landscaping · 3 min read
How Much Topsoil Do You Need for a Lawn?
New lawns want 4–6 inches. Overseeding gets by with 1–2 inches. Topsoil settles ~15%.
Depth by use
New lawn: 4–6 inches of screened topsoil over prepared subgrade.
Overseed or patch: 1–2 inches raked into the surface.
Garden beds: 8–12 inches for annuals, 12+ inches for vegetables.
Settling
Fresh topsoil settles 10–15% after watering and rain. Order a small overage so you don't have to top up next season.
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These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.