It is pretty common to see people confused about the difference between topsoil and fill dirt. Even though there are some similarities between the two types, the primary differentiator is the amount of organic matter used in the topsoil. As compared to fill dirt, there is an abundance of organic matter in topsoil that encourages the growth of many plants.
For this particular reason, many people wonder whether or not a specific plant will grow in fill dirt. Here we will be going over the possibility of growing grass in fill dirt.
Will Grass Grow in Fill Dirt?
The answer to this question depends entirely upon the type of fill dirt you’re using. If there is sufficient organic matter available in the fill dirt, then you will quite quickly grow grass in the fill dirt. However, if you’re just using a sand mixture with minimal or no organic matter, then you won’t be able to grow grass in the fill dirt. This issue is quite common for people that try to level their garden by using excessive amounts of fill dirt. So, if you want to maintain a grassy lawn, it is best to choose the fill dirt with maximum organic matter.
However, if you’ve already chosen sand mixture, all hope is not lost. You can quickly get the grass to grow by adding a layer of topsoil over the fill dirt. Luckily, grass doesn’t rely on much thickness of topsoil to grow. So, you can go for three inches of topsoil over the fill dirt and then plant grass over the topsoil. Doing this will make it easier to manage the garden, and the mulching process afterward will keep adding to the fertility of the soil.
Depending upon the size of your garden, covering it with topsoil can be quite a substantial expense. So, make sure that you have the money set aside for this project. However, if you’re dealing with a small patch of land, it shouldn’t be a problem to use a few inches of topsoil. With that said, you should refer to a local landscaping company to get a rough estimate of the budget.
Similarly, you can refer to local experts if you’re unsure about the organic content in your fill dirt. Reaching out to an expert will not only save you a lot of time but will also avoid wastage. So, if you’re unsure about the use of topsoil, ask an expert.
To Conclude
Ideally, there shouldn’t be an issue while growing grass on the fill dirt if there is sufficient organic content in the soil. However, if you’re using a sand mixture as the fill dirt, then there are minimal chances of encouraging grass growth in your garden. For this reason, it is best to use a thin layer of topsoil to provide the grass with sufficient nutrients.
Depending upon the size of your garden, even managing a thin layer of topsoil can be a substantial expense. So, make sure to consult local experts before making the investment in your garden.