how do you fill a yard with fill dirt

Fill in the area with fill dirt so that the soil is up to the string lines. Use a wheelbarrow to transport loads of dirt to the different areas, and then spread it out with a rake. Roll the yard with a lawn roller, which will pack down the soil. This packing will lower the soil below the lines.

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How to get free fill dirt for your yard?

Mar 01, 2022 · Fill in the area with fill dirt so that the soil is up to the string lines. Use a wheelbarrow to transport loads of dirt to the different areas, and then spread it out with a rake. To fill in lawn ruts and holes, blend planting soil with sand and/or compost. Usually blending equal parts

Where to buy fill dirt?

Mar 06, 2019 · You need to place enough fill dirt in the low point to make it level with the high point. The fill dirt that has been placed will change the level of the slope and prevent water from pooling where you do not want it to. A level backyard is also essential for any project that is going to involve some building.

How to use fill dirt to level a backyard?

How do you fill a yard with fill dirt? Fill in the area with fill dirt so that the soil is up to the string lines. Use a wheelbarrow to transport loads of dirt to …

What is the best dirt to level yard?

Mar 31, 2021 · Testing and Amending Fill Dirt . It may take some work to whip your free fill dirt into shape. Start by testing to see if the soil is too acidic or alkaline. You can do this without a test kit. If you'd like to know more about your soil, check with your local cooperative extension office.

How do I fill my yard with dirt?

STEP 1: Mow the lawn. ... STEP 2: Examine the amount of thatch at the lawn's roots, then dethatch as needed. ... STEP 3: Mix sand, topsoil, and compost. ... STEP 4: Dig up the grass in sunken parts of the lawn and fill with the soil mixture. ... STEP 5: Spread the rest of the soil mixture in a thin layer to even out the entire lawn.More items...•Nov 22, 2021

What kind of dirt do you use to level a yard?

A typical mixture is 40 percent sand, 40 percent topsoil, and 20 percent compost. The sand provides good drainage, while the compost adds nutrients to the soil to promote grass growth. Mix a batch of leveling mix in a wheelbarrow or tub, using a shovel.Jun 5, 2021

What should I use to fill my yard?

To fill in lawn ruts and holes, blend planting soil with sand and/or compost. Usually blending equal parts of each material forms a mix that allows grass to root effectively through the mix into existing soil. Check with your local extension agent or garden center for specific soil recommendations for your area.

What's the best fill dirt to use?

Topsoil is a healthy, nutrient-rich material that sits at the top of the earth's layer and is full of organic matter. Because of this, topsoil is a much better option for growing plants than fill dirt because plants can root, grow, and thrive in the more spacious material of topsoil.Aug 11, 2017

Can you use topsoil to level yard?

Filling Low Spots in the Lawn You can easily make your own lawn patching soil by mixing sand and dry topsoil in equal parts of half-and-half, spreading the leveling mix into low-lying areas of the lawn. Some people also use compost, which is great for enriching the soil.Jul 26, 2021

How do you level an uneven backyard?

Use these 8 steps for how to level a yard to ensure great results.STEP 1: Mow Your Lawn. ... STEP 2: Dethatch Your Lawn [As Needed] ... STEP 3: Dig up the grass in the sunken area of the lawn. ... STEP 4: Make Soil Mix: Topsoil, Sand and Compost. ... STEP 5: Fill Sunken Areas and Holes with Soil Mixture. ... STEP 6: Even Out the Entire Lawn.More items...•Jan 17, 2022

Is fill dirt the same as topsoil?

Remember, fill dirt is normally used to add stability to your yard or project. Topsoil adds nutrients to the dirt and is typically used for gardens and plant/grass growth. Both types of dirt are necessary but each is used for different reasons.

Can I put fill dirt over grass?

Adding soil over grass can be another effective form of repairing a lawn. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed.

How do you fill a sloped yard?

Rocks and boulders can really help to fill in a sloped yard. Artistically placed at the bottom of the hill or scattered down the slope, boulders provide a natural backfill area behind them. You can fill in and flatten out the soil in these areas, providing a planting area for shrubs and plants.

Does sand or gravel drain better?

Sand compacts and retains moisture, therefore it does not drain as well as gravel. Although sand is not the best choice for back-filling a French drain, it does work well for some other types of drainage systems.

What Is Land Grading?

In terms of construction, land grading is a construction process in which land is leveled or sloped to form a base, typically called for when a foundation is needed for a building. Land grading can also be used to correct drainage problems, prevent flooding, level backyard space so the area is more useful, or terrace a property’s hillside yard.

Using Fill Dirt To Level A Backyard

To begin leveling your yard, you need to determine the exact parameters of the area you are going to be leveling. This could be a relatively small piece of your land, or it could be your entire backyard. You will want to start by removing all grass, trees, and foliage from the area so they do not get in your way.

