Selecting a Topsoil Supplier

Apart from ensuring that an appropriate Topsoil Specification is used to source topsoil, it is also sensible to choose a topsoil supplier who can supply what you need, when you need it and in the format you need it in. In order to do this there are several key questions to be asked. The golden rules when contacting suppliers are:

• To remember that NOT everything described as topsoil will actually function as a topsoil.
• Samples can be misleading. Ask to visit the suppliers site to view and sample the topsoil yourself if unsure.
• Any laboratory analysis certificates supplied should be checked for validity. A Certificate that is 12 months old is highly unlikely to represent the topsoil currently on offer. Likewise, a Certificate that appears to have been faxed 20 times didn't probably originate from that supplier. If unsure, always ask to see a 'clean' copy, via post, fax or e-mail.
• If offered soils recycled from demolition or skip waste please be cautious. Such soils can be contaminated with toxic elements, glass and a significant amount of stones, etc. and they usually have low fertility levels.
• If Natural topsoil is offered, check that there is sufficient volume for your project and that it is all from one original site, so that it is consistent.
• Do not be misled by claims that membership of an 'association' guarantees supply of consistent quality topsoils.

• Where does your topsoil come from?
• Natural or Manufactured?
• Agricultural land? Forestry? Playing fields? Other (specify)?
• If manufactured, what components are used to make it, are they consistent and are they sustainable?
• Is it screened demolition waste or skip waste?
• Has it come from a sustainable source?
• Will all of my topsoil be coming from the same source?
• Is the topsoil protected from the weather?
• Is your topsoil free of Japanese Knotweed?
• If yes, can I have this in writing?
• Can I come and view the topsoil?
• How is the topsoil supplied?
• Is the topsoil available in bags as well as loose?
• Are rigid tippers and articulated tippers available?
• How far will you go to deliver the topsoil?
• Are there stockists where I can purchase small amounts if needed?
• Has the topsoil been independently tested?
• Is a sampling protocol used to ensure a representative sample is analysed?
• Does the testing include analysis of P.T.E.s (Potentially Toxic Elements)?
• How often do you analyse?
• Who conducts your analysis?
• Does the laboratory conducting the analysis have UKAS and MCERTS accreditation?
• Can I have a copy of the whole analysis report and does it include an interpretive section?
• Is the topsoil available all year and will it be workable when delivered?

Through asking the topsoil suppliers the above questions you will establish who is a quality supplier and help ensure that the topsoil supplied meets the needs of your project.

Rolawn topsoils are blended topsoils. Because the soils are blended from raw materials, we can ensure that the same consistent quality soil is produced every time; there is no variation in consistency. We have full traceability of all of the components of our soils and regularly have them analysed to BS3882:2007 and tested for PTEs (Potentially Toxic Elements).