Leafs sprouting

What is Screened Topsoil?

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.


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.

About the Author

alsoils tractor landscaping service

Alsoils

The Alsoils Team

For more than three decades, Alsoils has been a trusted name in delivering superior soil, compost products and offering landscaping services. Based in Hampshire, Alsoils caters to a diverse clientele, including both homeowners and businesses. Our team are experts in all things gardening, so you can be sure you get the very best advice for topsoil, compost, manure and so much more!

Good
Based on 14 reviews
Mark Belshaw
Mark Belshaw
2023-02-17
Ordered 2 bulk bags of manure on Wednesday, late afternoon and all was delivered by Friday lunch time. Great quality product and excellent delivery turnaround.
Charles Smith
Charles Smith
2022-06-30
Excellent, from order to delivery. 10 tonnes of loose load top soil delivered within a few days. Best price and the 10mm screened soil is great quality. Thank you
Lesley Barry
Lesley Barry
2022-05-15
Excellent product ordered 4 bags of top soil the driver was so accommodating as we have a very long driveway. The customer sevice was excellent. Thank you.
David Robberts
David Robberts
2021-05-13
Excellent product at a sensible price from a local supplier. Staff are friendly and willing to help: I asked if just one bag of topsoil could be delivered quickly and it arrived next day! Great service.
Mark Hibberd
Mark Hibberd
2018-06-11
Smooth execution of the transaction and delivery. Very helpful phone call and conversation. Ordered three bags of Border Blend topsoil. Paid by Paypal. They delivered, on the specified date, carefully, exactly where I wanted the bags placed. All in all, a very pleasing purchase. The topsoil was excellent and had been very carefully prepared. No lumps. Would definitely recommend and I will use again. Everyone I spoke to was nice and helpful.
David Stamp
David Stamp
2015-09-18
Ordered topsoil on Tuesday came by Friday at the exact time quoted. Was WAY cheaper than anywhere else (by about £15 per bag) and was dropped off via a crane on back of the lorry, not by pallet which most of the other places use. Soil was fine and dry. Brilliant !