Speak With A Virginia Fill Dirt Contractor

Experiencing difficulties with land grading or leveling your backyard? It is best to receive assistance from a professional fill dirt contractor who has experience leveling front, side and backyards as well as assisting homeowners with their construction projects.

The Difference Between Fill Dirt and Topsoil

There are plenty of reasons you may find yourself needing some fill dirt. Perhaps you have a garden to level or a big gaping hole to fill in your yard. No matter what the reason is, you may find yourself wondering if there's a way to fill it for free instead of spending money.

What Is Topsoil?

Before searching, remember that topsoil and fill dirt are different and each should be used for specific reasons. Both are used for filling in large areas where soil is needed. But choosing the right dirt could be important for your project. Topsoil is just that—the top layer of soil in a garden or landscape.

What Is Fill Dirt?

Fill dirt is not as fine or pure as topsoil, and it lacks organic matter. It's also the layer beneath the topsoil in a garden or landscape. Fill dirt will, however, contain more stones, rocks, and dense earth that's ideal for filling holes.

Visit Construction Sites

If you see a basement being dug for a new home or an in-ground pool being installed, there's a good bet they're going to have a bunch of dirt to haul off when they're done (and they're probably expecting to pay to dump it).

Check Online Dirt-Matching Sites

Construction, excavating, and landscaping companies have turned to posting their excess soil inventories online via dirt-matching sites. Some sites are only local, and the national sites just need your zip code or address. Many of these sites are open to homeowners as well. Try these favorites:

Befriend a Farmer

Manure is a great amendment for your garden soil, and it's readily available. Jump on Craigslist or Freecycle, and you'll find lots of ads for free horse or chicken manure. Just know that you'll need to compost it before you can use it in your garden. Want something you can use right away? Then, look for rabbit manure.

Check Your Local Town Hall

Call your town hall, and ask if there is a local fill dirt program. Chances are there's an area at the local town dump set aside for fill dirt. You may find there are restrictions on how much you can take, and you'll have to find your own way to haul away the dirt.

What Amounts Does Dirt Come In?

Measuring dirt isn’t done by simply getting out a tape measure and measuring out the length and width of the space. Dirt is most often measured in cubic yards, and the application of this amount depends on several different factors.

What Type of Dirt Do I Need For My Project?

If you didn’t already know, not all dirt is created equal. Dirt for construction projects both big and small can be divided into two different types: topsoil and fill dirt.

Contact Dirt Connections Today for All of Your Dirt Needs

Proper planning and measuring gives you a way to determine the amount of dirt that you need for your project, but what about obtaining the dirt itself? At Dirt Connections, we have all of the resources and experience required to deliver dirt anywhere around the Washington D.C. area, for both residential and commercial projects.

Cost of Fill Dirt, Sand & Topsoil Delivery

A bulk truck load of dirt, topsoil, or sand, costs $150 to $600 on average for 10 to 15-yards delivered. Topsoil prices range from $10 to $50 per yard, fill dirt costs $5 to $25 per yard, and the cost of sand is $15 to $50 per yard, including delivery.

How Much Fill Dirt, Topsoil, or Sand Do You Need?

How much dirt, topsoil, or sand you need is typically measured in cubic yards and is the most significant factor in determining your final delivery cost. When figuring the yards of dirt, add 5% to 10% to account for waste and spills.

Topsoil Prices

Bulk topsoil costs $10 to $50 per yard depending on the amount, moisture content, delivery fees, and quality of materials. A 10 to 15-yard dump truck load of topsoil costs $150 to $500 for delivery, and a ½-yard scoop runs $10 to $30 for pickup. For smaller projects, topsoil costs $2 to $6 per bag or about $35 to $120 per yard.

Fill Dirt Cost

Fill dirt costs $5 to $25 per yard or between $4 and $15 per ton delivered, depending on the type, volume ordered, and distance away. Fill dirt is used for filling holes, raising the ground level, filling in a pool, improving drainage, construction, or for trench and septic backfill.

Cost of Sand

Bulk sand prices range from $10 to $40 per ton, or between $15 and $50 per yard depending on the type, quantity, and distance delivered. The average cost of sand installed is $50 to $150 per ton, which includes the sand, delivery, spreading labor, supplies, and equipment fees.

Bulk Mulch, Rock & Gravel Delivery Prices

Bulk mulch, rock, and gravel delivery costs $15 to $30 per yard, with most spending $50 to $150 per trip depending on the amount ordered and your location. Delivery is typically included in the cost of the material up to 5 miles, and discounts apply for large quantities.

Dump Truck Dirt Delivery, Rental & Hauling Costs

The average cost of dirt delivery is $50 to $150 depending on the size of the truck, dirt load capacity (in yards), and the distance away from your location. Additional hauling fees of $10 per mile may apply for every mile exceeding 5 miles. Check upfront if you live within their normal delivery area.