| It can be tricky - trying to
figure out "how much". We get many phone calls asking this
very question about compost, mulch, and topsoil. Here are some quick "rule of thumb" methods
for compost, mulch and topsoil.
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Compost
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SOIL AMENDMENT |
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- Reason: Compost is used to amend
soil before planting sod or seed, and for general purposes
where the soil requires additional organic material to
stimulate plant growth and enhance water retention.
- Rate: 3 CY per 1000 sq ft (equal to 1"
of compost)
- Example: The area to be amended is 10,000 sq ft.
10,000 ÷ 1000 = 10 x 3 = 30 CY of compost
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TOP DRESSING |
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- Reason: Compost applied in spring or fall
as a top dressing to an existing lawn will greatly
enhance the organic properties of the soil, as well as
increase the water holding capacity of the soil.
- Rate: 1 CY per 1000 sq ft (equal to
1/4" of compost)
- Example: The area to be top dressed is 10,000
sq. ft.
10,000 ÷ 1000 = 10 x 1 = 10 CY of compost
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Mulch
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One cubic yard of mulch will cover a 324 sq ft area with
1" of mulch.
Here's how to calculate how much mulch you need:
- Figure out the square footage of your bed (width x
length for square or rectangular shapes)
- Multiply your square footage by the depth desired (in
inches)
- Divide by 324. This will tell you how many cubic yards
you will need.
Example calculation for a rectangular area 6' x 90'
to be covered with 2" of mulch:
- 6' x 90' = 540 sq ft
- 540' x 2 = 1080 sq ft.
- 1080 ÷ 324 = 3-1/2 cubic yards
Mulch tips:
- New planting beds require 2-3" of mulch to retard
weeds and retain moisture.
- It's a good idea to top dress existing beds with
1-2" of mulch in the spring.
- You can protect perennials in the winter with 2" of
mulch.
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Prepared Topsoil
A1 Organics Prepared Topsoil is manufactured by mixing 70%
screened soil and 30% compost together. This blend produces a
quality soil product which can be used as a soil amendment or
top dressing/fill dirt when amending existing soil with straight compost
is not an option or not desirable.
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SOIL AMENDMENT |
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- Reason: Use a prepared topsoil before planting sod or seed, and for general purposes
where the soil requires additional organic material to
stimulate plant growth and enhance water retention. The
topsoil can be incorporated into the existing soil if
desired, but is not necessary.
- Rate: 3 CY per 1000 sq ft (equal to 1"
of soil)
- Example: The area to be amended is 10,000 sq ft.
10,000 ÷ 1000 = 10 x 3 = 30 CY of prepared
topsoil.
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TOP DRESSING/FILL DIRT |
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- Reason: Prepared topsoil applied as a top dressing
or fill in low spots will greatly
enhance the organic properties of the soil, as well as
increase water holding capacity. Prepared topsoil can be
spread over existing soil and immediately used as the
medium for any type of planting, including bushes, trees,
sod, seed, flowers, etc.
- Rate: 3 CY per 1000 sq ft (equal to 1"
of soil)
- Example: The area for top dress or fill is 10,000 sq ft.
10,000 ÷ 1000 = 10 x 3 = 30 CY of prepared
topsoil.
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