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 Los Angeles, CA

Q: What's the average cost of topsoil?

<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: 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: 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 10 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

Need a pro for your mulch and topsoil service project in Los Angeles, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

4.2

(99)

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

4.0

(9)

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

4.3

(88)

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Los Angeles, CA

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA 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 03, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
Logos Landscape has continued to be ongoing asset to our portfolio of Apartment Communities and are considered Team Members due to their quick response, reliability, fair pricing in all of our landscaping needs. An absolute pleasure to work with
Logos Landscape
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Reviewed in June 2024
Great working with Humberto. He was very helpful in getting what I needed done. I didn't feel like I was being overcharged for the work I had done and my yard looks great now. You can't go wrong hiring him. 5 stars for his work.
Humbee’s Landscape Services LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
Don’t look any further. First of all I want to say Paul is amazing. My yard has never been this beautiful. When I originally called I wanted to just get my sprinklers looked at. He can over promptly and fixed everything in a short time. He was nice explaining everything to a girl who is not...
Bellflower Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2024
Bellflower Lanscaping has done a wonderful job landscaping our yard. Paul who has worked for us for many years is very helpful in plant selection. I have nothing but compliments for Paul’s expert help.
Bellflower Landscaping
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Reviewed in September 2020
Conrad came immediately to give an estimate. He then scheduled the work and it proceeded as promised. The workplace was left very clean every day. It took three days and we couldn't be happier with the result.
Del Mar Landscaping
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Reviewed in October 2019
They were AWESOME. And our backyard looks amazing. They exceeded our expectations. From start to finish, Conrad and his crew provided skilled and expertise in all phases of their work. They arrived everyday and worked hard until the job was complete. Actually they completed early. The cost of...
Del Mar Landscaping
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Reviewed in May 2018
Excellent work. Completely landscaped my backyard. He understood what I wanted and delivered on a tight timeframe for a fair price. I highly recommend Del Mar and plan to use them again for my front yard
Del Mar Landscaping
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Reviewed in February 2019
They are punctual, professional, and pricing was reasonable. Was so happy with quality, I have hired them to do monthly maintenance. Also recommended their service to my mother-in-law.
Del Mar Landscaping
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Reviewed in July 2013
Del Mar Landscaping was fantastic. The yard was cleaned out, tilled and ficus trees were removed in one day. Next few days consisted of removal of the old fence and installation of the sprinkler system. New sod was being installed by the weekend. This work would have taken me a month to...
Del Mar Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2018
I would highly recommend Conrad and his team to anyone. Creative ideas, great work ethic and our yard looks amazing. He delivers what he says he will and his team showed every day on time. I would use him again and would recommend him to everyone.
Del Mar Landscaping
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