Clay or topsoil when grading yard?

[aleader]

In Regina, we are cursed with heavy clay. The summers are hot and bring massive rain during frequent thunderstorms. The winters are Russia-like, and we have the spring melt to deal with. What this means is lots of swelling\shrinking ground, and subsequently cracked basements, shifting fences, and heaved roads and driveways without proper drainage.

I have a low spot near my East wall in the back yard. I need about 30 - 40 cm of fill in various spots around the yard to level it. Will topsoil be able to drain the water to the back (when properly sloped of course), or will it just soak in down to the clay and give me the same headaches?

A contractor suggested stripping the topsoil, laying down yellow clay(?) to grade, and then covering with 10 cm of topsoil. Does that sound okay, or should I just fill it with topsoil and pack it down?

Thanks in advance!

[84-1093879891]

I'd never recommend using topsoil as a fill material as it has too high an organic content, and I can't comment on this Canadian Yellow Clay, as I've never seen it and we don't have it in the British Isles.

I think you need to speak to a local contractor - sorry, but there's no point in me guessing, which is what I'd be doing if I said any more. :(