How much does a scoop of topsoil cost

This is a question we get often and there is no easy answer.  Our advice is to stick with simple math and put the calculator away.  When we estimate the amount of mulch needed for a property we simply count wheelbarrows.  If you are like most homeowners you use a typical 6 cubic foot wheelbarrow that you purchased at your local hardware store.  Start counting the pockets/areas you will be spreading mulch.  One scoop equals +/- 4 wheelbarrows depending on how full you load it.  So, if you count 20 wheelbarrows divide by 4 and you will need roughly 5 scoops of mulch. 

How big is your scoop?

Our bucket is a 2/3 yard scoop and we make it as big as we can to round out at roughly a yard.  Size of scoop can vary depending on who is loading it, moisture levels in mulch (hint: you get a bigger scoop when it is a little wet :), wind, size of loading pile, etc.  A scoop will cover roughly a 12 x 8 area, 3 inches thick. We typically spread +/- 2 inches for established beds and a little more for new installation. There’s no need to spread 5-6 inches thick.

Too much or too little?

You have to ultimately decide which side of this spectrum you want to be on?  For example, is there an area around back that if it is doesn’t get mulched is not a big deal?  Or if you have a little extra do you have an area you can lose the left over mulch or a neighbor that can use it?  It is very difficult to estimate the exact amount of mulch.

Tarp or not?

Often times folks want us to deliver on a tarp.  If you are having a dyed mulch delivered onto a concrete/paver driveway this makes sense as the mulch can leave a stain, especially if it stays there for a while.  However, often times a tarp just gets in the way in our opinion.  It is also more difficult than folks think to “hit the target,” unless the tarp is oversized for the load.  So, in general we don’t feel a tarp is needed, but in the end it’s your choice.

Why is there other schtuff in my mulch?

Occasionally you will find various debris scattered throughout the mulch, such as rocks/stones, dirt/mud, sticks, large pieces of bark, etc. While this is not something that happens often, our mulch comes from the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia and every once in awhile something will slip through the screening process. We try to catch things as we are loading the mulch, but fortunately we don’t charge extra for these special treats.

How quickly can we deliver?

We typically can deliver mulch in 24 hours, but would prefer to have a 48 hour advance notice. The majority of our deliveries are early morning or late afternoon, but we can be flexible. Also, allow +/- 30 minutes on either side of estimated time as varies factors impact loading/travel time. Inclement weather could possibly impact delivery and would require some flexibility by either party. Please reference our delivery pricing below to determine your hauling rate.

Is there a minimum amount needed to deliver? Is there a price break for larger amounts?

There is no minimum amount to deliver, so we encourage you to estimate as best you can to avoid a second delivery of a small amount. The only price break we offer is on orders of 20+ scoops of mulch. Please call for additional information on bulk pricing. 

Many products are sold as topsoil but not all contain the structure and nutrients necessary for lawns, gardens or landscaping plants to thrive. Hardware stores and garden centers mostly sell topsoil in bags. For large applications, it is more cost effective to purchase bulk topsoil from a landscape product supplier or other local source.

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Average Cost Per Yard of Topsoil

Some retailers sell topsoil in 40-pound bags, ranging from $2 to $6 per bag, depending on ingredients, and you can pay twice that for premium topsoils. A 40-pound bag contains up to 1 cubic foot of topsoil, depending on its moisture content and the type of organic material. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so ​bagged topsoil costs around $55 per cubic yard of topsoil​. At this rate, purchasing topsoil in bags is only suitable for very small areas. For example, to cover 1,000 square feet to a depth of 4 inches for a new garden or lawn, you will need 12 cubic yards of topsoil.

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Prices for bulk topsoil vary across the country, ranging from about ​$10 to $60 per cubic yard, not including delivery​. Double that price to include the average delivery charge, which means delivered bulk topsoil is typically $20 to $120 per cubic yard. The price per cubic yard may decrease with larger quantities. To calculate the amount of topsoil you need, factor in the planting area and depth of soil you need. When ordering, verify whether the delivery charge is included. Homeowners typically spend $710 to 1,038 for a topsoil delivery. Your topsoil will probably be dumped in the driveway, so expect to have to cart it by wheelbarrow to the parts of the yard where it's needed.

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A cubic yard weighs about a ton, so for large areas, you may want to inquire about additional charges for spreading the material.

Quality Concerns

The term "topsoil" refers to the top several inches of soil, however the term can be loosely used. If you see what looks like a bargain price for topsoil, be sure it is not just fill dirt. There are usually reviews on products from big box garden stores. When leveling a site for construction, building contractors scrape off the top layers of soil, which may be suitable to use as topsoil but may also contain unwanted debris and be devoid of organic matter.

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Topsoil that is more finely screened is more expensive than regular topsoil. You may also be able to find topsoil that is amended with compost or composted manure, especially if you are close to a rural area.

How much topsoil is in a scoop?

How many 40lb bags of topsoil are in a yard?

What is a scoop of topsoil?

What does 20 yards of dirt look like?