Compost vs Topsoil

Compost

Decomposed organic matter used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention. Quality compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. It adds beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that support healthy plant growth and improve poor soils.

Topsoil

Nutrient-rich upper layer of soil, ideal for establishing lawns, gardens, and planting beds. Quality topsoil is dark, crumbly, and full of organic matter that supports plant growth. Screened topsoil has been filtered to remove rocks, roots, and debris.

Compost

• ✓ Soil amendment
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Lawn top-dressing
• ✓ Raised beds
• ✓ Tree and shrub planting
• ✓ Seed starting mix

Topsoil

• ✓ Lawn seeding
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Raised bed fill
• ✓ Landscape grading
• ✓ Sod installation
• ✓ Tree and shrub planting

Compost

• + Dramatically improves soil structure and fertility
• + Increases water retention in sandy soils
• + Improves drainage in clay soils
• + Adds beneficial microorganisms
• + Reduces need for chemical fertilizers

• − Quality and composition vary widely between sources
• − Can be odorous when fresh
• − May contain weed seeds if not fully composted
• − Too rich for direct planting — must be mixed with soil
• − Settles significantly after application

Topsoil

• + Rich in nutrients for plant growth
• + Creates ideal growing medium
• + Dark color absorbs warmth for earlier spring planting
• + Screened options are ready to use
• + Essential for any planting project

• − Settles significantly after delivery
• − Quality varies greatly between suppliers
• − Can contain weed seeds
• − Heavy when wet
• − Should never be used as structural fill

Compost

Fine, crumbly texture when fully decomposed. Dark brown to black color. Should smell earthy, not sour or ammonia-like. Screened compost has been filtered to remove large uncomposted pieces. Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom farming and is particularly nutrient-rich.

Topsoil

Fine, crumbly soil texture when screened. Dark brown to black color indicates high organic content. "Screened" topsoil has been run through a 3/8" or 1/2" screen to remove debris. Blended topsoil may include compost for extra nutrients.