Scott Bros is working flat out to meet a sudden surge in demand for topsoil during the lockdown period.
Normally the Stockton-based firm would fill and deliver up to five one-ton bags of its high-quality topsoil per day – but in recent weeks that figure has rocketed to 30 bags per day.
The huge rise in orders is being fuelled by those in self-isolation now able to devote all their time to tending their gardens and yards, creating new beds, borders and planters – as well as potting plants.
Further demand has come from commercial firms involved in landscaping, turf laying and sowing grass seed, much of it on behalf of domestic customers, together with utility companies who continue to buy large quantities of topsoil and reclaimed sharp sand required for land reinstatement projects.
The topsoil is sourced from construction sites across the North East before being blended with compost which is made from green waste collected from homes across Teesside. It is then clear screened to ensure a fine consistency.
The family-run firm is currently working hard to meet the demand for its topsoil, which conforms to NHBC standards.
Director Peter Scott said: “Early on in the lockdown we experienced a big rise in people hiring our midiskips as they busied themselves with jobs around the home, clearing out the garage or tidying the garden.
“Since then, the focus has switched to topsoil, as those lucky enough to have a garden or yard enjoy their outdoor spaces with the arrival of the better weather. Our topsoil is screened to 10mm and is a perfect blend of quality loam and compost, making it nutrient rich, so it’s just the job for growing flowers or vegetables.”
“We have a safe system in place. People can order and pay via our website and we deliver without any need for human contact. At one point so many people were trying to order topsoil that it almost crashed our website, but we are working hard to meet the demand – which is helping keep people in jobs.”
To order a skip or arrange a home delivery of topsoil or aggregates visit www.scottbros.com