Bulk materials
Topsoil
Screened topsoil for lawns, planting beds, sod prep and leveling, delivered by the cubic yard.
What it is
Topsoil is the growing layer. It carries the organic matter and nutrients that grass, gardens and landscape beds need, and it gives roots something better than bare Florida sand. It is meant for growing, not for deep structural fill.
Common uses
- Establishing new lawns and sod
- Leveling low spots and uneven lawn areas
- Building up and refreshing planting beds
- A growing layer over compacted fill
In plain English
Topsoil, explained without the jargon
Written for anyone who has never ordered bulk material before. If your project sounds different to what you read here, tell us about it and we will talk it through.
What it looks like
Dark brown screened soil with a loose, crumbly texture. You may see small bits of root, shell or stone in it.
How big the pieces are
Loose soil rather than stone: think of the dirt in an established planting bed, not something with pieces you would pick up one at a time.
What it is like to walk or drive on
Soft and a little spongy underfoot, especially in the first weeks. It is not a surface to drive or park on.
What it is normally used for here
Filling low spots in a lawn, prepping ground before sod, building or topping up planting beds, and smoothing out an uneven yard.
How it handles water
Holds moisture far better than the sand under most Southwest Florida yards, which is usually the point of adding it. Water moves through it more slowly than through sand or stone.
When not to use it
Not a base under pavers, slabs, sheds or driveways: it keeps settling under weight. Not a fix for a low spot that is low because water has nowhere to go.
What it gets confused with
Fill dirt, which is for bulk and shape rather than growing, and compost, which is far richer and is mixed in rather than used on its own.
How it changes over time
Settles in the first few weeks and after heavy rain, so it is normally spread slightly high. Bare topsoil crusts in the sun until it is planted, sodded or mulched.
Sizes are approximate. Crushed stone and shell are screened rather than cut to size, so every load holds a range of pieces and some dust.
Planning your order
How much topsoil do you need?
Measure the length, width and depth of the area. New lawns and planting beds commonly need several inches of good soil. Settling and compaction reduce the final depth, so a little extra avoids a second delivery.
As a general rule, one cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. Coverage changes with depth and material, so use the calculator for your numbers and we will confirm before delivery.
Before you order: a quick checklist
- Measure the length, width and planned depth. The calculator turns them into cubic yards.
- Consider depth. It changes the quantity more than most people expect. We can advise on depth for the job.
- Pick the drop spot: a firm, reachable place close to where you will use the material.
- Check access: gates, soft ground, low wires or branches and tight turns. Delivery checklist.
- Check community rules on bulk deliveries and materials if you have an HOA.
- Deliveries have a 3 cubic yard minimum, and the delivery fee is set by ZIP code.
Real projects
See this material in a real project
Absolutely wonderful experience with Unplugged Designs! We recently purchased 3 yards of their premium screened topsoil for our vegetable garden beds, and we couldn’t be happier with the quality.
Delivery
Delivered to your driveway or job site.
We deliver to accessible driveways and job sites across Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. Let us know about gates, soft ground, low wires or HOA rules when you request a quote.
- 3 cubic yard minimumDelivered by the yard to your driveway or job site.
- Typically 3–5 daysNext-day is often available, depending on material and routing.
- Fee set by ZIP codeQuoted up front, before your order is confirmed.
- Fort Myers basedDelivering across Lee County and Southwest Florida.
Guides
Before you order
Related materials
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Need Topsoil delivered?
Send the address, measurements and how you will use it. We will confirm the yardage, price and delivery fee.