Whether you're restoring a lawn after construction damage, building up a new garden bed, or grading a slope around your foundation, topsoil is one of the most versatile landscape materials you can buy. But figuring out how much to order — and what it will take to get it to your property — starts with understanding the basics of weight and volume.
So: how much does a yard of topsoil weigh?
On average, one cubic yard of screened topsoil weighs between 2,000 and 2,400 pounds, or roughly 1 to 1.2 tons. Here's what drives that number and how to use it to plan your order.
What Makes Topsoil Heavier or Lighter?
Moisture content is the biggest variable. A cubic yard of dry topsoil might weigh 1,900–2,000 lbs, while the same material after a few days of rain can reach 2,400–2,600 lbs. In Massachusetts, where spring and fall can bring extended wet periods, expect material toward the heavier end of the range.
Organic matter content affects density and weight. Rich loamy topsoil with high organic content tends to be lighter and fluffier than heavy clay-based soils — but it's also more valuable agronomically because it drains better and supports plant life more effectively.
Screening matters. Screened loam has been processed through a screen to remove rocks, clumps, and debris. It tends to be more consistent in texture and weight than unscreened material. Ottr delivers screened topsoil, so you're getting a clean, predictable product every time.
Composition. Sandy loam weighs less than clay-heavy soil. Loam — the ideal blend of sand, silt, and clay — typically falls in the middle range. Massachusetts has a lot of clay-heavy glacial soil, so any loam or topsoil you bring in is likely richer and better-draining than what's already in the ground.
Topsoil vs. Loam: Is There a Difference?
In New England, "loam" and "topsoil" are often used interchangeably. Technically:
- Topsoil refers to the upper 6–12 inches of the earth's surface, which contains the highest concentration of organic matter and nutrients.
- Loam refers to a specific soil texture — an ideal mix of roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay — that provides excellent drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention.
In practice, when landscape suppliers in Massachusetts say "screened loam" or "screened topsoil," they typically mean the same product: a high-quality, screened upper-layer soil suitable for lawns, gardens, and landscape beds.
How Much Topsoil Do You Need?
| Spread Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | ~162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | ~108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ~81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | ~54 sq ft |
Common topsoil applications in Massachusetts:
- Lawn restoration: Spread 3–4 inches of topsoil over bare or damaged lawn areas before seeding. For 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches, you need roughly 9–10 cubic yards.
- New garden beds: Build beds 8–12 inches deep with a mix of topsoil and compost. A 10 × 20 ft bed at 8 inches requires about 5 yards.
- Overseeding thin lawns: A light 1-inch topdress over 2,000 sq ft requires about 6 yards.
- Grading and leveling: Varies widely by project, but plan 2–3 yards for a typical low spot fill.
Always add 10–15% to your estimate for settling after delivery.
Delivery Capacity and the Math Behind It
At Ottr Landscape Supply, we load up to 6 cubic yards per load for dense materials like topsoil. At an average of 2,200 lbs per yard, that's approximately 13,200 lbs of material per delivery.
Flat delivery fee: $100 per load, regardless of how many cubic yards you order up to the 6-yard maximum.
If your project needs 7–12 yards, we'll deliver two loads (often on the same day). For large projects of 12+ yards, a quick conversation with our team about sequencing is helpful.
Getting the Best Value on Bulk Topsoil
Max out each load. Since delivery is a flat $100, there's no cost advantage to ordering 4 yards instead of 6. If you think you might need more, order it now — leftover topsoil is easy to use elsewhere on your property.
Order before your contractor arrives. Have material on-site before the crew shows up. Waiting for delivery day-of adds hours and costs to your project.
Consider the full project. If you're restoring a lawn that needs topsoil, you may also need seed, starter fertilizer, and compost. Think through the full scope before you order so everything arrives together.
Bulk Topsoil Delivery Across Massachusetts
Ottr Landscape Supply delivers screened topsoil, loam, fill dirt, and other landscape materials to over 315 service areas across Greater Boston — including communities in Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Middlesex Counties.
Same-day delivery is available on most orders.
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Ottr Landscape Supply is a female-owned, family-run landscape materials delivery company serving Greater Boston, MA. We deliver topsoil, fill dirt, gravel, mulch, sand, and decorative stone by the cubic yard with a flat $100 delivery fee.
