Digging into Dirt Dollars: Is Selling Soil a Goldmine?
Selling dirt? Sounds odd. You might think it’s a joke. But believe it or not, selling dirt is a real business. Yes, dirt. And it could be more profitable than you guess.
Consider this: construction sites dig up tons of earth. That dirt must be moved. Some people saw this as a chance to make money. My neighbor did exactly that and became a millionaire. Dirt isn’t just dirt anymore.
The Nitty-Gritty on Dirt Prices: What’s Your Pile Worth?
You might now want to know about that dirt in your yard. But before dreaming of riches, consider the cost of dirt.
Fill Dirt: The Budget-Friendly Base
First, there is fill dirt. This isn’t fancy soil. It’s made of subsoil, clay, and rocks. It lacks organic material. Use it to level ground or fill holes. It’s not attractive, but it’s useful.
- Cost per cubic yard: Expect $5 to $30.
- Cost per ton: Prices can be $4 to $15 per ton.
- Cost per truckload: A truckload costs around $150 to $450. Landscaping truckloads average about $832, but can range from $341 to $1,333.
Topsoil: The Gardener’s Gold
Next, we have topsoil. This is nutrient-rich. It’s basically food for plants. If you want to grow, topsoil is essential.
- Cost per cubic yard: Expect $10 to $55. Quality affects prices.
- Cost per truckload: A truckload costs between $150 and $600.
Sand: Not Just for Beaches
Sand is vital too. It aids in construction and landscaping. Think drainage and concrete. It’s more valuable than it appears.
- Cost per cubic yard: Expect $15 to $40.
- Cost per truckload: For sand, plan on $300 to $700.
Beyond the Basics: Other Soil Varieties
The dirt market has more than just three types. There are specialized soils available:
- Landscape Mix: A blend mainly with sand, costs around $25 to $42.
- Screened Loam: Finer soil, costing $17 to $25.
- Super Loam: Premium soil, expect $30 to $50.
- Black Dirt: Rich dark material, typically $15 to $25.
Digging Deeper: What Drives Dirt Prices Up and Down?
What causes price changes? Here are key factors:
- Type of dirt: Topsoil is pricier than fill dirt.
- Volume ordered: Buying in bulk lowers per-unit costs.
- Delivery distance: Longer distances raise delivery costs.
- Excavation costs: Contractors consider site access and complexities.
- Site accessibility: Hard-to-reach places increase prices.
Decoding Dirt Dimensions: Cubic Yards, Tons, and Truckloads – Oh My!
Dirt isn’t sold by weight often. You’ll see cubic yards, tons, and truckloads. Let’s clarify these units to avoid confusion.
The Mighty Cubic Yard
A cubic yard is a box that measures 3 feet on each side. That makes 27 cubic feet.
- Coverage: A cubic yard covers 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.
- Weight: Topsoil weighs about 1,800 pounds.
- Wheelbarrow Loads: Moving a cubic yard takes about 9 to 14 wheelbarrows.
- Truck Bed Capacity: A pickup truck holds about 1 to 2 cubic yards.
Tons: Weighty Matters
Dirt can also be priced by weight, in tons.
- Topsoil per Tonne: One metric tonne is about 0.81 cubic yards.
- Acre Slice Weight: An acre of soil weighs about 2,000,000 pounds, or 1,000 tons!
Truckloads: Bulk Delivery
A “truckload” of dirt usually means:
- Typical Truckload Size: About 10 to 15 cubic yards.
Smaller Measures: Pickups and Bags
If you need less than a truckload, here are details:
- Pickup Truck Load: A full-size pickup holds about 2.5 cubic yards.
- Bags: A 40-pound bag covers 12 square feet. You’d require around 54 50-pound bags for a cubic yard.
- Buckets: Nearly 40 five-gallon buckets equal a cubic yard.
Conversion Cheat Sheet: Yards, Tons, and More
Confused by units? Check these conversions:
- Cubic Yards to Tons: Cubic yards x 1.4 = Tons.
