Most people believe that dirt is just dirt. However, any construction worker or gardener knows that the quality of the soil and what it is made of makes a big difference in how the land can be used. The two main categories of soil used when working on a landscaping project are fill soil and topsoil. Knowing the compositional differences between the two types of soil can help you make the right decision about which is best for your project. You may even find that you need to combine both types of dirt to get the result you want. Once he's determined what type of soil he's going to need for his project, he'll want to make sure he's getting clean fill soil.
Described Fill Dirt
Backfill soil is the material used to fill holes and low areas or to build terrain in construction sites.Underground, located 12″ below, is called filler dirt. It consists of partially broken soil containing clay, sand, silt and stones, and any other material found in the original soil. If the fill soil comes from the subsoil of former farmland or forest, it will contain whatever material is there. It may contain some organic material, but desirable filler soil is primarily inorganic. Its inorganic qualities make it ideal as a landfill because it does not break down or settle as organic soils often do.
Fill soil is generally less expensive than topsoil or other types of soil needed to support landscape plants. For example, you need certain types of highly organic soil for gardening, depending on what you want to grow. However, to build a house or roadbed, you cannot use topsoil or other garden soil because the organic materials will decompose and the surface will sink. This soil also erodes quickly and does not support building structures.For construction projects, you should use heavier, rockier inorganic fill soil..
Where does the filler dirt come from?
Fill soil is most often used to change the grade or elevation of a property to make it more ideal for its intended use. Fill soil is known as subsoil because it is removed from under the top layer of soil. Depending on where the dirt is collected, it is usually about six inches below the ground. The removal of dirt from this bottom is intentional because it does not contain organic matter. Organic matter breaks down over time, and in doing so, it enriches the soil with many nutrients to help support plant life. However, this organic matter is what also makes the soil very unstable. As the organic matter decomposes, the surrounding soil begins to shift, so the topsoil cannot be used for construction. Filling in soil that is lacking in organic matter is what makes it a terrible soil choice if you want to start a garden.
What distinguishes dirt from clean mulch?
The words "clean" and "dirty" sound like they shouldn't go together, but in this case, it's very important that they do. Clean fill soil is fill soil that does not contain toxins, organic matter, or large debris. If any of these things are found in your fill soil, it could compromise the stability of your fill soil and could ruin the end result of your project. To avoid this, you should always be sure to order your fill soil from a Virginia Certified Fill Soil Contractor who filters the fill soil.
While the idea of backfilling soil may bring to mind the ease of simply digging it up from your garden and getting to work right away, it's actually not that simple to obtain. Ideally, clean filler dirt will first have to undergo some processing in order for it to work as well as it does. It should be checked for any large pieces of debris that may be hiding inside. It should also be tested and cleaned to ensure it does not contain chemicals, toxins, or other manufactured byproducts. Finally, in order for dirt to be considered clean fill, it must be sieved to ensure that it does not contain organic matter. Because these processes are necessary, the fill soil must meet certain local regulations in order to be used. So when looking for a landfill for your project, be sure to find a local landfill company that only provides clean, certified landfills.
The term “fill” is a generic term for any type of soil material used to fill in low-lying areas. Although it is often made of subsoil, the fill can consist of any material: sand, clay, gravel, etc. The term “clean” fill simply means that the material does not contain contaminants. Screened backfill dirt means that the dirt has been screened to remove roots or other unwanted material. When ordering a clean fill, check with your supplier for proper delivery of materials.
In the case of a landfill composed of natural subsoil, a “clean” landfill generally means that it is free of detectable rocks and contaminants. If the landfill is not underground but is made of chunks of concrete, bricks, gravel, or asphalt paving materials, a clean landfill means that it is inert and does not pose a fire hazard or pose a hazard to groundwater.
What is Clean Fill Dirt used for?
Backfill soil used in construction projects must meet grade specifications outlined by the project geotechnical engineer. The provider of the clean landfill must be willing to certify in writing that the landfill is virgin material from a commercial or non-commercial source and that all materials in the landfill soil are natural and free of additives and hazardous materials such as trash, debris, mud , metal, glass, wood or other foreign materials.
Good quality clean inorganic subsoil consists of at least 50% clay. If you are in doubt about the composition of your soil, you can have it tested at your county agricultural extension office or an accredited laboratory. Also, before applying for your land fill, make sure you have reviewed all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations to determine if permits are required and the type of fill you can use.
Clean fill dirt for construction
Clean fill dirt is used primarily for construction purposes. This can be used for land grading, road maintenance, foundation creation, excavation, backfill, etc. or adding a waterfall. With all of these projects, the dirt will likely not be visible when the project is complete. However, just because it's not obvious at first glance doesn't mean that landfill dirt isn't playing an important role in the structure and stability of the finished project. Because filler dirt is such an important part of the overall success of your project, you must ensure that you only source and work with clean filler dirt.
Clean up dirt filler for leveling and landscaping
Sometimes your property may have dips and low spots that you'd rather not have to deal with in your backyard. You can fill them for aesthetic purposes or for more practical purposes, such as filling in low spots to prevent flooding after rain or snow. You may also find that these low spots cause unwanted challenges when mowing. The solution to this problem is to carry out earthworks, which is the process of leveling the land. Land leveling is very common in construction projects because it makes the land much more suitable for building. To level the soil, you just need a little clean soil to fill in the low spots in your garden and make the area more level.
On the other hand, you might find your landscape too boring and flat. In this situation, you can use fill soil to do some landscaping to shape the land to the desired look. This can include creating dimensions by adding hilly areas or creating multi-level terraces.
