Topsoil 101: All dirt is NOT created equal

When doing dirt work, it’s important to treat the topsoil differently to get the maximum quality, whether you are building a driveway, retaining wall or a building foundation.

Topsoil is NOT a good structural fill, and will tend to either attract moisture OR shift under pressure. However, it’s great to use as finish material to seed after a project is completed.

In our first project of 2022, we expanded a driveway for a local small business during the off season. Click below to see our before, during and after photos!

IMPORTANT NOTE: We bid this job for the dirt work and rock foundation only, not the top layer of limestone gravel. Why did we do this? Many people don’t know that snowplows will usually scrape off the top gravel layer during projects completed in the winter.

THE SOLUTION: Add the gravel layer in the spring. Regular compaction from traffic, precipitation and temperature flux during the spring, summer, and fall will create a gravel driveway that is less susceptible to erosion long-term.

Now, why are we sharing this? It just doesn’t make sense for us to get you the gravel now, and then charge you again for another load in the spring. You’re certainly free to do it yourself if that’s what you really want! It’s just not the way we do things. When you hire Complete Excavation Solutions, you get high quality work AND our expertise to help you save in the long term.

Contact us today at 814-221-7424 or request a quote online to discuss your project!