What goes down first, topsoil or mulch?

<div><p>Topsoil should go down first. If the topsoil is next to your house, make sure the grade slopes away from the house to keep water from pooling against your foundation and possibly leaking into your basement or crawl space. Don’t cover your decorative landscape mulch with topsoil as that defeats the purpose of laying down the mulch. If you’re trying to create a certain <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-can-you-improve-plant-growth-start-improving-your-soil.htm">soil composition to improve plant growth</a>, you’ll likely want compost mixed into the topsoil instead of mulch. Over time, any decorative wood mulch will simply decompose under the topsoil. </p></div>

Does mulch attract termites?

<div><p>No, mulch itself does not necessarily attract termites even though it’s usually made of shredded wood. Some types of mulch like cedar or cypress <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/proactive-tips-avoid-termite-damage-your-home.htm">resist termites</a> because they’re toxic or unappetizing to the wood munchers. However, when the mulch is deep enough, say three inches or more, it creates a perfect habitat for insects of all kinds to build nests.</p></div>

Do you put anything under mulch?

<div><p>Although it’s not required to lay anything under mulch, it can help to put landscape fabric or plastic weed barrier down and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/preparing-your-landscape-garden-mulch.htm">lay mulch</a> on top. The barrier helps keep weeds from growing up through your mulch. It also helps keep rodents and insects from burrowing into the ground underneath.</p></div>

Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Henderson, MD

Q: How much does mulch cost?

<div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-mulch-delivery-and-install-cost.htm">Mulch costs</a> anywhere from <b>$30 to $150 per cubic yard</b>, depending on the type you choose. On the inexpensive end, red and black mulch are about $35 to $40 per cubic yard, and are typically made from recycled waste wood like shredded old pallets or deck material. Cedar, cypress, and rubber mulch cost anywhere from $100 to $120 per cubic yard. A pro can help you determine the type of mulch most suitable for your landscaping needs.</p></div>

Q: How much does topsoil cost?

<div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/truck-load-fill-dirt.htm">Topsoil costs</a> from <b>$12 to $55 per cubic yard</b>, depending on the type you choose. For example, screened black dirt will cost about $15 per cubic yard. Loam (soil composed of sand, silt, and clay) costs about $17 per cubic yard. Standard screened topsoil costs about $20 per cubic yard. The type of topsoil you need depends on your landscaping plans.</p></div>

Q: Do you put anything under mulch?

<div><p>Although it&rsquo;s not required to lay anything under mulch, it can help to put landscape fabric or plastic weed barrier down and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/preparing-your-landscape-garden-mulch.htm">lay mulch</a> on top. The barrier helps keep weeds from growing up through your mulch. It also helps keep rodents and insects from burrowing into the ground underneath.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Henderson, MD

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Henderson, MD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Mulch And Topsoil Service needs.

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Last update on April 26, 2025

Reviewed in February 2023
Jonathon did a fantastic job! He was very polite and he has very good work ethics!! My home looks beautiful!! I am very impressed with his work!
Lined Up Lawncare
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Reviewed in May 2015
I was looking for curb appeal because I was going to put my house on the market, He is very good at making sure the yards look nice and has great curb appeal.
Yard By Yard Makeovers LLC
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Reviewed in August 2011
We had been traveling in Europe and returned to a mess of a yard. The grass had been cut by a neighbor but clumps of clippings and dead grass were everywhere over several acres. The lawn near our waterfront was completely over grown and the tree line had extended into the grass area. We were...
AMJ Lawn & Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in April 2020
We've been using Gerardo for years and have always been thrilled with his work. Most recently he took down 4 medium sized trees and removed their stumps, cleaned up flowerbeds from the fall, and laid new mulch down. He always gives a great price and the work is immaculate. Highly recommend!
Sotelo Landscaping & Hardscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2015
Everything was done beautifully. It only took them several days to do what would have taken me a week. Everything was done as promised and it looked wonderful. I will gladly use them again.
Chesapeake Landscape & Design
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Reviewed in June 2013
It went beautifully. Kathy and her crew showed up on time and worked in the rain to accomplish just the look I wanted. They used my Mother's Day flowers from my kids, some that I had purchased and never planted, and some that they brought. They also divided some annuals which were too thick...
Flower Power LLC
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Reviewed in July 2002
WE HAD ORIGINALLY ORDERED REGULAR TOPSOIL, BUT THEIR SUPPLY WAS UNDER WATER ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY, SO THEY ASKED TO SUBSTITUTE THE BLENDED TOPSOIL. THIS WORKED OK IN THIS INSTANCE, BUT THEY CHARGED THE HIGHER PRICE FOR THE BLENDED SOIL EVEN THOUGH THAT WASN''T WHAT WE HAD REALLY WANTED IN THE...
Jones Topsoil Co
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Reviewed in March 2012
I have been using them for a couple of years. They have very good quality mulch. They are really easy to get a hold of.
Yard Works Plus LLC
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