Can Topsoil Go Bad? Everything You Need to Know

Topsoil is incredibly useful around the yard. However, using expired topsoil could prove to be detrimental. Too much low-quality topsoil will add all sorts of unwanted additives that will limit the grass’s growth, prevent flowers from sprouting, and fill the dirt with weeds.

Topsoil can go bad if it loses its moisture and microbes or if it grows mold. Store your topsoil in a cool, dry place, preferably under a tarp. Most topsoils last about six months before they get too dry to use. You can mix expired topsoil into a compost bin.

Throughout this article, I’ll explain how long you can store topsoil, how to know if it’s useable, and what happens if you use bad topsoil in the lawn and garden.

How Long Can Topsoil Be Stored?

Topsoil can be stored for six to twelve months. Keep the topsoil in a sealed container or under a cover to prevent bacteria from growing. Make sure you get the freshest topsoil available since many companies leave their topsoil exposed and in the open air.

Greener Horizon recommends storing topsoil under a tarp to keep the rain out of it. You can the Trademark Supplies 8 x 10 Tarp. This tarp comes in multiple colors and includes ringed grommets to seal them to the ground with stakes. Place the tarp over the loose topsoil and stake it in place to prevent it from blowing away.

Since topsoil expires, I suggest using the soil to fill holes around the yard. You’ll go through the topsoil quicker, which means you won’t have to worry about wasting it. Use a lawn aerator or shovel to mixed the topsoil, sift it through fine mesh, then sprinkle it around the yard.

If your topsoil expired, it’ll feel dry, clumped, and potentially smell bad. If you’re interested in learning more about learning if your topsoil is old and unusable, read on.

How Can You Tell if Topsoil Is Good?

You can tell if topsoil is good by looking for a darker color, looser texture, and fewer large particles. Most garden and outdoor stores sell the best topsoil. The source is just as important as the description. It’s also important to check the topsoil’s brand reputation.

Here’s an in-depth look at how you can tell if the topsoil is good:

• Texture: According to The Dirt Bag, your topsoil should be soft and loose. Dense and dry topsoil can ruin the soil and prevent everything from growing. You should be able to easily run your fingers through the topsoil without getting caught with rocks and clumps.
• Color: The color doesn’t always indicate the soil’s quality. However, darker topsoils are usually enriched with nutrients and have more moisture. Check the ingredients and learn where the topsoil was sourced before choosing it based on the color, though.
• Particle size: Pour some of the topsoil through a fine mesh sifter. Shake the sifter until all of the topsoil falls through it, then check how many clumps sit on top. This method will help you determine the texture and see if it’s loose enough for the yard.
• Source: Find out where the topsoil comes from. When the soil is sourced from a nutrient-rich location, it’s more likely to be organic. Natural topsoil is perfect for your yard because it already has everything it needs. There’s no need to add it to compost bins or add extra fertilizer.

It’s always important to choose high-end topsoil. Not only does it last longer, but it also preserves your lawn and garden. Top-notch topsoil will improve your grass, trees, fruits, and vegetables. Let’s explore what happens if you use bad topsoil below.

Remember that topsoil isn’t the same as lawn soil. Lawn soil rarely fits any of the described factors. It’s dense, filled with rocks, and it’s used as a base rather than a topsoil. You won’t receive the same benefits with lawn soil, but it has it’s own uses.

What Happens if You Use Old Topsoil?

If you use old topsoil, you’ll increase the chances of putting fungus, bacteria, and mold in the soil. You might also put dry topsoil in the yard, which prevents seeds from germinating and roots from sprouting. Preserve your topsoil by sealing it in a room temperature, covered area.

So, why shouldn’t you use old, expired topsoil?

• Your lawn will get a lot of weeds in the soil. Topsoil has weed seeds in it, and it’s very difficult to remove them. They’re so small that removing them will likely remove the healthy microbes in the topsoil. These microbes promote plant growth, so I suggest not using herbicides on fresh topsoil.
• Grass and other plants probably won’t sprout through the dry soil. New plants need loose soil because it’s much easier for them to push through. Furthermore, the dry soil doesn’t hold moisture and promote drainage as well. You’ll end up with several patches of bare soil.
• Your lawn’s soil could have fungal growth. Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide rids the topsoil of fungus and numerous other lawn diseases. Toss it in a spreader and push it around the lawn to evenly coat it and prevent soil diseases for several weeks or months.
• There’s a high chance your topsoil will smell bad. Old topsoil grows mold, which leads to foul odors. It could also get damp and filled with bacteria. Smell the topsoil if you think it’s expired or hasn’t been used in a long time. Topsoil should smell fresh and earthy.
• Your grass and other plants will likely flood. Old, dry topsoil causes mudslides because it gets mushy and loose. The soaked soil doesn’t cling to anything, so it slides downhill. This issue is especially common if you have a sloped or terraced yard.

Storing your topsoil in a cool, dry, ventilated place is the best way to prevent it from expiring. However, you should stir it with a shovel every couple of months to aerate the soil. Settling will occur, but a bit of moisture won’t cause any issues if the topsoil is stored properly.