Fill Dirt in Yolo, CA

In Yolo, delivered fill dirt usually runs about $12 to $35 per ton (roughly $15 to $50 per cubic yard), depending on supplier, whether the dirt is screened, truck distance, and local availability. Prices can vary seasonally and by source, so check your zip code on Hello Gravel for current local pricing and delivery options.

Contractors in Yolo choose fill dirt to raise grades, build up low spots, or backfill foundations because it compacts well and is cost-effective compared to rock. For driveway wearing surfaces they usually put crushed rock or gravel on top of compacted fill dirt, since fill dirt alone does not provide a durable driving surface or good surface drainage.

To raise 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches you need about 500 cubic feet, which is roughly 18.5 cubic yards. That equals approximately 22 to 30 tons of fill dirt depending on moisture and how tightly it will be compacted; order about 10% extra to allow for settlement and compaction.

Yes. Yolo’s clay-prone soils and winter rains make good compaction and drainage essential: use clean, low-organic fill and compact in 4-6 inch lifts with a plate compactor or roller. Consider adding drainage measures (swales, gravel layers, or geotextile) and consult local contractors or building officials for soil-specific compaction specs.

Many suppliers around Yolo can deliver fill dirt in 2+ business days; next-day delivery may be possible when ordered early and subject to supplier availability. Hello Gravel sources regionally and will show available delivery dates and lead times when you enter your zip code at checkout.

They can. Permits are often required for significant grading, changes to drainage, large fill volumes, or construction that affects neighboring properties; rules vary by project scope. Contact Yolo County Planning and Public Works or your local building department before major fills, and check with Hello Gravel if you need documentation for a permit.

Properly compacted fill dirt used as a base will be stable for years, but un-compacted or organic-rich fill will settle and may require periodic regrading. For driveways and high-traffic areas, top with crushed rock or gravel and address drainage to minimize erosion and reduce maintenance in Yolo’s seasonal rains.

Screened fill dirt is cleaner and easier to compact, so it is better when you need a uniform base for patios or where settlement control matters. That said, for paver bases and retaining wall footings contractors typically prefer engineered base materials (crushed rock or road base) rather than fill dirt, because those materials drain and lock together better in Yolo’s climate.

Contractors commonly use a small excavator or bobcat for placing material, and compact in 4-6 inch lifts with a plate compactor for small areas or a roller for larger areas. A laser level or transit is helpful for setting grades, and a skid steer or rake makes finishing easier.

Fill dirt is intended to raise grade and provide structural fill but generally holds water more than granular materials, so it is not the best choice for surface drainage or erosion control. Decomposed granite or crushed rock are better for surfaces, paths, and erosion control because they shed water and resist washout; in many Yolo projects contractors use fill dirt for bulk volume and place gravel or crushed rock on top for drainage and wear.

Hello Gravel has a minimum order of 3 tons and delivers with contracted dump truck fleets (typically tri-axle trucks) sourced locally in West California. Tailgate spreading may be requested at checkout, but drivers perform spreading at their discretion for safety reasons, and delivery timing is shown at checkout when you enter your zip code.