Topsoil delivery costs $150 to $600 for 10 to 15 cubic yards delivered, and prices vary according to the amounts of sand or compost mixed into the topsoil load and the hauling distance. Topsoil costs $10 to $50 per cubic yard on average, and some companies offer free delivery over short distances.

• Spreading out the topsoil on the property adds $200 to $400 to the total cost.
• Fees increase according to the volume of topsoil, the distance driven, and accessibility of the property.

Prices including the minimum delivery fee for a truckload of topsoil vary by the load size:

• A pickup truck with 1 to 2 cubic yards of topsoil costs $10 to $100 per load.
• A dump trailer with 4 to 6 cubic yards of topsoil costs $40 to $300 per load.
• A dump truck with 8 to 12 cubic yards of topsoil costs $80 to $600 per load.

Note: Fees increase for delivery outside the standard service area.

Topsoil is used outdoors for all types of landscaping projects. In addition to topsoil delivery, you typically need to pay these extra fees to finish your yard project:

• A gardener costs $35 to $65 per hour.
• Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
• Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
• Compost costs $20 to $50 per cubic yard.
• Mulch costs $15 to $65 per cubic yard.
• River rock prices are $50 to $160 cubic yard.

Use these guidelines to estimate how much topsoil you need:

• One cubic yard of topsoil to grow a new lawn covers 55 square feet at 6" deep.
• One cubic yard of topsoil for an outdoor garden covers 41 square feet at 8" deep.
• One cubic yard of dirt will fill up the back of an average pickup truck.

Good to know: Remember to add 5% to 10% to account for waste and spills.

Your topsoil should be 4 to 6 inches deep when planting a new lawn, and at least 8 inches deep to make a new garden bed. One cubic yard of dirt for spreading under artificial turf or general landscaping covers 108 square feet at 3" deep.

Tip: Always till the top 2 to 3 inches of ground outside before applying the topsoil. Then till the new topsoil into the loosened dirt to prevent drainage issues.

The differences between topsoil and potting soil are:

• Potting soil, also called "black dirt," contains nutrient-filled compost and peat moss specially blended for growing plants in containers. Using potting soil outdoors can suffocate the roots of plants and cause drainage problems.
• Topsoil contains sand, clay, and other ground rock types along with little compost because this mixture is meant for outdoor ground soil. Use topsoil for general landscaping outside, not for indoor greenhouse plants.

A cubic yard of topsoil weighs 1,000 to 2,500 pounds or 0.5 to 1.25 tons on average. If the cubic yard of topsoil is wet or contains heavier damp materials like compost, then it can weigh 3,000 pounds or more.

You can buy topsoil, fill dirt, and sand from sellers such as:

• Local home improvement stores for small bags to make a home garden
• Garden centers or nurseries for bags or a small truckload
• Farms, quarries, or construction and excavation companies for large amounts
• Landscaping businesses to get spreading labor included
• City mulch yards

Before hiring a topsoil delivery service, always compare several quotes, read their reviews on HomeGuide, and look for companies with current licenses, bonds, and insurance.

Next, ask each company these questions before hiring:

• How long have you been in business?
• Where does your soil come from, and has it be screened or tested?
• What's the size of your minimum topsoil order?
• Am I in your standard service area, or will it cost more for a long-distance delivery to my home?
• Can you spread the topsoil on delivery, and does that cost extra?
• Will I need to be home to receive the delivery?
• How much space should I allow for your truck and the topsoil load dumping area?
• Does the estimate include the topsoil, dirt delivery, and all other standard fees?
• Are land grading and excavation services available from your company also?
• When will the delivery arrive?