Soil is the most beneficial organic material and plays an important role in our environment. It allows plant life to grow, houses many creatures, and emits/absorbs gases for our atmosphere. Naturally, it also serves as a foundation for a variety of structures. When it comes to landscaping, the soil is an essential component for lawns, garden beds, flower beds, and planters. Soil is not simple, plain dirt. There are many varieties and different compositions which serve a specific purpose depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Soil landscaping supplies may include shredded topsoil, planting soil (50/50 mix), manure, compost, or premium triple mix. As Spring approaches, it is essential to understand the varieties of landscaping soil supplies and their uses so that your landscape thrives and looks its best.

There are six soil layers: organic, topsoil, eluviated horizon, subsoil, parent material, and bedrock. The second layer, known as topsoil, is most commonly used and addressed by landscaping professionals. Topsoil is roughly 5-10 inches of the outermost layer of the earthy surface. It is made up of living or decaying organic matter giving topsoil its rich dark colour and is nutrient-dense qualities. Therefore, supporting the surrounding living organisms.

Shredded topsoil is a fine-screened, field stripped soil. It is the final product of a manufactured process. The process allows soil particles to pass or sift through the mesh. The result is consistent particle size. Why is this important? Water and nutrients need to be able to flow freely in order to nourish your plant life. This soil is easy to manage, making it excellent for large grading jobs, deep fill areas, larger plants, including fruit trees. Shredded topsoil is also great to use before laying new sod. One of the first steps is to prepare the soil beneath. Shredded topsoil is an excellent choice. It gives enough space for water and nutrients to penetrate and be distributed evenly.

Planting Soil (50/50 Mix) is a combination of shredded topsoil and premium triple mix. Premium triple mix is a blend of peat moss, manure, and sand. The shredded topsoil adds substance, while the triple mix provides organic nutrients necessary for planting. This soil is excellent for new plantings, deep-filled planters, flowerbeds, gardens, and top-dressing lawns. Top-dressing a lawn is the process in which organic matter is spread evenly “on top” of grass. It is essential for a lush lawn, making the surface even by filling in any irregularities in the structure, therefore assisting with drainage. Topdressing a lawn is tedious work. However, lawn care can be made simple with the right tools and correct landscaping soil supplies.

Compost is also used as a top-dressing and has various benefits. It is an essential material for encouraging a healthy lawn. Compost is used to assist in the feeding and development of microorganisms such and micro-flora and microfauna. The sound of microorganisms may not be appealing; however, their existence assists in the breakdown of thatch and lawn clippings. Compost is nutrient-dense and assists the soil in retaining moisture. At FSI Landscape Supply, we recommend mushroom compost. Mushroom compost is a mix of peat moss, manure, and decomposed mushrooms making an excellent fertilizer for flower beds, gardens, and top-dressing lawns.

Are you in need of landscaping soil supplies for this coming Spring? Contact us here at FSI Landscaping Supply!