TOPSOIL SALES TEAM
Contact British Sugar TOPSOIL for advice:
TOPSOIL care
Working with TOPSOIL
More information covering all the important factors in receiving, storing and using topsoil to ensure complete success in landscaping projects...
SAFETY
Health & Safety signage must be set-up on the site before any work takes place and the site closed off to the public. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times while working on the site.
Site evaluation
- Evaluate the soils on the recipient site for potentially toxic elements* and the site’s drainage potential
- See CLEA model for further guidance
*if contamination is present, use this evaluation to establish a remediation strategy
Click the link below to download our free site managers guide and caring for your garden guide.
Imported topsoil
- The topsoil you import must comply with BS3882:2015 in order to be fit for purpose
- A certificate of analysis will help you establish if the soil is a true topsoil or derived from screened demolition or skip waste
- Samples may not be representative – if in doubt, view the topsoil for yourself
Deliveries
- Check there are no site access restrictions for large trucks
- Use immediately or stockpile it on a high, clean, segregated area to reduce standing water. Cover with a large, secured waterproof sheet
- Small quantities should be laid on clean, strong, flat boards to ensure the soil is kept off the ground, minimising contamination
Preparation
- Remove all contaminants, e.g. wood, concrete, bricks, tarmac, etc.
- Minimise pedestrian and vehicle traffic movement especially in wet conditions. If machinery and foot traffic has affected the site then it should be de-compacted to a depth of at least 300mm
- Perennial and evasive weeds such as couch grass or Japanese Knotweed must be controlled / removed in accordance with statutory requirements prior to soil application
Planting & Turfing
- Avoid handling topsoil in wet conditions
- Planting area should be cultivated to at least 300mm depth for shrubs (200mm for turf) then levelled-off and consolidated with boards (these will spread the weight)
- Seeding requires only a light cultivation and then consolidation for good seed/soil contact.
- For shrub and tree planting, loosen the bottom and sides of the hole to aerate and add new topsoil to aid root development (trees require a thicker layer)
- Backfill with topsoil once the plant is in position and heel-in firmly
- For turf repair on worn or sunken areas, lift the turf, build up the level with imported topsoil, replace the turf and consolidate with a board
- For shrub and tree planting, loosen the bottom and sides of the hole to aerate and add new topsoil to aid root development (trees may require a specialist tree soil)
Click the link below to download our free caring for your garden guide.
Some of our accreditations:
