Fill Dirt in Terrell Hills, TX

Delivery cost varies by distance, order size, and local supplier. Many areas in our network offer free delivery for minimum orders, but typical fees for small orders or long hauls run roughly $0 to $200; check your zip code at checkout for an exact price. Next-day delivery has an additional fee and orders require at least 2 business days for standard delivery.

Prices fluctuate with local availability and material quality, but in West Texas a common range is about $12 to $30 per ton, which roughly equals $15 to $36 per cubic yard (using about 1.2 tons per cubic yard). Heavier loads, clean fill, or long-distance hauls can push prices higher, so use our price quote by zip code for the most accurate number.

Fill dirt is good for raising low spots, building subgrade under driveways, and filling utility trenches where good drainage is not required. It is not a finished surface — you should cap it with crusher run, gravel, or topsoil for driveways and planting areas, and stabilize slopes with erosion controls in areas prone to heavy rains. For driveways, contractors typically use fill dirt as a leveling layer and then add a crushed stone base on top.

West Texas' hot, dry summers and occasional heavy storms can speed drying and cause some shrinkage, then rapid wetting during storms can lead to settlement and erosion. Expect some initial settling after placement, especially if the material is loose or not compacted, and plan drainage and erosion control to handle sudden runoff. For projects near structures, allow for compaction and moisture conditioning to reduce future movement.

Calculate cubic yards = (area in sq ft) x (depth in ft) / 27, then multiply cubic yards by about 1.2 to get tons. Example: a 500 sq ft driveway at 6 in (0.5 ft) needs ~9.3 yd3 or ~11 tons; at 12 in it needs ~18.5 yd3 or ~22 tons. For a 2,500 sq ft yard at 6 in you need ~46 yd3 or ~56 tons, and at 12 in roughly double those amounts; always order 5-10% extra for compaction and settling.

Contractors usually place fill dirt in 4 to 6 inch lifts and compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller to reduce future settlement. For non-structural uses, achieving a firm, well-bonded base is the goal; for structural work near foundations, engineers often require specific compaction densities and testing. Make sure your contractor conditions moisture and tests compaction if the fill is supporting structures or pavement.

Fill dirt is mostly fine-grained and inexpensive, good for bulk raising and backfill but poor for drainage and as a finished driving surface. Crusher run (crushed stone with fines) compacts well and drains better, making it a common surfaced base for driveways. Engineered structural fill is specified, compacted, and tested for load-bearing uses like foundations; use it when an engineer requires controlled properties and compaction.

Hello Gravel connects you with local suppliers who deliver by dump truck (typically tri-axle) and require a minimum order of 3 tons. You can choose a delivery date at checkout, standard delivery takes 2+ business days, and tailgate spreading may be available at the driver’s discretion but is not guaranteed. Add delivery instructions and desired drop location in the order notes to help drivers place material safely.

Possibly — many municipalities and HOAs have rules about changing lot grades, raising elevations, and altering drainage patterns. Contact the Terrell Hills building department or your HOA before importing large volumes to confirm permit or setback requirements. Document approvals and keep records in case the work affects neighboring properties or stormwater flow.

Plan for some settlement and occasional top-ups after the first rainy seasons, especially where material was placed loose. Protect slopes with vegetation, erosion fabric, or hardscaping, and use a proper driving surface (crusher run or asphalt) over fill dirt for driveways to reduce dust and rutting. Regularly check drainage paths to avoid concentrated runoff that can wash out fill material.

Most fill dirt lacks organic matter and nutrients, so it is not ideal for planting without a topsoil layer. For lawns and gardens, add 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil or amend the fill with compost before planting to support vegetation. If you are grading large areas, plan to cap the fill with topsoil where you want plants to thrive.