Clean dirt from padding used for a strong foundation
The most important part of any construction project is a strong, solid foundation. Fill soil is invaluable for creating foundations because its composition of clay, sand, and rock does not change over time. This means that your project is guaranteed to have a solid and lasting foundation. Fill soil is ideal for creating foundations for houses, driveways and paths. Clean fill soil is also often used for road maintenance.
Fill in the clean soil used to support the topsoil
An example ofWhen can fill and topsoil be used together?is that if you have a low spot in your garden, you can fill it with fill soil and then put topsoil over it for grass or other plants to grow. You can also use fill soil to create a deck in your backyard, on top of which you can layer topsoil to create a garden at home. Using both types of soil together can help you create your ideal backyard.
Other types of padding
When you're planning a construction project of any kind, chances are you'll need some type of land to suit your needs. What other types of dirt are commonly used as fillers in various projects? Here is a description of some of them:
sand fill
To fill in low areas, use fill sand which is like fill soil, although the two are very different. Fill sand is made up of fine rock particles that have broken down and eroded into sand over thousands of years. It is good for improving drainage around wetlands and for filling in areas around septic tanks and ponds where drainage is important. Sand tends to be prone to shifting and shifting, while fill soil is very stable. Sand fill with more than 50% sand is a good fill for areas that will be used for plants and then covered with several inches of topsoil. In short, fill soil is the best option for other projects, while sand is best used when it involves regular exposure to water and moisture.
solo superficial
Topsoil is organic. Contains nutrients that will sustain grass and plants. if you just needFill in shallow low spots in your landscaping., topsoil works well. It contains little, if any, rocks or other debris. Cleaned soil is easy to spread and level with a hand rake due to its purity.
rock fill
Rock fill contains large rocks, often larger than a football, to fill deep openings. You can also use the large stones to decorate your garden. It usually comes from blast sites or deep excavations. To grow grass or plants, you'll need to cover with thick layers of clean organic soil, perhaps followed by compost, mulch, or manure.
Contact a reputable soil supplier
Make sure you get the correct type of filler for the project you are planning. Consult a reputable dirt supplier. An experienced fill soil provider can analyze your project needs, help you comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and provide the quality soil you need to help ensure the success of your project.
Fill soil can give your garden the shape and slope you want, while topsoil will help support healthy plants. reach oneVirginia Fill Earth Contractorfor more information and to schedule delivery of fill or topsoil. Additionally, you can use the Dirt Connections Portal using the button below to view the materials available to you.
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FAQs
Is clean fill dirt the same as topsoil? ›
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil? Fill dirt contains few nutrients for plant growth, whereas topsoil contains essential minerals and organic matter. Fill dirt also has more rocks than topsoil.
What is the definition of clean fill dirt? ›While each local and state municipality has their own agreed upon definition of clean fill, it generally is thought of as uncontaminated solid material including soil, rock, stone, dredged material, used asphalt, and brick, block or concrete from construction and demolition activities.
What is the definition of clean fill? ›“Clean fill” means: (1) natural soil. (2) rock, brick, ceramics, concrete, and. asphalt paving fragments which are. virtually inert and pose neither a pollution.
Where does clean fill dirt come from? ›Fill dirt is most often mined from commercial sand and gravel mines then imported to the project site, and must meet specifications for gradation outlined by the Project's Geotechnical Engineer.
Can anything grow on fill dirt? ›Fill dirt consists of a mixture of broken down rocks, sand and clay. It contains little fertility for plants to grow, or any organic matter.
What kind of dirt should I use to level my 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. Mix well so the sand and compost are fully blended with the soil.
What are examples of clean fill? ›Clean fill includes soil, rock, stone, dredged material, used asphalt and brick, block or concrete from construction and demolition activities that is separate from other waste and recognizable as such.
What can you use clean fill for? ›Clean fill is used to fill in holes and depressions in the ground, alter the grade and elevation of a site, or to create artificial mounds or hills.
What are the 3 types of dirt? ›Soil can be classified into three primary types based on its texture – sand, silt and clay. However, the percentage of these can vary, resulting in more compound types of soil such as loamy sand, sandy clay, silty clay, etc.
What is clean fill vs hard fill? ›Clean/Hardfill
Clean hard fill is comprised of items such as concrete, bricks and stones. The “clean” in clean hard fill means that the waste is not contaminated by any other form of waste. These skip bins are typically used for worksites and construction companies, as well as DIY'ers.
Are rocks clean fill? ›
Rock fill is a popular clean fill material given its ability to fill deep holes and depressions in the ground. Rock fill will commonly contain large football size rocks sourced from excavation activities and sites – providing good drainage and fill properties.
Is glass considered clean fill? ›Clean fill means an uncontaminated nonwater-soluble, nondecomposable, inert solid such as concrete, glass and/or clay or ceramic products.
Can grass grow in fill dirt? ›Yes. If you'd rather grow grass or a plant in these property dips or low points you can use fill dirt. The dirt can be tightly packed into the low points and you can plan new grass or sod on top of that area to flatten out your property.
Should I use topsoil to fill holes in my yard? ›Question: I have small holes in my yard and was wondering if I can fill those wholes with a topsoil/sand mix. Answer: You can fill small holes in your yard with topsoil or sand or a topsoil/sand mix.
What is the best fill dirt for foundation? ›Loam is the best soil type for construction due to its ideal combination of silt, sand, and clay. It combines the best of all their qualities into the ideal balance for supporting a foundation. Loam generally does not shift, expand, or shrink drastically and handles the presence of water very well.