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>

Top 10 Best Mulch and topsoil pros in San Antonio, TX

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in San Antonio, TX

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in San Antonio, 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.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in San Antonio, 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.

Last update on August 07, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Perfect, on time, attention to detail, great communications with email, text , and phone. Elijah is the best lawn care specialist I have met, he is simply Outstanding!!! I will be giving all my future landscape work to them. Best experience to date with a contractor…a”10”. Elijah is also a...
Wise Water Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
Many of us know how to do the work, but there comes a time when you have to hire someone to do it for you, and you want it done the way you would do it. This was the case with Guidry and company. I did not have to tell them how to do the job. I did not have to ask them to do anything. It was...
Guidry Ranch Consultants LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Texas Region Construction did an amazing job cleaning up our property. We have a lot of trees and the place really needed to be cleared. They are very professional and I was very happy with the work! Definitely look forward to using them again!
Texas Region Construction LLC
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Reviewed in September 2015
Excellent! Jon the owner and arborist came to make the assessment the first business day after I contacted him. He walked around my property and listened to my concerns and examined all the trees in my yard. He brought a couple of additional things to my attention. After the assessment he sent...
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Reviewed in April 2013
There was a delay in getting a proposal, but considering we requested it in such a busy time of year, not surprising. They did good work and finished promptly once they started.
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Reviewed in June 2013
They brought in soil that has 4 different components and St. Augustine sod for our backyard which is more than 2200 sf. Jon's team weeded, raked and then spread the soil and laid the sod. They hauled away the leaves, weeds, ect. The process in the backyard took about 5 or 6 hours for a team of...
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Reviewed in May 2020
Jose came out and gave me quote. He was friendly, prompt, respectful, and an all around great guy. He was able to describe his vision and answer all of my and my wife's questions and able to explain why something wouldn't or would work. His crews were also professional and top notch. And Jose...
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Reviewed in March 2014
They did a really good job on the trimming and the landscaping. Their prices are reasonable. We've recommended them to a neighbor.
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Reviewed in August 2013
At the first meeting, Eric listened to the thoughts of the homeowner, provided his ideas along with pictures, and replied by the next day with an estimate for the job. Once the job was begun, the team worked daily to complete the job. Jose and his team were courteous and sensitive in...
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Reviewed in March 2013
Eric came out to give us an estimate on the work and emailed it to us that night. He gave us ideas of how to build a pathway to the front door from the driveway as well. The estimate came a little over what we budgeted(by $200) but for the work we had done, it was worth it. We were also able to...
Alamo City Arbor Care
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Mulch and topsoil pros in San Antonio

Customers say: Quality work

133 local quotes requested

11 years of experience

At Unified Painting we offer 20% off of paint and stains! Reach out to us today for more details. I am a locally owned Painter. I offer painting services as well as pressure washing, lawn work, and much more! I look forward to working with you soon.

"Great work and attention to detail. He even got us a 20% discount on our paint. Definitely recommend."

Candace T on March 2025

"Great work and attention to detail. He even got us a 20% discount on our paint. Definitely recommend."

Candace T on March 2025

Customers say: Super punctual

92 local quotes requested

19 years of experience

When we started in 2006 from the spare room in our home, we knew we wanted to address the challenges of Central Texas soil and weather by treating employees like family and each lawn like our own. Now, with three branches across Central Texas, our growing team is still dedicated to helping ensure that folks from San Antonio to Waco have a green & weed-free lawn, healthy trees & shrubs, and fewer outdoor pests.

"Superior service vs Trugreen. I recommend them."

Vicente R on September 2023

"Superior service vs Trugreen. I recommend them."

Vicente R on September 2023

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

101 local quotes requested

Lawn & Yard Work - Lawn Fertilization & Treatment - Leaf Removal - Mulch & Topsoil - Pressure Washing - Tree Service -

"Jose with JBR Landscape was very professional, on time and communication was excellent. He and his team worked together in getting the project done. The price was fair and more than competitive with other companies i spoke to. He didn’t talk a-lot like others but he knew what was needed and exceeded my expectations ."

