What Is Fill Dirt?

Fill dirt is a boon for building contractors and the bane of gardeners. Typically low-quality dirt, it’s often used by contractors to fill in depressions and grade lots. Fill costs less than topsoil, but it generally consists of subsoil that lacks organic matter and beneficial microbes needed for healthy lawns and plants. It often contains rocks and other debris as well. Turning fill into healthy garden soil through soil amendments and good cultural practices can be a long, arduous process.