Ready to start your next North Texas landscaping project but not sure which soil to order? Sourcing the right material makes all the difference in whether your plants thrive or your lawn stays perfectly level. At McCraw Landscape Supply, we help homeowners and contractors select the ideal growing medium for every application. Contact McCraw Landscape Supply today to schedule your bulk soil delivery or discuss your project needs.
The short answer: Screened topsoil is unamended, general-purpose soil best for filling low spots, lawn leveling, grading, and turf base. Garden soil mix is topsoil enriched with organic compost and sand to create a nutrient-rich, loose, well-draining medium for raised beds, vegetable gardens, and flower beds. The right choice depends entirely on what you are trying to build or grow.
What is Screened Topsoil and When Should You Use It?
Quick Takeaways:
- Screened topsoil is native upper-layer soil processed through a half-inch mesh to remove rocks, sticks, and large clumps.
- It contains natural loamy elements but lacks the concentrated nutrients needed for heavy planting.
- Use it for lawn leveling, filling large low spots, sub-base prep for sod, and general grading.
Screened topsoil comes from the upper layer of native soil that has been put through a screening process. A machine pushes the material through a half-inch or smaller mesh screen. This step removes large debris, clay chunks, rocks, tree roots, and any stray sticks. What comes out is a consistent, crumbly, easy-to-spread material with a balanced loamy texture.
Unlike blended products, screened topsoil is not mixed with added fertilizers, compost, or sand. It contains whatever natural organic matter was already in that native soil layer. This makes it a stable, predictable material for structural landscaping jobs. Why does that matter? A highly organic garden mix will decompose and shrink over time. If you fill a low spot with it, you will see that spot sink again within a year. Screened topsoil holds its volume, which is why contractors and grading crews consistently choose it for leveling and filling work.
For North Texas homeowners, screened topsoil works well as a clean base layer before laying new sod. Spread two to three inches over native clay to give Bermuda or Zoysia roots a better place to establish. The consistent texture levels out minor depressions and creates a smooth surface for turf. For smaller lawn leveling jobs on existing grass, consider a lawn leveler that blends compost with fine granite sand in a 50/50 ratio. Learn more about topsoil strategies for lawn leveling in Texas.
Screened topsoil is also the right material for raising low areas around foundations or filling in trenches after utility work. Its structural stability means it will not wash away or settle unevenly. For large grading projects where cost is a concern, unscreened topsoil offers a cheaper alternative at roughly $62 per ton. Though it contains rocks and larger particles that may need sorting by hand.
What is Garden Soil Mix and Why Does It Perform Better in Beds?
Quick Takeaways:
- Garden soil mix is a premium blend of screened topsoil, rich organic compost, and coarse sand.
- It provides superior water retention, aeration, and an immediate supply of essential plant nutrients.
- Use it for raised garden beds, vegetable plots, ornamental flower beds, and container plantings.
Garden soil mix is a purpose-engineered planting medium. It starts with a base of screened soil or loam. Growers then add measured amounts of fully composted organic matter and washed sand. At McCraw Landscape Supply, our Garden Mix follows a proven recipe: 50 percent compost, 25 percent washed sand, and 25 percent screened loam. This blend creates a lightweight, nutrient-dense material that drains well while still holding enough moisture for healthy root development.
The high compost content delivers a steady supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to young plants. It also feeds the beneficial microorganisms that help roots absorb water and nutrients. The sand fraction keeps the whole mix from packing down into a dense layer. Plant roots can spread freely through garden mix without hitting compacted barriers. This is critical for vegetables and flowers that need to establish quickly in a short growing season.
We also offer a Premium Soil Mix at $50 to $65 per cubic yard. This blend is similar to Garden Mix but formulated with slightly different ratios for high-performance planting beds. It combines compost and sand amendments for rich nutrient content with good drainage and moisture retention. For gardeners who want an even more specialized product, our Bedding Soil is built specifically for flower beds and shrubs where a ready-to-plant structure is essential.
If you are building raised beds for a backyard vegetable garden or refreshing tired flower borders, garden mix is the right call. Fill the bed directly with bulk garden soil and plant the same day. For deep beds on top of heavy clay, start with a six-inch layer of screened topsoil at the bottom for structure. Then top it with garden mix in the root zone. Read more about soil choices for improving North Texas clay with the right garden soil mix.
How Do Screened Topsoil and Garden Soil Mix Compare?
Quick Takeaways:
- Topsoil gives you structural stability and economy. Garden mix gives you fertility and aeration.
- Topsoil holds volume over time. Garden mix settles as organic material breaks down.
- Mixing the two works well for deep beds: topsoil at the base, garden mix on top.
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help match the right material to your project:
| Feature | Screened Topsoil | Garden Soil Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Content | Low to moderate, natural only | High, enriched with compost |
| Drainage | Moderate, holds moisture | Fast, with good moisture retention |
| Compaction | Compacts naturally, stable surface | Stays loose and fluffy |
| Volume Stability | Excellent, minimal settling | Moderate, some settling over time |
| Best For | Lawns, grading, fill, sod prep | Raised beds, flowers, vegetables |
| Price Range per Cu. Yd. | $75 to $81 | $60 to $89 |
Not sure how much you need? Use our free Area Calculator to estimate your material volume. Then contact McCraw Landscape Supply to get pricing and arrange bulk delivery.
How to Prepare Your Garden Bed in Three Steps
Quick Takeaways:
- Start by measuring your space and calculating your material volume with the Area Calculator.
- Prepare the base layer with the right soil type for your project goal.
