Topsoil vs. Fill Dirt: Which One Do You Really Need?

You’re probably planning a yard project and wondering if you need topsoil or fill dirt. I used to get confused, too, so I get it. The two might look similar, but they’re not used the same way.



If you pick the wrong one, you could waste time and money and make a mess. I’ll walk you through what each one is for, how they’re different, and how to choose the right one for your job.

Topsoil is the top layer of the ground, usually the first 2 to 8 inches. It’s rich in nutrients, dark in color, soft to the touch, and full of life.

That’s why plants grow best in it.



• Building up garden beds
• Planting trees, flowers, or vegetables
• Spreading over bare patches in your yard

Topsoil is not stable enough to build on. It shifts, holds moisture, and breaks down over time.

Fill dirt comes from deeper underground. It doesn’t have much organic material and isn’t good for growing things, but it’s solid and reliable.



Fill dirt is used for:

• Filling in holes and low spots
• Leveling land before concrete or pavers
• Raising the grade near foundations
• Building berms or backfilling retaining walls

Fill dirt stays compact, which makes it perfect for construction and support.

Here is a simple way to look at it

If you are planting anything, use topsoil. It feeds the roots and holds water.



If you are filling in holes or getting ready to build, use fill dirt. It gives a strong base and will not move around. For some projects, you may need both. Fill dirt underneath to build the base. Then, you can add topsoil on top so plants can grow.

Here are some things you want to avoid



• Planting directly into fill dirt
• Building on soft topsoil
• Skipping screening (rocks, roots, or trash in the dirt)
• Not compacting fill dirt before building on it
• Adding topsoil too thin over fill, which can dry out or blow away

Double-check the purpose of your project before you order. It makes a big difference.

Ask these questions when buying soil

• Is the topsoil screened to remove rocks and roots?
• Is the fill dirt clean and free of debris or trash?
• How much will I need based on square footage and depth?

Good suppliers will help you figure this out if you explain what you're doing.
If they don’t ask questions or give suggestions, call someone else.



Also, if your project includes clearing or hauling away dirt before you start, understanding how dirt removal works can save you time and extra costs. Dirt removal and site clearing often go hand-in-hand with fill and topsoil delivery.