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Topsoil is the uppermost layer of earth in which all plant life grows.
But you might be wondering: How much is a yard of dirt?
We’re breaking down what you gotta know below.
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What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard (yd3) is a measurement of volume in the U.S.
Customary and Imperial systems of measurement.
It is determined by multiplying length x width x height/depth.
One cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet.
Retail
Retailers like garden centers and home improvement stores usually sell topsoil in 40 pound bags.
One bag will cover an area of 12 square feet to an depth of inch.
Topsoil is sold under many different brand names and content can differ.
Generally, the more organic material in the product, the higher the cost.
Most products fall into a range of $3 to $5 per 40 pound bag.
Expect to pay between $12 and $55 per cubic yard.
Delivery can increase this amount up to around $100 or more depending on soil quality and distance.
One cubic yard covers 100 square feet to a depth of 3 inches.
Types of Topsoil
There are different compositions for topsoil with dozens of different brand names and manufacturers.
Essentially, you are choosing one of three types: black dirt, loam, or screened loam.
Tip
All topsoil contains weed seed.
Screening can remove some seeds but others are simply too small to guarantee a completely weed-free product.
Delivery
Delivery for bulk topsoil is a convenience and can save wear and tear on your vehicle.
Landscape companies may be equipped to deliver themselves or they may contract out for the service.
If you are purchasing topsoil by the truckload, ask what pop in of truck is used.
Rates may be based on an hourly fee or the number of miles to your home.
This can raise delivery costs for rural homeowners.
For suppliers, materials for soil products are easier to access in less populated areas.
Shipping costs incurred by suppliers may be reflected in higher cost to the urban consumer.
Dig down 8 inches and look for soil to become more dense and lighter in color.
The darker top layer is measured as topsoil.
It varies depending on how much moisture it contains.
One cubic yard of dry topsoil averages around 1,080 pounds.
When wet that number can increase to up to a ton or 2,000 pounds.
A scoop of topsoil is usually equivalent to a front loader bucket full or around 1/2 cubic yard.
One cubic yard of topsoil is equal to 36 (40) pound bags.
The shocking truth about topsoil.
MSU Extension
Determining topsoil depth.
Determining aerable land classes
