Screened Topsoil Vs. Plantable Fill Dirt: What’s the Difference

What is Screened Topsoil?

Screened topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil that has undergone a screening process to remove debris, rocks, and large particles. This process leaves behind a fine, uniform soil that is rich in nutrients, essential for the growth of healthy plants. Topsoil typically consists of a combination of sand, clay, and organic matter, and it’s generally dark in color, which indicates its richness in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.

The screening process ensures that the soil is free of contaminants and has a consistent texture, making it ideal for various landscaping tasks. Screened topsoil is often used for:

• Gardens: Its nutrient-rich composition makes it the perfect medium for planting flowers, vegetables, and shrubs.
• Lawn establishment: Screened topsoil is often used as a top layer for laying sod or seeding new lawns. It provides a fertile environment that encourages strong root development.
• Leveling and grading: It can also be used to level out uneven terrain before planting grass or installing landscaping features.
• Landscaping beds: If you’re creating raised beds or garden beds, screened topsoil provides an excellent growing medium.

Screened topsoil is particularly valued in landscaping projects because of its high organic content. It improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides the nutrients that plants need to thrive.

Characteristics of Screened Topsoil

1. Fine texture: The screening process removes large debris, resulting in a smooth, fine texture.
2. Nutrient-rich: Topsoil contains a significant amount of organic matter, providing nutrients that plants need for growth.
3. Good for drainage: The mix of sand, silt, and clay allows water to drain properly while retaining enough moisture for plants.
4. Minimal contaminants: Screened topsoil is usually free of rocks, roots, and other contaminants, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for plants.
5. Cost: Due to its quality and the additional screening process, screened topsoil can be more expensive than other types of fill dirt.

What is Plantable Fill Dirt?

Plantable fill dirt is often a more economical option in landscaping, but it differs significantly from screened topsoil in terms of composition and use. Fill dirt is generally used for filling in large areas, creating a foundation for structures, or leveling uneven terrain. While it is not as nutrient-rich as topsoil, plantable fill dirt is specifically chosen to be suitable for planting, meaning it still contains enough organic matter to support plant growth.

Fill dirt usually consists of subsoil that has little to no organic material compared to topsoil. It is often mixed with sand, clay, or rocks, depending on the source. However, for landscaping, plantable fill dirt is selected for its ability to support plant life to some degree, though it still lacks the fine, nutrient-rich texture of screened topsoil.

Plantable fill dirt is most commonly used for:

• Filling large voids: It is often used to fill in low spots or large holes in the landscape.
• Building up areas: If you’re raising the grade of your lawn or creating mounds, plantable fill dirt can provide the bulk material you need.
• Erosion control: Fill dirt is also used in areas prone to erosion because of its ability to compact and stabilize.
• Backfilling around foundations: Fill dirt is commonly used around structures to provide support and fill gaps.

Characteristics of Plantable Fill Dirt

1. Coarser texture: Fill dirt is not screened as thoroughly as topsoil, so it can contain larger particles, small rocks, and minimal organic matter.
2. Minimal nutrients: Fill dirt lacks the nutrients and organic matter necessary for lush plant growth without supplementation.
3. Better for structural stability: Its compact nature makes fill dirt ideal for providing a stable foundation, which is why it’s often used in construction or to create mounds.
4. More affordable: Since fill dirt does not go through the same refining process as topsoil, it is usually a more economical option.
5. Requires amendment for planting: If you plan to use plantable fill dirt for a garden or other planting area, you’ll need to add compost or fertilizer to improve its nutrient content.

Key Differences Between Screened Topsoil and Plantable Fill Dirt

• Nutrient content: Screened topsoil is rich in nutrients, while plantable fill dirt contains little to no organic material. Topsoil supports healthy plant growth, while fill dirt requires additional organic matter to achieve the same result.
• Texture: Screened topsoil is fine and smooth due to the screening process, while fill dirt is rougher and may contain rocks and larger particles.
• Use case: Topsoil is ideal for areas where plants, lawns, or gardens are being established. Fill dirt is best used in non-planting areas or as a base layer for structural purposes.
• Cost: Screened topsoil is more expensive due to its nutrient content and the labor involved in the screening process, while fill dirt is more affordable.
• Drainage and structure: Topsoil improves drainage and soil structure, while fill dirt provides stability and is less prone to erosion due to its compact nature.

Which is the Right Choice for Your Landscaping Project?

The choice between screened topsoil and plantable fill dirt depends largely on the nature of your project. If you are focused on creating a garden, planting grass, or installing trees and shrubs, screened topsoil is the best option. Its nutrient-rich composition and fine texture create an optimal environment for plants to grow and thrive. Topsoil is especially important for new lawns or garden beds, where the health and vigor of the plants are paramount.

On the other hand, if you’re working on a project that involves filling large areas, leveling terrain, or creating a stable foundation, plantable fill dirt may be more appropriate. While it lacks the nutrient content of topsoil, it can still support planting with proper amendments. In cases where stability and compaction are key — such as for erosion control or building up landscapes — plantable fill dirt is a practical, cost-effective solution.

In summary, the difference between screened topsoil and plantable fill dirt comes down to their nutrient content, texture, and specific uses in landscaping. Screened topsoil is the superior choice for planting, providing a rich, fine environment for roots to grow. Plantable fill dirt, on the other hand, is best suited for filling, grading, and projects that prioritize stability over fertility. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right soil for your landscaping project and ensure the long-term health and success of your outdoor space.