Can You Use Topsoil to Fill Holes in Your Yard?

Filling holes around the yard is tedious, especially if you use the wrong kind of soil. If you have a pile of topsoil leftover from various lawn and garden projects, you might be tempted to use it to cover the holes around the yard. However, using the wrong mix or method will lead to problematic circumstances in the dirt.

You can use topsoil to fill holes in the yard by putting a four-inch layer over the hole and compacting it with a shovel. Repeat this process until the hole is filled and level with the rest of the soil. Mix one part of sand with one part of topsoil to improve the drainage and soil density.

Throughout this article, I’ll explain whether or not you should use topsoil to fill holes in the yard and how much soil you’ll need to level the lawn. I’ll also cover the best way to use topsoil around the lawn to patch holes and enhance the nutrients in the soil.

Can You Fill Holes With Topsoil?

You can fill holes with topsoil if you compact the soil into the dirt. Topsoil is quite loose and lightweight, so it needs to be compacted to prevent wind and rain from blowing it away. Furthermore, the dense topsoil provides an excellent foundation for growing grass and other plants.

Follow these steps to fill the holes with topsoil:

1. Remove all of the debris from the hole. The last thing you need is weeds growing through the new topsoil. Since most topsoil is made with lots of nutrients, it encourages all kinds of plant growth (including weeds). Rake the area, then head to the next step.
2. Decide if you want to use sand and topsoil or topsoil by itself. The sand helps with drainage and water retention, but too much of it can prevent the plants from growing. Weigh the pros and cons of mixing sand with topsoil, then choose your dispersing tool.
3. Pour the topsoil into a spreader and lock the gate. Topsoil spreaders provide the quickest and most effective way to disperse the soil throughout the hole (or the entire lawn). You can use a push spreader or a tow-behind spreader on a riding mower.
4. Compact the topsoil with the back of a shovel. Gentle taps are enough to get the job done; you don’t need to slam the topsoil to compact it. You can also use a rake to level the topsoil and spread new grass seeds if you want to fill the lawn.

Lawns get holes from rain, droughts, burrowing pests, worms, and so on. While some of these holes are inevitable, they should be filled with topsoil or dirt to prevent them from worsening. A new layer of topsoil creates a new opportunity for grass growth.

Jason Garringer provides a unique trick to lay and level the topsoil when filling the holes in your yard in this helpful video:

Using the right amount of topsoil (or sand and topsoil combination) is important. Too much of it will crowd the grass, whereas too little topsoil won’t be enough to grow the lawn. If you don’t know how much topsoil you need for your lawn, read on.

How Much Topsoil Do You Need to Fill Holes in the Yard?

You need 10 to 40 pounds of topsoil to fill holes in the yard. Measure the hole’s depth and fill it with four to six inches of topsoil, compact it with a shovel, and repeat the steps until the hole is filled. Never layer topsoil above the tops of growing grass or it won’t grow properly.

Green Plot Grass recommends compacting the topsoil with each layer to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. Topsoil isn’t nearly as dense or heavy as compacted dirt or clay in the soil.

Keep in mind that too much topsoil can cause problems. Follow the method of adding a thin layer, compacting it, leveling it, then adding another layer if necessary.

Should I Use Topsoil to Fill Holes in My Yard?

You should use topsoil mixed with sand to fill the holes in your yard. Don’t use too much sand or you’ll risk drying the soil and limiting the drainage process. Layer an inch of topsoil and sand on the soil and wait until the grass grows a couple of inches above the new surface before adding more.

Here’s what you should know about using topsoil to fill holes in the yard:

• Always mix the sand and topsoil before pouring it on the soil. Sand needs to be stirred into the topsoil to prevent it from clogging the dirt. Too many sand piles on top of itself will prevent proper drainage, which can mix with clay and other debris on the lawn.
• Spread the topsoil with a shovel, rake, or spreader for the best results. You can spread the topsoil by hand, but there’s a good chance it won’t be level and compact when you’re done. Shovels and rakes help you distribute the topsoil for optimal results.
• Check the soil’s density and makeup prior to filling the yard holes with topsoil. If there’s clay under the dirt, you shouldn’t use too much sand in the topsoil. Moisture, clay, and sand harden to a cement-like substance that prevents drainage. Your lawn won’t grow and there’s a high chance of mold, mildew, and fungal growth.
• Remove weeds and other unwanted debris to prevent them from growing through the topsoil. These plants will enjoy the nutrient-rich topsoil and grow just as fast (if not faster) as your lawn. Large rocks and other debris can also get in the way and prevent plant growth.
• You can add topsoil to the surrounding area to help with the leveling process. Topsoil can be layered on existing grass, fresh soil, or a pitted lawn. Consider adding a bit of topsoil around the filled holes in the yard to make the soil look seamless.

As you can see, topsoil is an excellent solution for holes in the yard. You can use the topsoil in gardens, lawns, and around trees. It’s loaded with healthy nutrients that encourage plant growth, especially when it’s mixed properly.