Fill Dirt in Tarrant County, TX

Delivered fill-dirt in Tarrant County commonly falls in a range rather than a single price because of local variability. Expect roughly $12 to $40 per cubic yard (about $15 to $50 per ton) depending on material quality, haul distance, volume, and whether the dirt is engineered or screened. For an exact price, get a quote for your zip code and project size.

Both pricing methods are used locally: some suppliers quote by the cubic yard, others by the ton. Hello Gravel lists materials by ton with a minimum order of 3 tons; many local haulers using tri-axle trucks prefer larger loads (often 5 to 10+ cubic yards), and small-load deliveries may include additional fees. Delivery fees and minimums depend on your zip code, access conditions, and requested delivery time.

Fill-dirt is usually cheaper per cubic yard than crushed gravel or rock, but it is not a suitable wearing surface for driveways. For driveways you should use a compacted stone base and a surface stone (gravel) for drainage and longevity, which raises material and labor costs but improves performance. In short: fill-dirt is economical to raise grades and fill low spots, while gravel/rock is the right choice for driveway base and surfacing.

Contractors in North Texas generally prefer clean, low-organic fill that compacts well—typically a clayey-sand or clay borrow with minimal roots and organics. For structural work or where specifications matter, contractors often ask for engineered fill with compaction testing. Because Tarrant County has expansive clay in places, avoid topsoil or high-organic mixes for structural fills.

For driveways you usually need a stone base and, in many cases on clay soils, geotextile fabric to separate subgrade from base material and reduce rutting. Some suppliers sell geotextile fabric and sand by the roll or pallet, but installation and proper base construction are typically performed by a contractor or landscape crew. Hello Gravel can help you order materials, but spreading and installation are not guaranteed by drivers.

Drivers may offer tailgate spreading at their discretion, but spreading and mechanical compaction are not guaranteed services. Proper compaction almost always requires a compactor (plate tamper, roller) and is usually done by a contractor or landscape crew. If you need spreading and compaction, request it when ordering and plan to hire a local contractor if the driver cannot perform it.

Yes—large fills, changes to site grading, or work in floodplains and drainage easements often require permits from the city (Fort Worth, Arlington, etc.) or Tarrant County, and many HOAs have rules about grading, elevation changes, and visible material stockpiles. Before ordering large volumes, check local city permitting, Tarrant County drainage rules, and your HOA covenants to avoid fines or removal orders. For small yard-leveling jobs, permits are less common but you should still confirm local rules.

Use this quick formula: cubic yards = area (sq ft) x depth (in inches) / 324. For example, a 12 ft x 100 ft driveway (1,200 sq ft) raised 4 inches needs about 1,200 x 4 / 324 = ~15 cubic yards. Foundation backfill and larger grade raises vary widely—perimeter backfill for a small foundation is often 10 to 30 cubic yards, depending on depth and whether material is compacted in lifts.

Some suppliers will deliver small loads, but availability depends on the hauler, access to your delivery area, and whether the truck can safely dump in the space provided. Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons; small-load requests under typical truck minimums can incur a small-load fee or higher per-unit price. Always confirm access, placement location, and any extra fees when you request a quote.

For drainage-prone or expansive-clay sites, contractors often use engineered fill, sandier mixes, or stone to improve drainage and reduce shrink-swell issues. Engineered fill is tested and compacted to specs and is typically the most expensive option (often 20% to 50% more than standard fill), while sandier mixes cost more than basic fill but less than fully engineered material. For structural or drainage-sensitive work, budget for the higher cost of engineered materials and consult a local engineer or contractor.

Place fill-dirt in thin lifts (commonly 4 to 8 inches) and compact each lift with appropriate equipment to get consistent density and reduce future settling. Keep organic material and topsoil out of structural fills, keep material slightly moist for better compaction, and protect finished fills from erosion during heavy North Texas rains. For critical projects, ask for compaction testing and work with a local contractor who understands Tarrant County soils.