to enhance raised beds
• Ideal for growing plants and vegetables
• Encourages strong roots and healthy growth
• Contains sandy topsoil and organic compost
• Screened to 10mm
• Free-draining topsoil
• Love by gardeners and allotment owners

4. Ericaceous Soil

• Ideal for plants that prefer acidic conditions
• High organic content
• Rich black colour
• Encourages strong roots and healthy leaves
• Free-draining topsoil
• Love by gardeners and landscapers

View and order our Ericaceous Soil product.

5. Soil Conditioner

• Ideal for improving soil and day-to-day gardening tasks
• Enhances sandy and clay soils in particular
• Contains essential nutrients for plants and turf
• Made from recycled lawn and garden matter
• Encourages strong, healthy growth
• Free-draining topsoil
• Loved by gardeners and landscapers

View and order our Soil Conditioner product. You can also discover which is the right topsoil for your landscaping project with our blog on the Best Type of Topsoil to Use.

How Much Topsoil to Apply

To reap the benefits, you want a good layer of topsoil. On average, 2 to 8 inches of topsoil will suffice, and this amount may vary depending on the location where it is being added. If you have a large area that requires topsoil, the quickest way to determine how much topsoil you need is to use our topsoil calculator. Measure the area you want to cover, add it to the calculator, and see the amount required. You can also order online, and we’ll arrange for your topsoil to be delivered directly to your site.

Our topsoil calculator blog walks you through how to correctly measure and calculate how much topsoil you need for your landscaping project.

How to Apply Topsoil

Applying topsoil is pretty straightforward. Start by ensuring there are no lumps in your topsoil, and use a spade to break down any you find. Next, add piles of topsoil around the area and use a rake to spread it out evenly. Once laid, lightly water your topsoil to help it stay in place. Our blog on laying the right foundations provides a handy step-by-step guide on applying topsoil correctly.

Buying Good-quality Topsoil

The quality of your topsoil will play a big part in the success of the turf or plants you’re growing. A poor-quality or lumpy-textured topsoil will not provide the level of nutrients that good topsoil can offer — ultimately wasting your time, money and efforts, potentially resulting in you having to reseed turf or replant flowers and vegetables.

Look for topsoil with good sand consistency (which helps with drainage) and high organic content (which provides essential nutrients). You also want a fine texture to help with absorption and drainage. Anything screened to 10mm or less will work wonders.

Where to Use Topsoil

The beauty of topsoil lies in its versatility. Due to its high level of nutrients, it can benefit several areas of your garden. Some of the popular places to apply topsoil include:

• Underneath turf to level lawns and lay new turf
• On top of existing turf to revive stressed grass
• In sodded turf areas to aid water drainage
• For filling raised beds and flowerbeds
• As a nutrient supplement for existing soil
• In raised beds to encourage growth
• On top of flowerbeds to protect them from extreme weather
• In allotments and vegetable patches to grow healthier fruit and veg

Should I Use Fertiliser and Topsoil?

There’s no rule saying you can’t use fertiliser with topsoil. In fact, they can enhance one another, resulting in better and stronger growth for your turf and plants. However, when applying the right topsoil, you may not require fertiliser if the topsoil is of high quality, as it will provide enough nutrients.

If you choose to use both, it’s advisable to sprinkle a thin layer of topsoil across your grass in early springtime before you begin feeding it. Not only will this provide a much-needed injection of nutrients after a long winter, but it will also reinforce and strengthen your lawn before spring treatments begin.

Topsoil Watch Outs

• Invest in a top-quality topsoil that’s right for your growing purposes.
• Topsoil should be screened to create a finely textured consistency. If you notice lumps in your topsoil, add a mix before spreading it out.
• Avoid handling your topsoil too much when wet, as it can become compacted and, therefore, not good to use.
• Once laid, avoid too much footfall on the area. Allow your topsoil time to establish and breathe.

Discover more tips on applying topsoil with our blog on When’s the Best Time to Apply Topsoil?

Topsoil Near You

If you are looking for high-quality topsoil, you’ve found it right here! We work incredibly hard to source the best topsoil products for our customers. So, whether you’re growing vegetables, laying turf or getting ready for spring, we have the right topsoil for your gardening needs.

View and order our range of topsoil online or get in touch with our customer service team. For landscapers using a large quantity of topsoil, be sure to check out our Trade Accounts, where you’ll receive additional benefits.

Helpful Articles

• What’s the Difference Between Topsoil & Compost?
• The Essential Guide to Turf & Topsoil for Your Garden
• Can I Put Topsoil Down in Winter?