When you think of dirt, you probably just think of that dark brown or black material that can be found in your garden or on a job site, right? It’s true that what you’re thinking of is actually dirt, but did you know that not all dirt is the same? There are different types of dirt that are best for different applications. Before you submit your next dirt order, learn about the different types of dirt below to ensure you’re choosing the right product for your project.
FILL DIRT
Fill dirt is often the least expensive type of dirt. This material is used precisely to fill in a hole in the ground or to purposefully change the grade or elevation of a property. This product is usually taken from locations where the soil is being removed, such as at construction sites. In addition to dirt, most fill dirt may also contain rocks and sand.
In some cases, fill dirt is mixed with sand to make it lighter and provide better drainage. It is most commonly used on construction sites, but it can also be used for highway maintenance. Fill dirt can also be used for landscaping projects that require elevation changes, such as the addition of a swimming pool or waterfall.
TOPSOIL
Topsoil refers to the top layer of soil, usually about the first 2-8 inches. This product is rich in organic material, including a high amount of decomposing plant and animal material as well as a high amount of nutrients. Topsoil is usually black in color and is typically recommended as an addition to home gardens, flower beds, and lawns.
BLACK DIRT
Black dirt is not the same as topsoil, even though it may look the same. Black dirt typically contains iron and other chemicals, which is what gives it that dark brown or black hue. This material is commonly used in landscaping, gardens, and lawns as well as for filling in low areas or creating walkways.
Although most types of dirt may look the same, they’re not always interchangeable. Before you order dirt for your next project, let one of Ozinga’s materials specialists help ensure you’re choosing the right product.
FAQs
Organic Topsoil For Fill Dirt
Almost all rocks and debris have been removed, and organic topsoil will not contain chemicals or other pollutants. For this reason, this material is the ideal choice for creating gardens and creating appealing landscape features.
What are the different types of fill? ›
The three types of fill most consider are fill dirt, fill sand and fill gravel. Each is made up of a unique composition that makes each type of fill better for certain projects. For example, fill dirt can be easily compacted so that it can be used to create a strong foundation.
What is select fill dirt used for? ›
Select fill is usually screened and tested since it is used under the concrete foundation of a building. This type of dirt is used when it's important to ensure that the fill doesn't move over time and ensures a strong foundation of a building.
What is the difference between topsoil and dirt? ›
Dirt is what you find when you excavate a basem*nt or attic. No plants thrive in dirt. Topsoil, on the other hand, contains natural organic matter from leaves, grasses, weeds and tree bark that can help sustain plant life. However, topsoil is not enriched or amended at all, which limits its use as a growing medium.
What's the best kind of dirt to put down to avoid standing water? ›
Clay soil is more dense than other soils and doesn't easily absorb water. Hardpan soil is the same way. This type of soil is usually found just below the top layer and can be any soil that is extremely compacted. Compacted soil makes it hard for anything to get through.
What kind of dirt can I use to fill holes in my yard? ›
You can use topsoil, potting soil, or even compost. Avoid using sand, as it won't pack well and can wash away easily. Once enough soil is added to fill the hole, use a tamper or your foot to compress it. It will help prevent the hole from sinking or caving in later.
What is the cheapest backfill material? ›
Typically, the cheapest backfill material is native soil excavated from the site itself, provided it meets the necessary specifications for stability and drainage.
What is common fill dirt? ›
It is typically made up of a mixture of clay, sand, and other materials, and is often compacted to provide a stable base for construction projects or other purposes. Fill dirt is typically not considered to be suitable for growing plants, as it lacks the necessary nutrients and organic matter to support plant growth.
What is the best material to use for fill? ›
Coarse-grained soil is one of the most popular backfill materials around. It's composed of a mix of various sandy soils, different types of gravel, or a mixture of the two materials. This particular type of filler is frequently used in areas that require a certain amount of compaction and support for the foundation.
Can you use topsoil as fill dirt? ›
Topsoil is significantly more expensive than fill dirt, which means it is not a very practical choice for filling large spaces – particularly when you factor in the higher volume that is needed to account for its tendency to settle. The type of project must also be considered.
Always compact fill soils before placing footings or slabs on them. Also compact backfill next to footings and foundation walls. For compaction purposes, soils are considered to be either granular or cohesive. Granular soils contain primarily gravels, sands, and silts and feel gritty when rubbed between the fingers.
What does select fill look like? ›
Select Fill is a mixture of lean clay and sand. It can also contain small rocks, dirt and soil. Select Fill is primarily used for levelling and stabilization in the initial phases of a construction project.
What is black dirt called? ›
Chernozem (from Russian: чернозём, tr. chernozyom, IPA: [tɕɪrnɐˈzʲɵm]; "black ground"), also called black soil, regur soil or black cotton soil, is a black-colored soil containing a high percentage of humus (4% to 16%) and high percentages of phosphorus and ammonia compounds.
What's better black dirt or topsoil? ›
Topsoil, as the name would indicate, is a product that has been taken from the top few inches of the earth. At this level, there are many more nutrients and bits of organic material than would be found at a deeper depth. Therefore, in terms of growing plants and the like, topsoil is going to be far more productive.
What is better than topsoil? ›
Whereas topsoil is better suited for a wide range of projects, gardening soil usually fits more of a niche need, sometimes even plant-specific needs. Gardening soil is a combination of a mixture of soils and textures that is designed to target a specific type of gardening project.
What are the best types of dirt? ›
Loam soil is often thought of as the ideal soil type for plants because it's a combination of all the above-mentioned soils. It also has enough nutrients to sustain plants and crops. It's easy to plant with and drains well. Numerous plants and crops plant well in loam soil.
What type of soil is best for backfill? ›
What Soil is Best for Backfill? The coarse-grained soil is the most popular option. It is a blend of gravel, sandy soil, and just enough fine materials. You want soil that will allow for proper drainage and will not expand or contract too much with changes in moisture.
What is 60 40 fill dirt? ›
This type of fill dirt is a 60/40 mix of clay to sand and is mainly used to provide stable elevation and a sturdy, durable hold. Select fill dirt is screened by a soil engineer to ensure that it meets the requirements needed for the project in question.
