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 Madison, NC

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 Madison, NC

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Madison, NC 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 25, 2025

Reviewed in April 2024
I’m now a returning customer. Alan’s work ethics and reasonable quotes are unmatched. His professional skills leave my yard looking like a golf course. Beautiful work, thank you!
TNE Lawn Care
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Reviewed in July 2023
James was amazing. He answered my request in a timely manner and my yard was serviced two days later ! I’m impressed with the work that was done and he did it in no time. Definitely a happy customer who will be using his services again !
R & R Landscaping
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Reviewed in February 2019
Robert and the team at A Cut Above The Curb were very professional and respectful. They got the job done on time and they were very well organized. I look forward to using there services again for my back yard this upcoming spring or summer I am going to recommend them to all my coworkers and...
A Cut Above The Curb
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Reviewed in September 2011
It has been a great experience from start to finish, We have worked with Brent and he is completely on top of things. He is honest, hard working and fair. Whenever we call for service, he schedules us within the week and he and his crew come out and always do an excellent job. We have been...
Agape Lawn Company and Greenway Irrigation
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Reviewed in May 2012
I needed lawn service. I can no longer do it because of physical limitations. I called Mr. Hutchins and within hours received a return call. We made an appointment for him to come and look at my lawn for an estimate.He was delayed in traffic, but called to let me know. I received a call the next...
Hutchins Landscape & Lawn Maintenance LLC
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Reviewed in June 2007
Daniel returned our phone calls promptly and met with us at a time convenient for us. He warned us that he was quite busy and it would be at least 4-6 weeks, before he could get to us. He explained the scope of the work in detail, explaining why the timber wall had buckled. He prepared 2...
Island Creek Landscape
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Reviewed in October 2022
O'Neal is honest. He communicates well. He comes when he says he will. He is available to do other work besides mowing, trimming, and mulching.
Oneal Landscaping
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Reviewed in October 2020
Excellent! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for any landscaping work. My yard has never looked this good before
CountryScapes Landscaping Services, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2012
He is a small independent company. He is scrupulously honest, and very fair priced. He also does plant installation, and general upkeep. He is also very dependable. I would use him again.
Get It Done Maintance Services
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