If you’re planning to improve your lawn in New Jersey—whether it’s to grow a lush carpet of grass or revive struggling patches—you’ve probably asked yourself one critical question: Should I use topsoil or compost? While both materials are essential in landscaping and gardening, they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one for your lawn can mean the difference between a thriving landscape and one that struggles to grow.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between topsoil and compost, when to use them, how they benefit your lawn, and the best practices for applying each.
What is Topsoil?
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, typically the first 2 to 8 inches. It’s where most of a plant’s roots grow and where vital nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms are concentrated. When you purchase bulk topsoil from a landscape supplier like Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, it’s often screened for consistency and quality, making it suitable for lawn installation, garden beds, and grading.
Topsoil is best for:
- Establishing new lawns or reseeding
- Filling low spots in your yard
- Improving drainage and leveling the surface
- Acting as a base layer for sod installation
What is Compost?
Compost is decomposed organic matter—typically made from food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and other biodegradable materials. It’s a nutrient-dense soil amendment rich in beneficial microbes, humus, and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Compost is best for:
- Enriching existing soil
- Boosting microbial activity
- Improving water retention
- Feeding plants naturally without synthetic fertilizers
While compost isn’t ideal for establishing a lawn on its own, it’s an exceptional booster when mixed into your soil or layered thinly over your grass.
Key Differences Between Topsoil and Compost
| Feature | Topsoil | Compost |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Earthy, loamy | Soft, crumbly |
| Nutrient Content | Moderate | Very high |
| Drainage | Good to excellent (depending on type) | Excellent |
| Best Used For | Grading, base for lawns | Soil amendment, enrichment |
| Cost (Bulk) | Moderate | Slightly higher per yard |
| Microbial Activity | Present | Very high |
In short, topsoil is more structural—it helps form the body of your lawn or garden. Compost, on the other hand, is more of a powerful nutrient shot for the plants you’re growing.
When to Use Topsoil for Your Lawn
If your lawn has uneven areas, poor drainage, or compacted soil, topsoil is a great starting point. It provides a strong, consistent base layer for new grass seed or sod. When leveling your lawn or filling in holes, topsoil gives structure without overwhelming plants with nutrients.
Tips for using topsoil:
- Use screened topsoil for even particle size.
- Apply 2–3 inches when establishing a new lawn.
- Combine with compost for best results.
When to Use Compost for Your Lawn
Compost is not a replacement for soil—but it’s a great additive. If your lawn is already in place but looking tired or thin, compost can help bring it back to life. A thin top-dressing of compost improves soil fertility and boosts grass health over time.
Tips for using compost:
- Use compost as a top dressing in spring or fall.
- Spread a ¼ to ½ inch layer evenly across the lawn.
- Water it in well and let microbes do the rest.
For heavily compacted or sandy soils in NJ, compost can improve structure and nutrient retention dramatically.
Can You Mix Topsoil and Compost Together?
Yes, and in fact—it’s often the best of both worlds. Mixing topsoil and compost creates a rich, balanced growing medium. A 2:1 ratio of topsoil to compost works great for raised beds, lawn top-dressing, or prepping the soil before sod installation.
If you’re applying a mix across a large lawn area, buying in bulk can save you money—and Kirk Allen Landscape Supply offers high-quality, screened topsoil and compost by the cubic yard.
Best Practices for New Jersey Lawns
In NJ, we experience all four seasons, which means lawns undergo a lot of stress—from hot, dry summers to freezing winters. Both topsoil and compost play a role in helping your lawn handle these changes.
Here’s how to approach lawn care in NJ with these materials:
- Spring: Add a light top-dressing of compost to jumpstart growth.
- Fall: Aerate the lawn and apply a compost/topsoil mix to repair summer damage.
- Before Seeding or Sodding: Lay 2–3 inches of screened topsoil, optionally mixed with compost.
- After Landscaping Projects: Use topsoil to fill in around new plantings and compost to enrich garden beds.
Cost Considerations: Bulk Topsoil & Compost in NJ
If you’re managing a larger lawn or landscaping project, purchasing topsoil and compost in bags from the hardware store adds up quickly. That’s where Kirk Allen Landscape Supply comes in.
They offer:
- Bulk topsoil
- High-quality compost
- Convenient delivery throughout NJ
- Competitive pricing for homeowners and contractors
For exact rates and delivery options, call 973-347-3117 to speak with their knowledgeable team.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re starting from scratch—installing a new lawn or leveling your yard—topsoil is essential. But if you want to boost lawn health, improve soil structure, and enhance your grass’s green color, compost is your best friend.
In reality, using both materials in combination is often the most effective strategy for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn in New Jersey.
Need Help Choosing the Right Material?
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners, landscapers, and property managers across New Jersey choose the right soil, compost, mulch, and stone products for their projects.
Call us today at 973-347-3117 or visit https://www.kirkallenlandscapesupply.com/ to learn more or schedule a delivery. We’re here to help your lawn thrive—one layer at a time.