- Tons to Cubic Yards: Tons ÷ 1.4 = Cubic Yards.
- Cubic Feet in a Yard: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
- Gallons in a Cubic Yard: 1 cubic yard = 202 gallons.
- Wheelbarrow Loads per Cubic Yard: Expect 9 to 14 loads.
Dirt Types Decoded: Choosing the Right Earth for the Job
Dirt isn’t equal. You wouldn’t use a butter knife to chop wood. Choose the right soil for the task.
Fill Dirt: The Structural Superstar
- What’s in it? Fill dirt has subsoil, clay, and rocks, with little organic matter.
- What’s it for? Used for leveling and filling holes. It provides structure.
- Planting? Not suitable due to low nutrients.
Topsoil: The Lifeblood of Landscapes
- What’s in it? Topsoil contains organic materials and nutrients. A mix of sand, silt, and clay helps plants.
- What’s it for? Gardens, landscaping, and anything for plant growth.
Garden Soil: The Manufactured Marvel
- What’s in it? Garden soil is made by humans, usually a mix of topsoil and compost.
- What’s it for? Designed for growing plants better than plain topsoil.
Other Soil Options: Expanding Your Earthly Palette
Besides common types, specialized soils exist:
- Landscape Mix
- Screened Loam
- Super Loam
- Black Dirt
Fill Dirt vs. Topsoil: The Epic Earth Showdown
What’s the key difference? Fill dirt and topsoil: let’s compare.
- Fill Dirt: Structural with no nutrients. Focused on building.
- Topsoil: Rich in nutrients. Aimed at plant growth.
Cashing in on Clods: Selling and Marketing Your Dirt
You have dirt. It may come from excavation or a yard pile. How can you convert that into money?
First, grasp its value.
What do you have? Is it fill dirt? Is it topsoil? Is it clean and screened? Presentation counts. Screening dirt can boost its perceived and actual value. “Screened topsoil” sounds much better than just “dirt.” Agreed?
Next, spread the word. Marketing is essential, even for dirt.
- Website: A basic website can be very useful.
- Social Media: Use Facebook Marketplace and local groups; dirt has a surprising online market.
- Flyers: They are old-fashioned, yet effective in neighborhoods.
- Referrals: Satisfied customers are great for sales.
- Advertising: Try online ads, local papers, or billboards for high volume.
Dirt Dilemmas: Handling Extra Earth?
Sometimes, you have excess dirt. Do not worry, here are some choices:
- Give it Away: Neighbors, local gardeners, or community projects often need fill dirt.
- Contact Landscapers: Landscaping companies and garden centers may take it (sometimes for free if the quality is good).
- Rent a Dumpster: For larger amounts, a roll-off dumpster rental works well.
Dirt Disposal: The Costs
Removing dirt incurs costs. Here is a rough estimate:
- Dirt Removal Costs: Expect to pay $140 to $180 per ton, including fees.
- Fill Dirt Removal: Fill dirt removal may cost $140 to $230 per cubic yard.
- Hauling Dirt Away: Truckload removal costs $1,400 to $2,300.
- Landfill Fees: Simply dumping dirt can cost $30 to $50 per ton.
Bonus Insights: Interesting Dirt Facts
Before starting in the dirt business, look at these facts:
- Gravel Pits: They can be profitable, but also risky. Plan well.
- Soil Conservation: Farmers use methods to protect topsoil. Soil deserves respect!
- Online Dirt Sales:SoilDirect.com is a key player in bulk material sales. The internet covers everything, even dirt.
- Efficient Hauling: Faster hauling means higher profits. Time equates to money in the dirt business.
- Roll-Off Dumpsters: These are often the best choice for dirt disposal.
- Excavated Soil: Wonder about the soil dug during construction? It could lead to your next business opportunity.
- Topsoil Before Grass Seed? Yes, applying topsoil before grass seed helps lawn growth.
- Richest Soil on Earth? Chernozem is famed for fertility and high crop yields. It is the black gold of soils!
