What is Friable
Definition of Friable in Construction
A friable material is a material that is easily crumbled and not adhering together. In many landscaping specifications the topsoil is required to be friable, or easily broken up. This characteristic allows the soil to be permeable therefore allowing water to penetrate and drain from the soil. Friable is important to ensure that there is not too much clay or silt included within the soil, to cause the soil to clump up and stick together. A soil that clumps up and sticks, is not a good soil for landscaping, and does not promote water penetration and drainage. A good friable soil is easily spread, and will provide a soil that will allow fertilizer, water and nutrients to be absorbed by the plants, shrubs, trees or grass.