Beverly C on June 2025

Lawn & Yard Work - Lawn Fertilization & Treatment - Leaf Removal - Mulch & Topsoil - Pressure Washing - Tree Service -

Beverly C on June 2025

Chavez Properties

4003 North Loop 1604 West

4003 North Loop 1604 West

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

232 local quotes requested

4+ years of experience! Our mission at Chavez Properties is to provide top-notch lawn care and landscaping services that exceed our customers' expectations, while building long-lasting relationships and enhancing the beauty and value of their outdoor spaces. We strive to deliver outstanding customer service, with an eye for thorough, detail-oriented work, making us the go-to choice for lawn care and landscaping in our community.

"Great! He was very nice and very reasonable"

Rosemary C on March 2025

"Great! He was very nice and very reasonable"

Rosemary C on March 2025

Lubenow Landscaping & Home Services

Lubenow Landscaping & Home Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

401 local quotes requested

At Lubenow Landscaping & Home Services our mission is to provide outstanding service to homeowners to help them maintain their home market value. We take pride in our work and will strive to do everything we can to leave homeowners feeling proud of their property.

"Ben was terrific! He was thorough and really cleaned up my bushes. My yard looks great!"

Tracey M on June 2025

"Ben was terrific! He was thorough and really cleaned up my bushes. My yard looks great!"

Tracey M on June 2025

Dark Horse Landscaping

305 Rose Garden Drive

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

Dark Horse Landscaping

305 Rose Garden Drive

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

3 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Total Tree Maintenance, LLC

Total Tree Maintenance, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

14 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your property with respect and care. We offer tree trimming and removal services that are customizable to the needs of the home or business owner. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Our oak trees look great after their trim today. Our neighbor texted me to say "Your trees look amazing!" Miguel is highly skilled at tree trimming and tree climbing. As he was cutting up in our trees another man was cleaning up the debris below so it only took a few hours to complete the job with two very tall live oaks. They left our property clean and neat. Miguel seems very pleasant and professional and is licensed and insured. After they left I did find some small broken branches on our purple sage bushes by our mailbox where debris had apparently fell on them which is difficult to prevent when trimming up above. The bushes should be fine but maybe in the future if some type of enclosure could be put over smaller bushes like sage bushes and sego palms to protect them from falling tree debris and be sure to remove items like windchimes before cutting. Overall great service and will definitely hire him and his team again soon to remove some smaller trees in our backyard. "

Teresa D on July 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

6 years of experience

R & W Landservices is a professional excavating company. With over 4 years of experience they are a rapidly growing company & are eager to earn your business. Whether you property is large or small that are equipped to handle your need. Call R & W Landservices today for a free estimate!

"It was great and quick work."

Eric M on December 2020

"It was great and quick work."

Eric M on December 2020

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

16 local quotes requested

Our mission at Chavez Properties is to provide top-notch lawn care and landscaping services that exceed our customers' expectations, while building long-lasting relationships and enhancing the beauty and value of their outdoor spaces. We strive to deliver outstanding customer service, with an eye for thorough, detail-oriented work, making us the go-to choice for lawn care and landscaping in our community.

"Ivan contacted me to review the scope of work to be done. He was professional, honest and got the work done in good fashion. I recommend him for lawn maintenance services."

KIM P on April 2025

"Ivan contacted me to review the scope of work to be done. He was professional, honest and got the work done in good fashion. I recommend him for lawn maintenance services."

KIM P on April 2025

Alamo Landscapes & Outdoor Living

2935 Kentucky Oaks Dr

Alamo Landscapes & Outdoor Living

2935 Kentucky Oaks Dr

11 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Alamo Landscapes & Outdoor Living is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Alamo, renovated our backyard . It was a complete renovation. They have their own equipment. And heavy trucks and trailers to get our job done, it was a very big job, the owner is. Is very good at what he does. Through the design process, he explained and sent us several designs to choose from. I was very impressed with his design experience as he gave us very real designs. "

Randal B on July 2025

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FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in San Antonio, TX

Topsoil costs from $12 to $55 per cubic yard, 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.

Mulch costs anywhere from $30 to $150 per cubic yard, 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.

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 soil composition to improve plant growth, you’ll likely want compost mixed into the topsoil instead of mulch. Over time, any decorative wood mulch will simply decompose under the topsoil.

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 resist termites 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.

Although it’s not required to lay anything under mulch, it can help to put landscape fabric or plastic weed barrier down and lay mulch 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.