Plant’s Choice Soils™

Plant’s Choice Bioretention Soil™

Based on the stormwater volume being treated and the related bioretention design, the soil media used in bioretention basins or rain gardens may range from being a silty to a sandy soil. Two types of Plants Choice Bioretention Soil can be tailored for either end of the spectrum. In the specification found in the NYS Stormwater Manual, the Bioretention Soil Media is one that will retain and slowly drain water and we utilize a blend of silty and clayey soil to achieve this. We utilize a concrete sand and topsoil or compost blend to achieve the majority of the faster draining, dry swale or sandy bioretention specifications. In addition to being a material supplier, we act as a liaison between the installer and the designer to ensure that the proper material is being manufactured for the application. Production is supervised and products are often retested.

Plant’s Choice Structural Soil™

Structural soils serve the dual purpose of acting as a growing medium and a structural support at the same time. There are two versions of our structural soils, stone-based and sand-based. The stone-based version utilizes angular crushed stone that is coated with a fine soil and a moisture-retaining additive in order to create substantial surface area for contact with a network of roots. The porosity is such that roots are encouraged to grow without putting vertical pressure on the load above. The interlocking stone distributes the load without placing it on the roots. The boundaries of the installation help to contain growth. This application is ideal for street trees and planting pits around sidewalks. The sand-based structural soil relies on subangular sand particles to both support loads and permit root growth. The sand becomes coated with fine soils and organics, yet consists predominately of a sand matrix used to support the structure.

Plant’s Choice Lightweight Soil™

This proprietary blend of expanded aggregates and fine organic materials provides a lightweight growing medium for rooftop and other elevated structure applications where concerns over material density exist. When blended, the materials form a moisture-retaining anchor for plants while maintaining a saturated density in compliance with green roof standards. The organic blend fills the voids between the aggregates inviting root growth throughout the entire area of installation. This particular blend has been proven successful in a range of intensive green roof applications. Alterations can be made to cater to your alternative versions of lightweight soils and different types of planting schedules that you have. From sedum to maple trees, we can meet the lightweight planting soil spec.

Plant’s Choice Premium Topsoil™

Our topsoil combines a natural mineral soil with screened yard waste compost. The compost is allowed to mature on its own in windrows and is then blended with the mineral soil and stored for an additional period of time. After passing through a 1/2” screen, the finished product is a dark sandy loam topsoil, well supplied with nutrients, plenty of cation exchange capacity, a fair EC, moderate organic content, fair drainage and a pH just above neutral. It meets the most common Topsoil specifications that are presented to us on both public and private jobs. Ideal for seeded, sodded and planting areas.