Benefits of Loam

by Jorge Melo

Good soil is the foundation of every healthy lawn. Without it, even the best seed won’t thrive. In our 35 years of business, we’ve seen lawns struggle to grow simply because the soil underneath wasn’t right. When dirt is dry, sandy, or compacted, grass never fills in properly. That’s where loam comes in. Loam is the ideal blend of sand, silt, and clay — holding just enough water for healthy roots while draining what your lawn doesn’t need. It’s the secret behind the lush, even lawns you see across Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and throughout Bristol County.

What are the benefits of using loam?

Why is loam soil good for planting

Loam is known for its perfect balance. It retains moisture without becoming muddy, drains excess water, and is packed with nutrients that feed your plants naturally. For lawns, that means thicker grass, fewer bare spots, and stronger root systems that survive heat and drought. Whether you’re planning a lawn installation in Fairhaven, MA, or maintaining your existing property, starting with loam ensures long-term results.

For new properties, we recommend spreading at least six inches of loam before seeding or laying sod. This creates a strong foundation that supports deep roots and prevents erosion.

Loam soil composition

Loam typically consists of about 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. This mixture allows water and air to circulate freely while holding nutrients in place. The organic matter within loam boosts microbial life — the living network that keeps soil fertile and balanced.

Types of loam

There are several variations of loam: sandy loam, clay loam, silt loam, and silty clay loam. The exact composition depends on your location and local soil conditions. Coastal areas around Mattapoisett and Fairhaven often benefit from sandy loam, which improves drainage for seaside properties.

Function of sand, clay, and silt in soil

Each soil particle contributes something different:

• Sand provides structure and drainage.

• Silt holds moisture and nutrients.

• Clay adds mineral density and water retention. When balanced, these elements create a friable loam — soil that crumbles easily in your hands yet holds its shape, perfect for root development and lawn health.

Ways to determine your soil texture

1. Watch the water

If your yard floods easily or dries out fast, that’s a sign your soil isn’t balanced. Water pooling indicates excess clay, while fast drainage suggests too much sand.

2. Dig your fingers in

Good loam feels soft, moist, and crumbly — not gritty or sticky.

3. Try a pro soil test

Professional soil testing provides the most accurate read on nutrient levels and composition, helping us recommend the right blend of loam and amendments for your property.

Understanding soil structure

Soil structure determines how air, water, and nutrients move through your lawn. Loam creates natural pores that let oxygen reach the roots while preventing compaction. When combined with proper lawn aeration and overseeding service, you give your grass room to breathe and grow thicker every season.

What the best lawn soils need

Healthy lawns require:

• Good drainage

• Moisture retention

• Strong root development

• Active microorganisms

A friable loam provides all of these benefits. It’s why every new lawn installation loam base we create starts with premium screened loam. Whether you’re investing in lawn installation in Mattapoisett, MA or renewing a commercial property, loam ensures consistency and long-term beauty.

How to amend the soil in your lawn

If your existing soil isn’t loam, don’t worry — it can be improved. Start by dethatching, aerating, and applying compost or loam and top-dressing lawn mixtures. These steps gradually build better soil texture and drainage. Avoid mixing sand and clay directly, as that can lead to concrete-like compaction.

Over time, repeated applications of organic matter and professional overseeding lawn services can transform poor soil into friable loam that supports healthy grass.

Loam soil lawn top-dressing benefits

Top-dressing with loam helps repair bare areas, improves nutrient content, and keeps moisture evenly distributed across your yard. It’s especially effective after grading and leveling yard service or when addressing drainage problems. Many of our clients who receive annual lawn care and maintenance contracts include loam top-dressing as part of their long-term plan for lawn health.

How is loam soil formed?

Loam forms naturally through the breakdown of rock, minerals, and organic matter. In Massachusetts, the coastal climate accelerates this process, creating fertile layers perfect for residential and commercial landscaping in Fairhaven, MA and surrounding towns. However, not every site starts with high-quality soil — that’s why we deliver and install bulk loam delivery for lawns before every seeding or sod project.

Which texture is loam soil

Loam has a medium texture — not too fine, not too coarse. It feels slightly gritty yet smooth and crumbles when pressed. This balance gives it the ability to hold nutrients and water evenly throughout your yard.

Are loam and topsoil the same thing

Not exactly. Topsoil refers to the upper layer of ground, while loam describes the soil’s texture and quality. All loam is topsoil, but not all topsoil is loam. For reliable results, choose screened loam with organic matter instead of raw fill dirt.

Can loam soil hold water

Yes, but just the right amount. Loam retains enough moisture for healthy root development while draining excess water to avoid standing puddles. This balance is why loam supports both lawn seeding services and grading lawns for new sod installations.

What can loam soil be used for

Loam is ideal for:

• Repairing bare spots, lawn seeding

• Loam soil for lawn renovation

• Flower and vegetable gardens

• Tree and shrub planting

• Improving drainage with yard grading

• Creating a new lawn installation loam base for residential and commercial properties

Can you loam over grass?

In some cases, yes. Light top-dressing with screened loam can be applied directly over existing grass to improve soil structure. This method works best when combined with aeration and lawn seeding services for even coverage and growth.

FAQ about loaming

How much loam do I need for a new lawn?

Typically, about six inches of loam

creates the ideal base for seeding or sod installation.

Can you seed directly over loam?

Yes, seeding on fresh loam helps the seed establish deep roots quickly.

Does New England Tree & Landscape offer loam spreading?

Yes, we provide full-service spreading and grading throughout Bristol and Plymouth Counties. (Click here to learn more)

Do you offer maintenance plans after loaming?

We offer flexible lawn care and maintenance contracts that include fertilization, mowing, and top-dressing options to keep your property looking its best.

Conclusion

At New England Tree & Landscape, we’ve loamed, graded, and seeded properties across Massachusetts — including full installations at the Bay Club in Mattapoisett. If you want a greener, thicker, more resilient lawn, our team can help.

Call/ text: 508 763 8000,

Email: request@newenglandtreeandlandscape.com, or click here to request your free estimate today for professional landscaping in Fairhaven, MA, and surrounding towns.

Snow removal services

At New England Tree & Landscape, we don’t just handle loam and lawn care — we also provide snow removal in Fairhaven, MA, and surrounding towns. Our team offers reliable snow plowing, sanding, and de-icing for both residential and commercial properties. Keeping driveways, parking lots, and walkways clear helps protect your landscape during the winter months and keeps your property safe throughout the year. Click here to learn more!

Citations

P&L Landscaping. “Benefits of Loam.” P&L Landscaping, 2025, https://www.pllandscaping.com/benefits-loam/.

Iannotti, Marie. “What Is Loam Soil?” The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2024, https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-loam-1401908.

Lerner, Rosie. “What Is Loam?” Purdue Extension – Indiana Yard and Garden, Purdue University, 1 Mar. 2017, https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/what-is-loam/.

Shiffler, Amanda. “Friable Loam: The Ideal Lawn Soil and How to Get It.” LawnStarter, 14 Aug. 2025, https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/lawn-care-2/friable-loam-lawn-grass-soil/.