Screened Topsoil
& Screened vs Unscreened
The Differences between Topsoil Screened and Unscreened
What Is Screened Topsoil and Why Choose It?
If you're asking what is screened topsoil, you're not alone. Screened topsoil is high-quality soil that has been mechanically processed through a mesh or screen to remove debris like rocks, roots, and large clumps. The result is a fine, consistent soil that’s easy to spread and perfect for planting, seeding, or grading. In contrast, what is unscreened topsoil? Unscreened topsoil, sometimes called unscreened fill dirt, is raw soil that hasn't been filtered—meaning it may contain unwanted materials that can hinder plant growth or complicate landscaping work.
At face value, the major benefit and difference of screened topsoil over unscreened topsoil is that the material will be easier to apply and handle since the screening process will remove the chunks, sticks and stones to the size of screen used to screen.
Another benefit is that the soil consistency is more uniform. During the screening process most of the materials will be blended and mixed better during the process. The process will provide the user with a product that can be amended uniformly if desired with products like lime, fertilizer, compost, seed and expect uniform results.
When consumers commonly think of screened topsoil in our local market in Anchorage Alaska, they are more than likely referring to screened peat moss with added sandy loam. This product is more of a modified topsoil that is blended as well.
We at American landscaping run our blended topsoil material through a 3/8” – 7/16” screen for lawn grade product. This product is referred to as lawn topsoil or “A” grade topsoil. This soil meets or exceeds our local municipal specifications for topsoil for the following, by weight or volume:
Organic content
Silt Content
Sand/gravel content and size gradation
Ph level
What Is Screened Topsoil Used For?
People often ask, what is screened topsoil used for? The answer: just about everything in landscaping. From garden beds and lawns to large-scale commercial projects, screened topsoil provides a clean, nutrient-rich base for healthy plants. It promotes proper drainage, supports root growth, and creates a smooth, level surface. Whether you're installing sod or building a flower bed, using screened dirt instead of screen fill dirt ensures your landscape starts off on the right foot. If you’re wondering what is screened soil, it’s essentially any soil—topsoil, loam, or compost—that has been screened for consistency and quality.
Class “B” Soil
Class “B” soil is generally the same as the aforementioned. This product is intended to be used in a larger volume or erosion control and also in deeper planting beds that will then be covered with various mulches like our hemlock bark mulch or rock mulch. We run class “B” through a larger screen to increase production time and lower the cost of the product, making it more affordable in large volumes. The product will still meet the municipal spec for organics, silt, sand/gravel, and Ph. The sieve size will not be met for lawn-grade soil. State/DOT specifications are much more liberal and almost any soil sieved through a 3” screen will meet the specifications.
We manufacture other soil blends targeted to specific markets. One of our top sellers is our garden blend. We combine 40% topsoil blend, 30% compost, and 30% aged bark mulch.
We use compost that we make locally at our facility, with green waste we collect from our selves and other local landscape and tree professionals. We are very careful to watch the incoming material for undesirable or foreign material. We have narrowed our list of acceptable products and clients that will bring a quality, cleaner green waste for us to compost.
The aged bark we use is 100% aged hemlock. We also sell this product as stand alone in bagged or bulk form. The aged hemlock mulch is a byproduct of a pulp mill. We have been utilizing the bark mulch from this pulp mill for over 30 years. The product is uniform and consistent with what you will find in a bag at any and all large retailers throughout North American. The aging process of the bark negates the nitrogen robbing qualities of fresh wood chips. Fresh wood chips blended with topsoil or compost would make it a less desirable growing environment.
Why Screening Matters: How to Screen Topsoil
Curious about how to screen topsoil or why it’s necessary? The top soil screen process involves passing the dirt through a mesh system to eliminate rocks, debris, and other materials that could disrupt planting or aesthetics. Screening topsoil creates a uniform texture that’s easier to work with and much better for root development. Whether you're filling raised beds or prepping a lawn, screened top soil saves you time and delivers better results.
Don’t Settle for Unscreened Fill Dirt
While unscreened fill dirt might seem like a cost-saving option, it can end up costing you more in the long run. Its unpredictable composition can lead to drainage issues, poor plant growth, and added labor for cleanup. With screen topsoil from Ground FX Landscaping, you get a product that’s ready to use, clean, and consistent—perfect for homeowners, contractors, and gardeners alike. We even deliver straight to your site, so you can get started right away.
Need Screened Compost Too?
In addition to screened topsoil, you may also be wondering what is screened compost? Screened compost is organic matter that has been filtered to remove large particles, creating a fine, nutrient-rich amendment for soil. Mix it with your screened dirt to supercharge your garden or landscaping project.
American Landscaping proudly diverts over 65 MILLION POUNDS (32,500 tons) ANNUALLY from landfills and disposal sites in its manufacturing of topsoil, compost and bark mulch products.