Enriched Topsoil – The Whole Story

Every bigtime purveyor of soil, compost or mulch I endorse makes something referred to as “enriched topsoil” - ETS.

There may be different names for it, but if you ask for an enriched topsoil at a soil yard, and they give you a blank stare – turn around and get out of there. The majority of quality soil yards in the greater-Houston area know what that means, and they will likely show you what theirs looks like and what they call it.

Enriched topsoil is what you apply to the ground before you lay new sod. Some ETS is even good enough to be used for top-dressing a lawn, although I’d still prefer you use compost these days. But an ETS can be a top-dressing where there’s a need for more soil and sand than compost. I usually see that in situations where a lot of leveling is needed in addition to a top-dressing.

In my tip sheet Kill, Till Fill and Sod, to establish a new lawn I’ve long recommended enriched topsoil for the “fill” part. Whether you use enough to make a two-inch layer on its own, or just till the ETS into your existing soil, it’s one of the best inside secrets for success with newly laid sod. It will set up and reward you quicker than just laying new sod on a clay or sandy base.

Below are the ETS products at soil yards I endorse. There are many other soil sellers in town, but I advise sticking with those that believe in high quality over high volume.

The Ground Up has a standard ETS, but their most innovative product is Turf Mix Premium.

Nature’s Way Resources has two ETS products - Turf Mix and Lawn Mix. I prefer the Turf Mix formula.

Landscaper’s Pride has Healthy Soil Compost, a new product (at least to me) that looks good. It’s a blend of two types of compost and can be used as top-dressing, but I like its look as an ETS. However, as a base for new sod, it absolutely has to be tilled into existing soil.

PHOTO: The Ground Up

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content