Fill Dirt in Hyattsville, MD

Fill-dirt is basic subsoil with minimal organic material used to raise grade, level lots, or backfill foundations. In Hyattsville it’s commonly used to build up yard grade, prepare a base for sheds, or backfill trenches where plant growth on the surface is not required. It’s not topsoil, so add a layer of topsoil if you plan to landscape on top.

Delivered prices in the Hyattsville area typically range from about $18 to $40 per ton in 2024-2026, depending on volume, delivery distance, and local supplier. Large orders and short hauls toward local pits usually land at the lower end of that range, while small loads or long hauls push toward the higher end. Check Hello Gravel for live quotes and zip-code-specific pricing.

Suppliers near Hyattsville include regional landscape supply yards and quarries in Prince George’s County and neighboring counties; delivery radii commonly run 20-60 miles. Exact suppliers and their delivery ranges vary, so use Hello Gravel to see local vendors and scheduled delivery options for your zip code. We arrange carriers so you don’t need to search multiple yards yourself.

Contractors generally expect fill-dirt to be free of vegetation and large debris, reasonably workable (not waterlogged), and well-graded for compaction. Typical compaction targets are 90-95% of standard Proctor for structural or near-structure fills, with exact values set by the project engineer or county permit. If you need engineered specs, provide them at order time so suppliers can confirm material and testing options.

Large imports or changes to lot grade can trigger Prince George’s County and Hyattsville permitting requirements, including grading permits and erosion control plans. Always check with Prince George’s County DPIE and Hyattsville zoning/permits before ordering large volumes so you meet setback, drainage, and sediment-control rules. For small backyard projects, confirm whether a permit is required to avoid stop-work orders or fines.

For shed pads and patios, contractors commonly place and compact 4-6 inches of granular, well-compacted base over a geotextile; for residential driveways expect 6-8 inches for light passenger loads and 8-12 inches for heavier use. Aim for 90-95% compaction for load-bearing areas or per engineering/permit specs. Always prepare subgrade and drainage before adding fill to reduce settling and frost heave in Maryland’s climate.

Winter freeze, heavy rain, and muddy spring conditions can make deliveries and compaction difficult in Hyattsville; late spring through early fall is generally the easiest window for clean deliveries and proper compaction. If you must work in colder months, expect possible delays, surcharge fees, and that material may arrive frozen or wetter. Book deliveries in advance and request a delivery window to avoid weather-related disruption.

Local tri-axle dump trucks commonly used in the Hyattsville area carry about 12-16 cubic yards per load, which equates to roughly 14-20 tons of fill-dirt depending on moisture and soil density. Because soil weight varies, ask your supplier or Hello Gravel for an estimated tonnage per load when ordering by the cubic yard or by the ton. For small projects, Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons, so plan accordingly.

Screened fill-dirt is cleaned of roots and large clods and is easier to compact and finish for yards and bases. Crusher-run is a mix of crushed stone and fines that compacts very well and is commonly used under driveways and paving for drainage and strength. Bank run is unprocessed material dug from a pit with mixed particle sizes and organics; it’s cheaper but less predictable for compaction and finish work.

Contractor charges vary with scope, but expect spreading and compaction to add roughly $150-$800 per load in Hyattsville for small residential jobs, with larger grading jobs priced higher. Hourly labor plus machine time (skid steer, mini-excavator, plate compactor) commonly ranges $100-$200 per hour for operator and equipment combined. Get written estimates that break out delivery, labor, equipment, and any disposal fees.

Common issues are surface runoff, rilling, and slope instability, especially on steep or newly placed fills. Contractors mitigate these problems with proper compaction, benching or terracing slopes, installing geotextile, silt fences, temporary seeding or mulch, and directing water to swales or storm drains per county erosion-control rules. For any slope work near property lines or waterways, coordinate with Prince George’s County permitting to meet local erosion-control standards.