Small soil yard with screening and blending

Landscapers, builders, nurseries, gardeners and homeowners who drive in to load up.

You sell by the cubic yard, with different prices for screened, blended and premium mixes. Delivery adds a fee, and a loader and screener let you turn cheap raw material into higher-priced product.

• Operating a loader and screener
• Knowing soil types and blends
• Pricing, inventory and customer service

• Zoning, permits, and dust, noise and stormwater rules, which vary by county and state
• Check your state's rules on sourcing and selling soil, including contamination testing
• Commercial property, general liability and equipment insurance
• Heavy equipment carries injury risk, so get training and safety gear
• Large upfront costs for land, equipment and stock, and demand tied to construction and the seasons
• Check whether you need to collect sales tax on soil sales in your state

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on whether you rent or buy the plot, the loader and screener you need, and your opening stock of raw soil.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your volumes, the products you blend and the season. Demand is tied to construction and the seasons, so income can be uneven.

Check zoning, permits, and dust, noise and stormwater rules, which vary by county and state. Also check your state's rules on sourcing and selling soil, including contamination testing, and whether you must collect sales tax on soil sales.