- Finish with amendments and mulch to protect your investment.
Follow these three steps to get your beds ready for planting with the correct soil material:
- Measure and calculate your volume. Measure the length and width of your bed in feet. Decide your target soil depth: six inches for shallow-root flowers, 12 inches for vegetables. Multiply length times width times depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Use the McCraw Area Calculator for a quick result.
- Choose your base material. For raised beds on native clay, lay down four to six inches of screened topsoil or sandy loam as a structural base. This fills the bed economically and provides a stable foundation. Then cap the top eight to 12 inches with garden soil mix where roots will grow. For beds on well-draining soil, you can fill entirely with garden mix.
- Finish with compost and mulch. Top off your bed with a one-inch layer of bulk compost to feed the soil ecosystem. Then add two inches of shredded hardwood or cedar mulch on the compost layer. Mulch reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil temperature stable through North Texas summer heat. Replenish the mulch layer each spring.
This three-step method gives your plants the best possible start while keeping your material budget under control. Contractors use the same layering approach on large-scale planting projects to balance cost with plant performance. Call McCraw Landscape Supply to place your order for screened topsoil, garden mix, compost, and more.
How Does North Texas Clay Soil Affect Your Choice?
Quick Takeaways:
- Native Blackland Prairie clay compacts tightly, drains slowly, and hardens in summer heat.
- Unamended topsoil over clay is fine for grading but will not fix drainage or fertility for beds.
- Amend native clay with compost and sand, or use raised beds filled with garden mix.
The native soil across Van Alstyne, Anna, and the rest of North Texas is Blackland Prairie clay. This soil type presents real challenges for gardeners. In wet months, it absorbs water slowly and stays soggy. In summer, it dries into a hard, cracked surface that roots cannot penetrate. Simply adding screened topsoil on top will not fix these deeper problems. The clay layer underneath will still restrict drainage and root growth.
For garden beds, the best approach is to till bulk organic compost into the existing clay to break up the dense structure. Tilling in three to four cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet can transform heavy clay into workable soil over a couple of seasons. Alternatively, bypass the clay entirely by building raised beds and filling them with garden soil mix. This is the fastest path to productive garden soil and the one most homeowners prefer.
For lawns, the approach is different. Spreading sandy loam or screened topsoil over clay creates a usable root zone for turf grass. The drainage limitations matter less in a mowed lawn where the grass only needs six to eight inches of rootable soil. You can topdress twice a year, in spring and fall, to gradually build up the soil layer above the clay. Learn more in our sandy loam vs topsoil comparison for North Texas.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project?
Quick Takeaways:
- Match the soil to the goal: structural stability for lawns, biological growth for gardens.
- Layer materials for deep beds: topsoil as a cost-effective base, garden mix on top.
- Verify delivery access and prep requirements before placing your bulk order.
Here is a simple framework for picking the right soil:
- Use Screened Topsoil if: You are leveling a lawn, filling a trench, building a berm, preparing sod base, or doing general grading around a foundation.
- Use Garden Soil Mix if: You are building raised vegetable beds, planting flower gardens, establishing an orchard, potting large containers, or replacing soil in worn landscape beds.
- Use Bulk Compost if: You want to improve your existing soil by adding organic matter. Till compost into heavy clay for better drainage and aeration. Till it into sandy soil to improve moisture and nutrient retention.
For a large planter or retaining wall bed, you can save money by layering. Fill the bottom half with economical screened topsoil or sandy loam. Then fill the top eight to 12 inches with premium garden soil mix. Your plants get all the nutrients they need in the active root zone. And you keep your material costs under control. Request a bulk soil quote from McCraw Landscape Supply to explore delivery options and get your materials on schedule.
FAQs About Screened Topsoil and Garden Soil Mix
Quick Takeaways:
- Topsoil alone is not enough for garden beds unless mixed with compost or other amendments.
- Garden mix settles over time and needs annual top-ups with fresh compost.
- McCraw delivers bulk soil throughout Van Alstyne, Anna, Sherman, and surrounding North Texas communities.
Can I use screened topsoil in my garden beds?
Yes, but do not use it alone. Screened topsoil lacks the concentrated organic matter and nutrients that vegetables and flowers need. For best results, mix it with bulk compost at a ratio of roughly one part compost to three parts topsoil. Or use a pre-blended garden soil mix instead.
Will garden soil mix sink or decompose over time?
Yes. Because garden mix is highly organic, the compost inside will naturally break down and settle. Expect some volume loss in raised beds. Refresh the top two to three inches with fresh compost or new garden mix each year to maintain bed height and soil fertility.
What is the best soil for filling low spots in a lawn?
Screened topsoil or sandy loam is the best choice for lawn leveling. These materials hold their volume without shrinking, creating a stable base for Bermuda and Zoysia turf. Avoid using garden mix for this purpose, as its organic content will decompose and the low spot will return.
Does McCraw deliver bulk soil to Anna and Van Alstyne?
Yes. McCraw offers bulk delivery of screened topsoil, garden soil mix, sandy loam, and bulk compost throughout Van Alstyne, Anna, Sherman, McKinney, and surrounding North Texas communities. Same-day delivery is available within the 15-mile core area.
What is the difference between garden soil mix and premium soil mix?
Both are enriched blends, but premium soil mix is formulated for high-performance planting beds with a slightly different ratio of amendments. Garden mix uses the 50-25-25 recipe with compost, sand, and screened loam. Premium soil mix often includes additional organic matter and is priced at $50 to $65 per cubic yard. Either will outperform plain topsoil in a planting bed.
