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 Benton, PA

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 Benton, PA

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Benton, PA 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 October 2023
Dylan is professional does a great job in a timely manner. I have recommended him to all my friends for their home improvement hvac and lawn care needs. He is one stop shop!!
Limitless Landscaping & Lawncare
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Reviewed in May 2013
I needed lots of mulch to re-do flower beds on our recently-purchased home. They provided mulch in bulk at a great price. Delivery was next day straight to my house, for a minimal fee. They called before delivery, and came exactly when they said they would. Due to a family emergency, no one was...
K & K LANDSCAPE CO INC
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Reviewed in June 2013
Our neighbor used their services and we were impressed, we called Brothers Lawn immediately to help us out. Brothers Lawn completely removed the old mulch down to the fabric we had placed 2 years ago without ruining it, removed the weeds and grass, cut trenches around each bed and tree and...
Brothers Lawn Service LLC
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Reviewed in August 2018
Very professional company, stands behind their work. Helped me figure out a design that worked well with my property and helped with coordinating the brick colors between my walls, fire pit and patio. Considering the amount of work that had to be done, the price was reasonable. Even came back a...
DeLeon Excavating & Construction
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Reviewed in September 2009
Robert was professional, punctual, complete, and accommodating. He made excellent landscaping suggestions that were appropriate to my circumstances. The crew was pleasant, and they hauled away all the debris. I would hire him again anytime.
Robert Kelley Landscaping
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Reviewed in October 2015
Dave and his crew went out of their way. They even put soil down and planted seed to cover a drainage pipe, that wasn't even discussed. The finished project looks great! Hire Dave! He does great work!
DAVE'S LAWN & LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in June 2013
The construction started last fall with the excavation for the footer of the wall and then the wall was built on top of that. The wall was built with approximately 500 versa lok blocks. Once the wall was built it was backfilled with gravel to provide the proper drainage and then top soil was...
R Bergia Construction
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Reviewed in June 2011
All in all, a good experience from helpful employees----just be sure you don't have to deal with foul-mouthed "Matt" on a bad day.
GUERS TOPSOIL & MULCH PROD INC
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Reviewed in May 2014
Kudos to the young man at the Door and Window desk. He answered all my questions, relayed similar personal experience and gave me solid advice. He explained how to use the Hertz rent-a-van if I needed to do so and offered to load doors in the van for me. I was, however, unable to make...
LOWE'S
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Reviewed in June 2021
PSA: DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH JEFF LEGO LANDSCAPING OUT OF ALTOONA, PA! We contracted him to do our landscaping in fall of 2019. After weeks of barely doing anything to our yard and making excuse after excuse, he said he would finish in the Spring. Spring of 2020, after COVID restrictions were...
Lego Services LLC
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