placing topsoil
Placing topsoil is often required after site construction activities are complete, to restore the area and prepare it for grass and landscaping. Topsoil is typically placed in depths ranging from +/- 2-4” and in some cases more. Topsoil can be composed of organic matter, minerals, peat, sand, and clay among other ingredients. For large areas and bulk placement, the typical topsoil crew will consist of an operators and a laborer or foreman. Depending on the type and size of area to be covered, equipment used for placement can range from small skid loaders to large loaders, excavators, or conveyor belt slingers.
Topsoil typically can ‘self-compact’ over time but in some special cases like backfilling behind curb, compaction can be useful to assure settling doesn’t occur. The top inch or so should be loosened mechanically or by hand before the seeding is placed to allow the seed roots to penetrate and achieve a good hold.
Topsoil typically can ‘self-compact’ over time but in some special cases like backfilling behind curb, compaction can be useful to assure settling doesn’t occur. The top inch or so should be loosened mechanically or by hand before the seeding is placed to allow the seed roots to penetrate and achieve a good hold.
When larger topsoil areas need their surface loosened and raked of debris and rocks, a “harley Rake’ is often utilized as a powerful and productive means.
For topsoil material with larger stones and/or marl or debris a ‘rock hound’ assembly is passed over the top of the topsoil which collects the rocks and undesirables at the surface. A ‘Rock Hound’ may also have power raking capabilities to some extent.