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Topsoil with added compost

      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Science of Soil: Understanding the Three Parts

To get the best results for your landscaping project, you first need to understand what’s under the surface. All soil is a mixture of three primary minerals: Sand, Silt, and Clay. The specific ratio of these three determines how your plants grow, how water drains, and the overall health of your yard.

The Building Blocks of Soil

    • Sand: The largest particles. Sand allows for high oxygen levels and excellent drainage but holds very little water or nutrients.

    • Silt: Medium-sized particles. Silt acts as the "glue" that holds moisture while still allowing for air circulation.

    • Clay: The smallest particles. Clay is nutrient-rich but packs tightly, which can lead to drainage issues if not balanced.

                                                                     

Why "Sandy Loam" is the Gold Standard

Different combinations of these minerals create different soil classifications. Sandy Loam is the most popular and effective base for professional soil manufacturing.

  • Composition: A precise blend containing between 50% and 70% naturally occurring sand.

  • Performance: The high sand content ensures water drains freely away from roots to prevent rot, while the silt and clay retain enough moisture to keep plants hydrated.

  • The Puyallup/Midland Standard: In the Pacific Northwest, Sandy Loam is the ideal balance. It allows our heavy winter rains to infiltrate the ground without puddling, while sustaining growth during our increasingly dry summer months.

         

Our Premium Soil Blends

We offer two primary blends designed specifically for the unique climate of the Puget Sound area.  Satisfaction Guaranteed.

               

1. Topsoil with Added Compost

Our standard topsoil is a sandy loam-based product with added compost for nutrient amendment and better structure. It's screened thru a  1/2" screen. It is a fantastic choice for:

  • Flower beds

  • Establishing new lawns

  • General landscaping filler

                               

2. The "Rain Mix" (60/40 Blend)

For specific drainage challenges, we offer a specialty 60/40 Rain Mix (60% coarse washed C-33 sand and 40% composted yard/garden waste).

  • Workability: It spreads like "warm butter on hot toast."

  • Extreme Drainage: Handles up to 9" of rain per hour—far more than the record rainfall seen in Tacoma in 2025!

  • Rain Gardens: Perfect for downspouts and rain gardens, filtering pollutants while allowing water to infiltrate safely.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect Lawn

If you are putting in a new lawn, follow these steps for professional results:

  1. Grade & Smooth: Dump topsoil in voids and smooth it out using the back of a grade rake to reach your desired grade.

  2. Roll it Out: Use a roller back and forth in three different directions to make the surface smooth and even.

  3. Scarify the Surface: Use the tine side of the grade rake to lightly "scratch" the surface. This creates the necessary surface area for the seed to take hold.

  4. Seed & Fertilize: Broadcast your seed. (Pro Tip: You have enough seed when you can't fit a dime between the individual seeds). Follow up with a starter fertilizer.                                                                   

  5. The Final Touch (Peat Moss): Apply a 1/4" to 1/2" layer of peat moss. It is the best protective, biodegradable cover available to keep seeds moist.

  6. Mist & Grow: Set your hose to Mist and water until the peat changes from light brown to dark brown. Avoid dragging the hose through the peat! In three weeks, you’ll have a lush new lawn.

                                              

You might be thinking about some bark in the beds next to your new green grass, to finnish off your project.  Here is a link to our bark selection.

Planning Your Project

How Much Do You Need?

Use our built-in calculator to enter your Length, Width, and Depth to get a total in cubic yards.

Pro Tip: When installing a new lawn, using a roller will compact the soil. We recommend accounting for a 10–15% "compaction buffer" in your order to ensure you reach your final grade.

Delivery & Pickup Notes

  • Truck Capacity: An average pickup truck can typically carry 1/2 yard of material.

  • Finishing Touches: While topsoil is the foundation, we also carry a full selection of Round Rock, Cobble, and Gravel to finish your landscaping project.

          [Click Here to View Our Rock & Gravel Selection]

All topsoil needs to be feterlized.

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