Soil Cost

• If you can haul it yourself, dirt may be available for free from construction or excavation companies, or for a nominal charge if you need it delivered. However, it's best if you examine the dirt before accepting it, as it's likely to have a lot of debris in it. Some companies sell "clean" or screened fill dirt for $8 -$15 a cubic yard, or $40 -$75 for five yards to spread it 3+ inches deep over a 500-square-foot area (20x25 feet).
• The cost of topsoil depends a lot on location. In some areas of the US topsoil sells for about $12 -$18 a cubic yard, with a delivery charge of $15 -$60 depending on amount and distance (and delivery may be free with larger loads of 10 yards or more), for a total cost of $75 -$150 for five yards, delivered. However, in other parts of the county topsoil averages $20 -$30 a yard, plus delivery charges of $50 -$200 or more (depending on weight and distance), for a total cost of $150 -$350 for five yards delivered. Typically lower-quality topsoil is at the lower end of the scale, and the more yards you order the less it will cost per cubic yard.
• Topsoil is also sold in bags, at $2 -$5 a bag. It takes roughly 18-20 bags to make a cubic yard, or $36 -$100. That works out to about $180 -$500 for five yards; typically, bags of topsoil are only used for extremely small areas.

• Topsoil is simply the top layer of soil, usually 2-6 inches deep and containing concentrated organic matter and microorganisms. Most plants concentrate their roots in this top layer of soil and obtain most of their nutrients from it. However, there are no laws regulating the content of what is sold as "topsoil." Bagged topsoil may simply be a blend of composted bark or peat and sand. The easiest way to evaluate topsoil is by looking at it and feeling it. Good topsoil is a rich dark brown color, and will crumble through your fingers without too much clumping. Utah State University Extension provides guidelines for topsoil quality.
• Typically topsoil is spread about 3-5 inches thick for laying new lawn sod or turf; 8-12 inches deep to fill a vegetable garden; and 12-18 inches deep for raised planting beds.

• If you're buying a large amount of topsoil, you might want to spend $12 -$20 for a soil test kit, available from a home improvement center or for a small fee (or sometimes free) from your local agricultural cooperative extension office.

• To locate free or low-cost soil in your area, search the listings at FreeDirt.com. You can also post a sign in your area saying "Clean fill dirt wanted" with your phone number, or visit local construction sites and ask about fill dirt. Ask about quality and be sure to inspect the dirt before accepting it.
• Home improvement centers such as Home Depot and Lowe's usually sell topsoil by the bag, although it may not be available during the winter months.
• Search for state or regional associations of the American Nursery and Landscape Association for referrals to local garden centers and landscape firms

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