How To Measure
Measure the length and width of the area in feet. For filling low spots, do your best to estimate the average depth needed to bring it level.
Depth Recommendations
New Lawns (Seeding/Sod): 4–6 inches.
Raised Garden Beds: 6–10 inches (Mixed with compost).
Deep Holes: Top 6–10 inches only (Use fill sand below).
The "Settling" Rule: Freshly screened soil is full of air. Once it rains, it will settle by about 20%. Always order roughly 20% more than your exact math suggests, or overfill your holes slightly so they dry perfectly level with your existing lawn.
Screened Topsoil: The Crucial Top Layer for Lawns and Gardens
Not all dirt is created equal. In the Michiana area, our screened topsoil is the nutrient-rich surface layer of soil that is carefully scraped away before local quarries dig deeper for sand and gravel. It is then mechanically screened to remove large rocks, heavy roots, and debris.
The result is a soft, workable soil that provides the ideal environment for grass seed to germinate and plant roots to take hold. Because it is highly aerated during the screening process, it is fluffy and incredibly easy to spread by hand or machine. However, because it is natural soil, it behaves differently than sand or stone—understanding how it settles and holds water is the key to a successful landscaping project.
FAQ
Can I use topsoil to build up the grade against my house and stop water?
Absolutely not. This is one of the most common and dangerous DIY mistakes we see. Topsoil acts like a sponge—it is literally designed to hold water for plants. If you pile it against your foundation, it will hold moisture right against your concrete. If you have drainage issues, we highly recommend digging down and installing a proper drain tile system to move the water away, rather than trapping it with topsoil.
I have a deep sinkhole or old pool to fill. Should I use 100% topsoil?
No, that will be an expensive mistake. Screened topsoil settles significantly over time. If you fill a 3-foot hole with topsoil, it will eventually sink and leave you with a massive depression in your yard. For deep holes, we recommend using cheaper "fill sand" or structural dirt for the bottom, and only using screened topsoil for the top 6 to 10 inches where the grass roots will actually grow.
Is this soil ready to go straight into a raised vegetable bed?
It is a fantastic base, but we always recommend amending it. Because this is natural field topsoil, it can compact or get heavy during the hot, dry Michiana summers. If you are building raised beds, use our topsoil for your bulk volume, but mix in some premium compost or peat moss to keep it light and nutrient-dense for your vegetables.
