Posted on 6th July 2018 by Hintons
When you need some topsoil for your landscaping or construction project, it’s essential to recognise that different topsoils have different classifications and uses. Choosing the wrong topsoil for your specific application can jeopardise your project, so before you arrange delivery with your topsoil supplier, make sure to check this guide so you know exactly what you need.
Classifying by pH
For gardeners looking for quality topsoil for their lawn, turf or bedding area, the pH level will be one of the most influential factors. It mainly depends on your application, what plants you’re working with, for example. Certain plants require soil with an agreeable pH level, and using one that is either too acidic or too alkaline means the plant won’t be able to thrive.
The same is true of turfs and lawns, and so as part of the planning stage, figure out which soil structure and which pH level is best for your gardening needs. You should then be able to find a topsoil which matched up with your requirements.
Classifying by application
Most commercially available topsoil will be classified by common gardening or landscaping applications – which makes it nice and easy to find a suitable product. Again, mismatching your topsoil with your application will hamper or even ruin your project, so pay attention to the types of topsoil available and pick one which best suits the application. Common classifications include:
- Turf & lawn seeding topsoil – easy-spread topsoil suited towards helping new lawns thrive
- Unscreened topsoil – mainly used for filling, where quantity and not quality is preferred – great for filling holes during landscaping projects
- Fruit and vegetable topsoil – rich with organic matter with a neutral pH level, provides a healthy environment for growing quality fruit and veg
- All purpose topsoil – screened topsoil with a neutral pH level, great for general purpose gardening and should be suitable for a large variety of plants and flowers
Bulk topsoil vs bagged topsoil
Another factor you’ll need to take into consideration is the quantity of topsoil required. This is where you’ll face the decision between bagged and bulk topsoil. Bagged topsoil is the kind you’ll find in your local garden centre, bagged and branded to help you find the right type in manageable quantities. These are best used for small gardening projects – creating raised beds or small fruit and vegetable patches, for example.
Bulk topsoil is similar, but comes unbagged and delivered to your site in much greater quantities. Unlike manufactured bagged topsoil, bulk topsoil can also be previously dug and screened garden soil which is stockpiled by suppliers.
Natural bulk topsoil typically comes with higher organic content, and can often be of higher quality, but bagged topsoil isn’t necessarily that far behind – especially for smaller projects.
When deciding between the two, think about the following:
- Space – do you have the space to receive a large, bulk order of topsoil?
- Application – do you need a large amount of topsoil for a new lawn, hedge, large-scale bedding area or garden renovation?
- Cost – would a bulk buy work out cheaper for your requirements? Projects over a certain size will definitely be more cost-effective with bulk topsoil
Topsoil suppliers
Whichever topsoil to you require, it’s always best to find a reputable supplier of certified topsoil. For large commercial landscaping or construction – or for domestic gardening requirements, Hinton’s is proud to be a professional topsoil supplier for a range of applications.
At Hinton’s Waste, our expert team can help you find the ideal topsoil for your project. From pH level to quantity and application, we supply quality topsoil to help your garden thrive all year round. To find out more about our topsoil supply service in Croydon and London, contact us today.