Fill Dirt in Jollyville, TX

Fill-dirt is native or quarried subsoil used to raise grade, fill low spots, and build up areas before finish surfaces are added. In Jollyville's clay-rich soils it is useful for bringing a yard or lot to proper elevation or filling utility trenches, but it is not a planting medium and should be covered with topsoil or a finished aggregate for lawns, gardens, or driveways.

Prices vary by local source and screening, but in the Texas region fill-dirt commonly runs roughly $8 to $18 per ton. Hello Gravel shows local supplier pricing during checkout (minimum order 3 tons) and delivery fees may affect the final cost.

Many Hello Gravel deliveries are free in nearby service areas, but if a delivery fee applies it typically ranges from about $50 to $150 depending on distance, truck type, and site access. Standard delivery takes 2 or more business days, with a next-day option available for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee.

First calculate volume: 20 ft × 30 ft × depth (3 in = 0.25 ft gives 150 cu ft; 4 in = 0.333 ft gives 200 cu ft), which is about 5.6 to 7.4 cubic yards. Fill-dirt typically weighs around 1.3 tons per cubic yard, so you would need roughly 7 to 10 tons; order 10-15% extra to allow for compaction and settling.

Fill-dirt is fine for raising or leveling the subgrade but is not a durable driveway surface by itself. For Jollyville's expansive clays and high summer heat, use fill-dirt to build grade, then install a compacted base such as crusher run or ¾"-1" crushed stone and a proper surface layer to prevent rutting and erosion.

Fill-dirt is the most economical choice for bulk filling and rough grading but lacks the compaction and drainage properties of crusher run. Crusher run is a crush-and-screened mix that compacts well and is preferred for driveways and load-bearing bases, while topsoil is for growing plants and should be used only as a finishing layer for lawns and beds.

For most projects in clay soils, using geotextile fabric under fills and compacting fill-dirt in 6- to 12-inch lifts is recommended to reduce settlement and mixing with soft soils. Small DIY jobs may use a plate compactor, while larger projects typically need a roller or skid steer; consult a contractor for slope, drainage, and soil conditions specific to your site.

Contractor rates vary, but expect equipment/operator charges in the Jollyville/Austin area commonly around $75 to $150 per hour for excavators or loaders. For small grading jobs contractors may add roughly $5 to $20 per cubic yard for spreading and compaction on top of material costs; get local quotes for precise estimates.

Fill-dirt itself is stable long-term if properly placed and compacted, but you should expect some settlement over several months and plan to re-grade or add material as needed. Maintain drainage to avoid erosion during heavy rains, add topsoil and seed where you want vegetation, and inspect low spots after seasonal shrinking and swelling of clay soils.

Yes—Hello Gravel connects you to local suppliers that can deliver screened or unscreened fill-dirt depending on availability; check your zip code on our site to see options and pricing. Note the product details during checkout, the 3-ton minimum applies, and you can add Order Notes for screening preference or site access instructions.

Rules vary by neighborhood—some Jollyville HOAs and local jurisdictions require prior approval for changing driveway surfaces, altering grades, or impacting drainage. Check with your HOA covenants and the City/County planning or permitting office before starting work, especially for retaining walls, major driveway changes, or projects that affect stormwater flow.

You can request tailgate spreading at checkout, but drivers perform spreading at their discretion based on site safety and truck access; there are no guarantees of spreading services. If you need guaranteed spreading or precise placement, discuss options with your contractor or add notes when ordering to help drivers assess feasibility.