Dirt Blog

Fill dirt is typically used to build up ground or fill holes in construction projects. This type of dirt is generally subsoil, also called substrate, which is dirt found underneath topsoil. It’s basically partially broken down soil that contains sand, clay and other materials. Fill dirt is generally obtained from a construction project where the workers dig a deep hold to start the project and the dirt is displaced. This subsoil is extracted from the site and either saved for later or sold to other companies or individuals who can use it.

A common use for fill dirt is to build up and reinforce the ground prior to constructing a building to lower the chances of flooding. This is generally done when the overall construction site is at a low level and gets enough annual rainfall to possibly flood the construction site and ultimately the new building. This fill dirt method has been used in a variety of construction projects from commercial buildings to airports and residential areas. Small scale projects also require fill dirt such as landscapers who build pools, waterfalls or build interesting landscapes for home owners.

Another very common use of fill dirt or subsoil is freeway construction and maintenance. Highway road sides can become eroded due to rainfall, cars pulling off the road and other factors.  For this reason road maintenance crews periodically build the sides of the road back up to make it safe for cars to pull over.