Topsoil
Also known as: screened topsoil, garden soil, fill dirt
Topsoil is the upper layer of soil, rich in organic matter, used to establish lawns, fill garden beds and level low spots. Screened topsoil has been sifted to remove rocks and debris for a uniform texture.
In simple terms
Topsoil is the good, dark soil plants grow in. Screened topsoil has been run through a screen to take out rocks and clumps, so it spreads evenly for lawns and garden beds.
In depth
Topsoil quality varies by source and by whether it is screened (sifted to a uniform particle size) or unscreened (cheaper, with rocks and clods — better for bulk fill than planting). The best planting beds usually blend topsoil with compost to improve structure, nutrients and water-holding. Note "topsoil" is distinct from "fill dirt," which is subsoil with little organic matter used purely to raise grade. In Placer County’s clay-heavy native ground, importing quality screened topsoil and amending with compost dramatically improves planting results.
Why it matters
The right soil is the foundation of every healthy lawn and garden — screened topsoil blended with compost gives roots the structure, drainage and nutrients native clay often lacks.
Common mistakes
- Using unscreened topsoil or fill dirt for planting beds, where rocks and poor structure hurt growth.
- Spreading topsoil over compacted ground without loosening it first, trapping roots in a shallow layer.
Examples & uses
- Establishing or top-dressing lawns.
- Filling raised beds and garden plots (blended with compost).
- Leveling low spots in yards.