How much 4 yards of dirt will cover depends on how deep you want the soil to be. In general, a yard of dirt will cover 324 square feet for a 1-inch depth or 100 square feet for a 3-inch depth. Therefore, you can expect 4 yards to cover between 400 and 1,296 square feet if you keep your soil depth between 1 and 3 inches.

Before you begin landscaping with rocks, put down a weed barrier or landscape fabric to prevent pesky weeds from poking through. 

Consulting your local university extension, Audubon society, or municipal urban forestry program are all good ideas when choosing a tree to plant. You can also ask an arborist or a knowledgeable landscaping company for advice on good trees to plant.

Pavers are one of the most affordable methods of creating an elevated outdoor space. Gravel is an equally affordable alternative. If your budget permits, you can look into building a permeable driveway to ensure proper drainage. Grid pavers, pervious concrete, brick, and brick pavement are all effective materials. Permeable driveways are great options, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainstorms.