Understanding Red Sand and Topsoil: A Smart Choice for Your Lawn and Landscape Needs in Volusia and Flagler Counties
At Mulch and Stuff by Smart Choice, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality landscaping materials that meet the unique needs of our customers across Volusia and Flagler Counties. This blog draws on geological insights, local soil science, and practical landscaping experience specific to our region, ensuring you're getting advice tailored to the conditions you'll actually encounter.
One of the most asked-about products we offer is our locally sourced Red Sand (sometimes called Red Dirt) and our screened Topsoil. This guide explains what red sand is, why it’s valuable, and how to use it—especially when working to restore or establish healthy St. Augustine grass.
What is Red Sand (Red Dirt)?
Red sand is a naturally occurring material known for its distinctive reddish-brown hue, caused by iron oxides—mainly hematite and goethite.
- Hematite: An iron oxide mineral (Fe₂O₃) that gives soil a deep red color and forms in well-drained soils.
- Goethite: An iron mineral (FeO(OH)) that adds yellowish-red or brown hues and forms in humid conditions.
This red sand is typically found between layers of white “sugar sand” and red coquina shell, formed over thousands of years through soil weathering and iron oxidation. While it’s not directly derived from coquina rock, it often appears near coquina layers due to historical shifts in sea levels.
Key Characteristics:
- Color: Reddish-brown to brick red
- Texture: Sandy to loamy
- Drainage: Excellent
- Nutrient Level: Low fertility, high in iron
- Origin: Weathered iron-rich layers between sugar sand and coquina
Why Red Sand is Recommended for St. Augustine Grass
Locals commonly use red sand to patch bare spots or topdress lawns with St. Augustine grass. Here’s why:
Benefits:
- Great Drainage – Helps prevent waterlogging
- Soil Warmth – Darker color retains heat for root development
- Iron-Rich – Boosts turf color and growth
- Weed Control – Low fertility discourages weed germination
- Root Stability – Helps grass runners establish quickly
Why Mix Red Sand with Screened Topsoil?
While red sand is great by itself, mixing it with topsoil improves its effectiveness in more demanding lawn situations.
Advantages of a Red Sand + Topsoil Mix:
- Retains Moisture Better – Reduces watering needs
- Adds Nutrients – Topsoil boosts fertility
- Improves Microbial Activity – Encourages healthy root zones
- Better Structure – Loamier texture prevents compaction
- Customizable Ratios – Ideal for various soil conditions
Recommended Blend: 60% Red Sand + 40% Screened Topsoil
How to Use Red Sand or a Red Sand Mix
- Remove debris from bare areas
- Apply a 1"–2" layer of red sand or mix
- Level with a rake
- Water lightly
- Plug St. Augustine grass or allow runners to spread
- Keep off until roots establish
Why Choose Mulch and Stuff by Smart Choice?
We provide locally sourced, eco-friendly products specifically suited for our region’s soils and weather. Our red sand is screened and clean, and our topsoil is free of debris, ensuring optimal results.
Whether you're restoring a small patch or tackling a full landscaping project, we’re here to help you choose the right materials for success.
📞 Call us at 386-302-6444
🌐 Visit us at www.mulchandstuff.com
Mulch and Stuff by Smart Choice
760 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174