Amended Soils for Commercial Projects
In commercial landscaping and construction, soil quality is a key factor that determines project success. Amended soils can dramatically improve outcomes for rain gardens, bioretention systems, and large landscaping installations. At Ridgewood Soils, we specialize in creating custom blends that meet your exact project needs. In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of amended soils, the types we offer, and why we’re the right partner for your commercial project.
What Are Amended Soils?
Amended soils are natural soils that have been improved by mixing in organic or inorganic materials. These additions—like compost, sand, or peat—enhance the soil’s structure, drainage, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. When used in commercial applications, amended soils provide the foundation for strong, healthy plant growth and effective stormwater management.
Key Benefits of Amended Soils
1. Stronger Soil Structure
By mixing in compost or other organic matter, amended soils become looser and easier to work with. This friable structure helps roots grow deeper and allows for better air and water movement, which leads to healthier plants.
2. Better Drainage and Water Retention
In projects such as rain gardens and bioretention systems, balancing drainage and water retention is critical. Amended soils are specifically designed to filter and absorb water while holding onto enough moisture for plants. This balance supports plant health and reduces water runoff.
3. Rich Nutrient Content
Compost-based amended soils provide a slow and steady release of essential nutrients. As a result, plants receive what they need over time without frequent fertilization. This approach leads to more sustainable landscapes and long-term cost savings.
4. Natural Pollutant Breakdown
In stormwater projects, amended soils do more than just hold water—they also help filter out pollutants. The organic matter in the soil attracts and breaks down harmful compounds, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally sensitive projects.
Types of Amended Soils at Ridgewood Soils
We offer several types of amended soils tailored to commercial uses. Whether your job involves strict environmental guidelines or unique site conditions, we’ll help you choose or create the right blend.
Bioretention Soils
Our bioretention soils are engineered to meet the exact requirements for stormwater systems. Typically made with a mix of sand, compost, and screened topsoil, these blends support both fast drainage and healthy plant growth. We follow specifications closely to ensure peak performance in filtering and absorption.
Rain Garden Soils
Rain gardens work on a smaller scale than bioretention basins, but they serve a similar function. Our rain garden blends are created to retain enough water to nourish plants while allowing excess to drain. These mixes promote healthy root development and help recharge groundwater naturally.
Custom Soil Blends
Not every job fits a standard mold. That’s why we offer custom soil blending services. Whether you’re installing a green roof, building a commercial courtyard, or starting a large planting project, we’ll design a soil mix that supports your specific goals and meets technical standards.
Why Choose Ridgewood Soils?
We’ve earned the trust of contractors, engineers, and architects throughout Pennsylvania—from Philadelphia to Harrisburg—by delivering consistent, high-quality results. With decades of experience, we understand what commercial projects demand. Our team works with you to understand your specs and guide you to the right soil solution.
We also use only top-grade raw materials. This means every load of soil you receive performs as expected—whether it’s filtering stormwater, feeding new plants, or supporting erosion control. Plus, our ability to create custom blends on demand gives you flexibility without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
Let’s Build Better Soil Together
If you’re planning a commercial landscaping or stormwater project, let Ridgewood Soils help. Our amended soils are engineered for performance, sustainability, and long-term plant health. Contact us today to discuss your needs—we’re ready to partner with you.