Topsoil is the material that makes up the top two to eight inches of the Earth’s surface (crust) and consists of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. Not all topsoil is the same and can differ in base, quality and screening size.
Although the results may vary from topsoil to topsoil, its uses remain the same – effective drainage, adding extra soil to raised flower beds, a base for your garden lawn turf and much more!
In this guide, we will be focusing on what screened topsoil is, how you screen it and why choosing a screened topsoil is often better than general-purpose topsoil.
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What is screened topsoil?
As the name indicates, screened topsoil goes through a screening process that removes rocks, sticks, clumps, and other matter that is larger than the screen size.
A common screened size of topsoil is 10mm (just like our premium and border blend topsoil) as this allows for plants to easily navigate their way to essential nutrients, minerals and water. The finer the topsoil gets, the more expensive it tends to get due to the intensified process it would have gone through.
If you’re looking for topsoil that is effective when laying turf for example, lawn and turf topsoil that is screened to a size of 10mm would be sufficient, but if you’re a greenkeeper at a golf course looking to improve the greens for example, topsoil screened to 5mm would be the better option.
How to screen topsoil
Screening can be quite a simple process for those looking to do it themselves for smaller volumes of topsoil. Small batches can be done through a mesh screening dish. Just place the topsoil into the dish, put a wheelbarrow underneath and begin to shake the dish until all the soil has been sieved through. What should remain in the dish is objects such as rocks, clumps, organic matter and in the wheelbarrow is the screened topsoil.
If you’re wanting to double screen the topsoil in order to get a finer size, follow the previous steps, then repeat with a mesh dish that has smaller gaps (screen size).
Benefits of using screened topsoil
Whilst unscreened topsoil has its own benefits and uses, screening your topsoil is better if you’re wanting to use it for more specific jobs in the garden.
- Consistent particles allow nutrients and water to flow naturally through the soil
- As the topsoil is loose, it’s easy to manipulate
- Nutrient-rich meaning it’s better for growing vegetables
- Removes unnecessary debris
Do Alsoils+ provide screened topsoil?
Based in Hambledon, Hampshire, we can supply screened topsoil for all those who are local to the Portsmouth area and further surrounding towns and cities. Alsoils+ have been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality screened topsoil, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can cater for your needs.
Our topsoil products are both high-quality and affordable for all purposes. With their highly versatile and low maintenance nature, they are the ideal solution for a variety of gardening and landscaping needs.
