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 Shepherd, TX

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 Shepherd, TX

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Shepherd, TX 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 11, 2025

Reviewed in August 2015
Richard and the crew were wonderful! Exceeded all expectations! Always on time, kept the job site clean at all times. It entailed a huge mess to do the job but the guys left each day with it looking as though no mess was ever made! They worked extremely hard and in the extreme heat without...
R & R Landscape Inc
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Reviewed in December 2020
Everything looked great when finished! Couldn’t have been happier and will definitely use these guys again for my future landscaping needs!
Complete Landscape and Design
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Reviewed in June 2020
They did a wonderful job! The men worked diligently, did everything we asked, and consulted us frequently. Our yard looks better than ever. We will definitely have them back!
Cut Masters Lawn and Landscaping
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Reviewed in May 2011
The work done by Siglo Landscaping and Masonry was professional and above and beyond my expectations. I more than recommend this company to anyone who wants their home to look clean and precisely maintained. Service was friendly and professional and completed on time. I am excited to come home...
Siglo Landscaping and Masonry
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Reviewed in September 2015
Eric Artmire and his crew are the best in the East Texas area, hands down. I like the fact that he uses Organic Amendments. His knowledge, professionalism and the quality of service will keep me coming back for years to come.
Artmire's Urban Forestry
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Reviewed in March 2018
Awesome. These guys really knew what they were doing and had excellent responsiveness as well as communication when needed. Yard looked brand new when completed!
Cutter's Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2015
Around 8 people came out. The service was spread out, they did the sprinkler over a couple of weeks, and some more weeks to do the yard, the entire process was 4 to 5 weeks. They have their own schedule, they didn't say they would be here at 8, they just said they would be out here today. We are...
A & T YARD SVC INC
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Reviewed in October 2013
The owner and crew were professional, friendly and courteous. The owner promptly set a consultation appointment and showed up on time as scheduled. He called to confirm the schedule and update the progress throughout the entire process. Supplies and materials were delivered to the home site...
Freeman Landscape
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Reviewed in September 2008
My estimate was performed by the owner, Monty. I was happy with the estimate and his suggestions however I had a few questions. I emailed him for answers so I could give the go ahead on the project and there was some delay. I called and this was corrected right away. I also found this was due to...
Love Your Lawn
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Reviewed in July 2016
They showed up at 8 am, and went right to work. Cleared a wide path for storm drainage in a couple hours. Then they cut some trails into a jungle of briar, weeds, and sticker bushes. They can manuever the brush clearing machine anywhere you want them to go. The machine will cut through anything,...
Lone Star Land Enhancement Inc
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