University of Missouri-Columbia Poor soil is a common cause for failure to grow vigorous, attractive lawns, trees and shrubs.
Natural topsoils vary greatly from one location to another.
Their ability to grow plants can differ from block to block, from farm to farm or from the bottom of a slope to the top. When topsoil is eroded away or removed or buried during construction, it becomes more difficult to grow plants in the remaining soil. How well we conserve and improve the soil largely determines whether plants will be vigorous or if they will survive at all. When building a new home, the desirable topsoil should be stockpiled during construction and replaced after construction is completed. The lot grade or slope is also important in soil conservation.