First sign of new subdivison: mountains of topsoil

 

The first sign that a new subdivision is about to be built are the mountains of topsoil tucked into a far corner of the development. The former farmland contains far too much organic material. It is good quality soil for growing crops but poor quality soil for "growing" homes.

Topsoil will not support a structure. It must be removed and in southwestern Ontario there may be a lot to remove. Sometimes the topsoil extends up to four feet down. Hence the veritable mountains of topsoil removed from construction sites.

And what happens to the topsoil that was bulldozed? A lot of it is put back when building ends. It can cost a lot to truck the earth away. It is easier and cheaper to simply use it to give the new homes the soil necessary to for grass and landscaping.

Soil not returned to neighbourhood land can be bagged and sold if the builder finds there is too much soil. After the homes go in and the roads are paved, it is not surprising that often there is some soil remaining when all the subdivision work has been completed.