Topsoil yard with screening and delivery

Landscapers, builders, nurseries, municipalities and homeowners who pick up or have it delivered.

You sell by the cubic yard, with a margin from raw soil you source cheaply and process. Delivery fees and blended mixes add income.

• Operating a loader or skid steer
• Knowing soil quality and mixes
• Managing inventory, pricing and a small crew

• Zoning, land use and operating permits for a materials yard, which differ by county
• Stormwater, dust and erosion rules, so check with your state environmental agency
• Soil sourcing, since contaminated or weedy fill can cause legal and reputation problems
• Heavy equipment is expensive to buy, insure and maintain, and can be dangerous, so get training
• General liability, equipment and commercial auto insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Sales tax registration with your state, and demand that varies with season and weather

Estimates typically put startup costs around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on your land lease or purchase, screening and loading equipment, and insurance. Heavy equipment is expensive to buy, insure and maintain.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your yard's volume, local demand and delivery reach. Demand varies with season and weather. The estimate assumes about 40 or more hours a week.

Check zoning, land use and operating permits for a materials yard, which differ by county. Also check stormwater, dust and erosion rules with your state environmental agency, plus soil sourcing, insurance and sales tax registration.