Residential and commercial property owners can use topsoil to generate professional-quality results from their landscaping projects.
Topsoil contains a carefully balanced mixture of vital nutrients which enrich growth and help create full, healthy lawns and beautiful gardens.
More specifically, commercially prepared topsoil is made up of six primary types of ingredients:
- Minerals – The three major minerals found in topsoil are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These elements are derivatives of bedrock, the parent material from which natural topsoil comes.
- Water – Minerals decompose in water, making them easily accessible to plant roots. It also supports bacterial activity in topsoil, helping microbes thrive and distribute nutrients across the lawn or garden.
- Oxygen – The oxygen found in topsoil plays two important roles. Like water, it encourages the activity of the aerobic bacteria which convert organic material into soil nutrients. Second, the air pores in topsoil are capable of storing significant amounts of water, providing supplemental hydration which helps keep grass and plants healthy.
- Microorganisms – By and large, the microorganisms in topsoil help make its nitrogen components more easily consumable by plants. Topsoil contains a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and insects which support nitrogen distribution and recycle organic byproducts.
- Silt – This component locks in water while inhibiting water logging and preventing the saturation of plant roots. It is usually combined with other water-retaining components, including clay, loam and sand.
In short, topsoil does for your lawn and garden what eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh foods does for your body. Without it, you risk depriving your landscape of essential nutrients, a mistake that’s likely to lead to dissatisfying results. It’s especially important in the New York area, given the region’s major seasonal weather fluctuations and the unpredictable nature of its climate.
Of course, price is an important consideration when shopping for topsoil in New York, and topsoil prices are influenced by a wide range of factors. It’s important to weigh these factors into your research to get the best possible value for your investment.
Factors Influencing Topsoil Prices in New York
Three key factors play a major role in setting topsoil prices:
- Quality – Not all commercially prepared topsoil is made equal, and quality makes a huge difference when it comes to results. Generally speaking, inexpensive topsoil is available at reduced prices because they are not as densely saturated with the minerals and nutrients which promote healthy, full lawns and gardens. Premium topsoil commands higher prices, but offer important benefits to landscapers; they have superior nutrient densities, and you’ll notice a major difference in the quality of your lawn and the health of your plants.
- Amount – Like most product, topsoil prices come down as you buy more. Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, especially if you’re committed to getting good results year in and year out.
- Distribution – In most cases, you’ll pay less for your topsoil if you pick it up yourself from the retailer. However, this may not always be possible, especially if you buy in bulk and don’t have a suitable vehicle for transporting it back to your work site. Some retailers won’t charge extra for delivery, but factor these costs into their topsoil prices when setting them.
Another factor that contributes to topsoil prices is your choice of vendor. Wholesalers are generally cheaper than retailers, but as with any purchase, price shouldn’t necessarily be your bottom line.
Retailers usually offer better support and advice than wholesalers, but if you’ve done your own research and know exactly what you want, you may find better prices by going wholesale.
How to Choose Your Topsoil
You should also choose topsoil that supports the type(s) of plants you’re planning to grow. From a general standpoint, there are three basic formulations available:
- Turf topsoil – Designed for growing grass, turf topsoil should be screened to remove all particles larger than 10 millimeters in diameter and contain higher levels of sand and loam.
- Bed and border topsoil – If you’re growing flowers, look for topsoil fortified with composted elements and soil enrichment compounds. Flower bed and garden border topsoil also offers a higher concentration of organic matter.
- Garden topsoil – Intended for vegetable gardens, this type of topsoil should also be richer in nutrients and organic compounds than general-purpose products for lawns. Remember, you’re going to eat what you grow in this soil, so be sure to choose a product of the highest possible quality.
To determine quantity, consider that you should cover the growing area with 4 to 12 inches of enriched topsoil, depending on the quality of the existing soil. If the current soil layer is badly depleted of nutrients, use more; if it’s already close to offering excellent growing conditions, use less.
Topsoil also has other important applications beyond gardening. It can also be used in surface grading to ensure proper drainage around houses and buildings. A downward slope should be created around the perimeter of all buildings, providing a six-inch decline over a 10-foot area.
Trust Braen Supply for All Your Topsoil Needs
Choosing the right supplier is absolutely critical if you’re serious about getting the best possible results for your efforts, and Braen Supply is New York’s leading landscape supply retailer.
Offering a wide range of quality topsoil products at highly competitive prices, Braen Supply is an active member of many different landscaping organizations and professional affiliations. Demanding professionals trust Braen Supply, and so should you.
In addition to a wide range of premium products, Braen Supply is happy to offer expert guidance to all of its customers.
With extensive resources and unparalleled customer support, Braen Supply is your best choice in New York. To learn more about our NY topsoil prices, or if you need any further advice, please contact us.
