Topsoil 101: What is it and Why is it Important?

Topsoil 101: What is it and Why is it Important? lehnhoff's supply

Let’s discuss the importance of topsoil and discover its incredible benefits.

When creating a beautiful landscape, there is more to it than choosing and planting beautiful flowers. Topsoil often gets overlooked, yet it is an essential landscaping tool that every gardener needs. Topsoil is the top 2 to 10 inches of soil that provides the ground with nutrients to keep plants healthy. Let’s discuss the importance of topsoil and discover its incredible benefits.

What is Topsoil?

Topsoil is the top layer of the earth’s surface, anywhere from 2 to 10 inches into the ground. The dark-colored soil is rich in organic matter and microorganisms. Plant roots can be found in the top layer, as nutrients are easy to obtain here.

Natural topsoil occurs when leaves and plants decay. As they decompose, they create a nutrient-rich layer of dirt. Depending on your landscape, you may have more natural topsoil in some areas than others. This is why your flowers may thrive in one area but struggle in another. 

Topsoil Adds Nutrients

Topsoil is the uppermost layer of your yard, brimming with organic matter and nutrients. Your plants need a variety of nutrients to thrive, and topsoil offers your landscape a diverse menu of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to give plants the energy they need to grow and flourish.

Topsoil Improves Water Retention

Topsoil soaks up and retains rainwater, preventing it from running off and causing soil erosion. This brings excellent benefits to your landscape and the environment. 

When rainwater is retained, plants receive a steady supply of moisture over time. This helps plants survive droughts and reduces the need for excessive watering. When more water is absorbed, less of it runs off, protecting the environment as fewer pollutants enter rivers and streams.

Topsoil Fixes Lawn Damage

Topsoil is also extremely handy for repairing lawn damage. It can be used to dress up bare spots and fill in low areas to help support future grass growth. When you do this, make sure to only add as much topsoil as necessary because the topsoil may not be compatible with your type of grass. Using a small amount gives the grass just enough fertilization to grow in a few weeks.

Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help

If you still have more questions about adding topsoil to your garden, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.

Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!

We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.

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