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 El Mirage, AZ

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>

There are 6 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

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Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

4.4

(136)

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

3.9

(14)

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

4.3

(126)

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in El Mirage, AZ

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in El Mirage, AZ 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 El Mirage, AZ 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 June 12, 2025

Reviewed in February 2012
Masterscapes came out and gave us a bid for a total back yard landscape at our new home.The job was done on time, under budget with with full permits. Troy Rock, (yeahhh that's his real name) gave us the plans to give to our association. Everything went real smooth and they completed in less...
MasterAZscapes LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Great. I used Design Tree Maintenance for over 10 years and for a variety of services. The crews were always competent and friendly. I felt that I was getting a high quality product every time. They were honest and helpful--always.
Design Tree Maintenance, Inc
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Reviewed in March 2021
Perfect !!!! The workman were excellent, cleaned up and did everything I asked of them and what was in the contract agreement that was written up.
Design Tree Maintenance, Inc
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Reviewed in September 2017
We have used them for years at both of our properties. They have been fabulous. We are going to bring them back in for landscape lighting. It was an expensive, big project, so we wanted it done. This is not the first job with us. This is one of many over 15 years. I keep going back for their...
Design Tree Maintenance, Inc
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Reviewed in May 2009
Representative evaluated landscape and made recommendations, and let me make the decision on work to be performed without hassle. Also educated me on soil conditions in AZ and other pros/cons on desert landscape. Workers arrived on scheduled date and worked quickly and effectively. Received a...
Design Tree Maintenance, Inc
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Reviewed in June 2012
I bought two different 'big deals'; one for deep root fertilization and one for sprinkler system evaluation/set. I ended up getting more done so it was nice to have the discount. The arborist was very knowledgeable and helpful in determining which trees to fertilize based on my budget. On...
Design Tree Maintenance, Inc
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Reviewed in February 2019
Excellent. The arborist, Ben, has assessed my trees annually and knows his stuff. Since having him work on my trees, I have not lost any more trees and he saved one that had the beginning of a bore infestation. They all look healthy and amazing. Rene and his crew did everything I asked in a...
Design Tree Maintenance, Inc
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Reviewed in October 2014
Started on time and finished in about 4 to 5 days, everything was exactly as I asked. They are starting a new project for us in a few weeks. Easy to work with.
AZ DREAMSCAPES LLC.
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Reviewed in August 2012
Really can't describe any don'ts with Dreamscapes. The design was on paper and everything was written that was to be provided. We signed the contract and Scott took over. He kept us informed daily of where their progress and what we should expect. Extremely pleasant experience. And the best...
AZ DREAMSCAPES LLC.
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Reviewed in September 2015
Az. Landscape gets a solid 5-Star rating from me. From initial meeting with Scott for a free appraisal through the completion of the project was an unbelievable pleasant experience. His wife, Sheri, who coordinates any questions from their home office gets back very quickly to answer any...
AZ DREAMSCAPES LLC.
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