Topsoil: The Dirt on… Dirt
Have you thought about your topsoil lately? If not, you should. All topsoils are not created equally.
At Alandscape and Design we offer dry topsoil year-round. Whether you need to fill in a sinkhole, replace areas affected by erosion, create a raised plant bed, condition existing soil around a newly-built home, or design new features in your landscaping, the right soil can make all the difference.
Soil: It’s the Tops!
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil which extends about 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) below ground level. This layer is where most biological activity happens because it contains the highest concentration of organic material, microorganisms and beneficial microbes. The chief components of topsoil are mineral particles, organic matter, water and air. For your garden and landscaping, this layer is important because, aside from being the most visible surface of the soil, it protects seedlings and provides nutrients that best serve the varieties of plants your landscaping features.
Build it up.
New home builds aren’t known for giving topsoil major consideration, so it’s important to tailor the composition of your soil to your specific needs. For instance, you may choose to use a sandy blend which permits better drainage and water penetration if your base soil contains more clay. The best, nutrient-dense soil can make or break the health of your plants and add to the curb appeal of your house.
Down and Dirty
The existing soil around your home may have issues such as improper PH levels, and the right topsoil can correct this and other issues.
Vegetables or annuals can suck up nutrients quickly and soil can get depleted with time, so you may want to ask us about a compost mixture, or fertilizer to replenish what was lost. Fortunately, this can be accomplished inexpensively and is a task best accomplished during the Fall season. Tilling can be done if your soil becomes overly compacted, and it will reintroduce air gaps in the soil which can be beneficial to root structures. Overly-compacted soil can result in areas that get foot traffic, and that can be avoided by outlining vulnerable areas with stones or barriers made with pre-fabricated materials such as pavers. If you need to enter an area for maintenance, you can imbed stepping stones into the surface for access. And speaking of maintenance, the correct blend and type of topsoil can also lead to less watering and weeding later.
As you can see, some upfront work can make for less work down the road if the right topsoil is used. Alandscape and Design can help you determine what your needs are and supply you with quality soil best suited to your specific needs. We can also recommend the best maintenance practices to keep your topsoil healthy and working for you all year.