Fill Dirt in Scott County, TN

Typical delivered prices for loose fill-dirt in Scott County commonly fall in the range of $10 to $30 per ton, depending on truck distance, moisture, and whether the dirt is screened or contains large rock. Prices can be lower for very local pits or large orders and higher if delivery access is difficult or material must be hauled from far away. Check Hello Gravel for an exact quote by entering your zip code or calling our team, since regional sourcing and truck availability drive final price.

Hello Gravel works with a network of local suppliers and contracted dump truck haulers that serve Scott County and nearby towns like Huntsville. Availability varies by zip code and season, so the fastest way to see local suppliers is to check our website or call 855-241-8884; we will match you with nearby producers and provide delivery options. For large projects, we can coordinate multiple loads and recommend contractors if needed.

For raising or building a driveway subgrade, choose fill-dirt that is low in organics and well-graded (a mix of sand, silt, and some clay) so it compacts well and drains reasonably. Avoid uncompacted topsoil or high-organic material; modest clay content is OK if it is compacted in lifts and proper drainage is provided. For the actual driveway surface, a crushed stone or graded aggregate top layer is still recommended over plain fill-dirt.

In eastern Tennessee's freeze-thaw climate, initial settlement can happen within weeks, but more gradual settling can continue over several months, especially if the material or subgrade was wet when placed. Compact fill in 6-8 inch lifts with a plate compactor or roller, and avoid placing final surface materials until moisture cycles have settled and the fill is well compacted. If you need quick, stable results, consider mechanical compaction and letting the site sit through at least one seasonal cycle if possible.

Use this two-step method: first convert area and depth to cubic yards using (square feet * inches) / 324 = cubic yards. Then multiply cubic yards by an estimated tons-per-cubic-yard (use 1.3 tons/yd3 as a common estimate for loose fill-dirt); for example, raising 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches is 1,000*6/324 = 18.5 yd3, or roughly 24 tons (18.5*1.3). For tight projects, request a supplier-specific conversion from Hello Gravel since moisture and density change the weight.

Geotextile fabric is often a good idea on steep slopes or where you're placing fill over wet or clay-prone soils because it helps separate materials, reduce rutting, and limit mixing of soft subsoil into the fill. Use stabilization fabric on access routes and slope transitions and pair it with proper drainage measures like swales or French drains. For engineered slopes or critical fixes, consult a local civil engineer or contractor familiar with Scott County soils.

Scott County and state regulations can affect large-scale earthmoving, so check with the Scott County Building and Codes office and the Scott County Health Department if your project is near a septic system. Small residential deliveries for grading or minor raising usually do not require special import permits, but projects that change drainage, impact wetlands, or involve large volumes may need approval or erosion-control measures. When in doubt, contact the county planning office before ordering and save documentation of material source and delivery.

Fill-dirt is intended for raising grade and filling low spots; it compacts but does not provide the durable, well-draining surface a driveway needs. Crushed limestone or graded aggregate is better for driveway bases and surfaces because it compacts into a stable, load-bearing layer and sheds water. A common approach in Scott County is to use fill-dirt only where needed for grade, then build a compacted aggregate base and top with crushed stone for the driving surface.

Yes—spring and late fall in eastern Tennessee can be wet and muddy, making truck access difficult and increasing the risk of ruts and material contamination. Schedule deliveries during drier periods when possible, provide a clear, stable truck turn and dump area, and consider temporary plywood or gravel pads for access. Hello Gravel lets you choose delivery dates and will flag difficult-access jobs so we can coordinate equipment or alternative delivery methods.

Contractor rates vary, but expect machine rates in the neighborhood of $50 to $150 per hour for small excavators or skid steers, with total placement and compaction jobs commonly running from a few hundred dollars for small patches to several thousand dollars for larger yard or driveway fills. Many contractors bundle equipment, labor, and compaction into a per-cubic-yard or per-hour price, so get multiple local quotes and ask for itemized estimates including hauling, spreading, compaction, and disposal of unsuitable material. Hello Gravel can help connect you with local contractors and provide material-only pricing so you can compare bids.