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 Diego, CA

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in San Diego, CA

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 08, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Finally, after using three different companies, I talked to Luis at Brothers Landscape and they did not disappoint. I wish I found them 5 years ago and saved myself a lot of headache (and money from failed front yard landscape attempts). They weren't the cheapest (nor the most expensive), but...
Brothers Landscape
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Reviewed in March 2024
Luis is the best gardener and landscaper in THE WORLD. I have hired many people while owning and managing many properties throughout the last 20 years. Luis is the only one who never disappoints. He is extremely professional, timely, communicative, and just so dang excellent at his craft of lawn...
Brothers Landscape
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Reviewed in March 2024
Completely cleaned slope, put weed trap/layer down and mulched. Timely and professional. Already lining up more work for Hector-Dave’s Tree Service. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Davids Tree Service
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Reviewed in December 2023
Lupe worked quickly, had good suggestions regarding plants, and came in on budget. He is now maintaining the garden in perfect condition! I am very pleased with his work!
Guadalupe Ayala
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Reviewed in November 2023
Mr. Ayala always keeps our yard beautiful! He's been our gardener since 1991, and I wouldn't change a thing! He knows so much about all the aspects of tending to our yard. A great and honest man.
Guadalupe Ayala
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Reviewed in February 2014
Here's the headline; STUNNING, EXTRAORDINARY WORK!!! We contacted C & H after doing some general research online. We liked owner Kent Horner's website because it appeared that he was creative and although the picture gallery was limited, the work looked fabulous! We contacted Kent and he...
C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2017
Kent's estimate was reasonable and in line with another estimate I had received. I chose Kent because he was more knowledgable about the repairs I needed, and he didn't try to talk me into unnecessary changes outside of my budget. Kent and his crew were professional and punctual. They completed...
C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2017
Kent is amazing - he came to visit us several times prior to signing the contract, answered all of our questions, reworked various aspects to fit into our budget and 'held our hands' through the entire project. He has a gentle and positive spirit which made the stress of such a large project...
C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service
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Reviewed in January 2018
Kent and his team were amazing. They worked right through the holidays helping to complete our new yard make-over. We couldn't be happier with the quality of work and the speed in which they completed the projects. This was no easy task, but they made our front and back yards exquisite. They...
C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2018
They did an excellent job. They were neat, knew what they were doing and were extremely efficient. Kent was very personable with us and we are so pleased with our new yard.
C & H Gardens Artistic Landscape & Tree Service
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Mulch and topsoil pros in San Diego

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

123 local quotes requested

Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime after you see our quality work. As a locally owned and operated business we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. Call or message us to schedule an estimate today!

"Mr. Tomas was professional and punctual."

Ritamarie B on July 2025

"Mr. Tomas was professional and punctual."

Ritamarie B on July 2025

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

249 local quotes requested

Brothers Landscape is your landscaping for the San Diego area. Super Service Award Winners in 2014, 2015, and 2016! For faster service call 619 654-6887. We specialize in lawn installation, sprinklers installation, landscape maintenace, such as yard landscaping, garden landscaping, and many other residential landscaping services. Additional services: Seasonal maintenance, irrigation, soil rejuvenation & area preparation. sprinklers installation.

"Outstanding work, repaired on the spot. On time with a fair price for the work. Will definitely keep his number for future problems if they arise."

Bruce M on August 2025

"Outstanding work, repaired on the spot. On time with a fair price for the work. Will definitely keep his number for future problems if they arise."

Bruce M on August 2025

Humbee’s Landscape Services LLC

Humbee’s Landscape Services LLC

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

399 local quotes requested

We specialize in all phases of lawn maintenance, routine mowing services, mulch spreading, yard clean ups, gutter cleaning and more. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service. Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

"He is not working. I received a message saying that I would be refunded. I would like a refund of $850.ssage saying that I would be refunded. I would like a refund of $850."

Yuriko S on August 2025

"He is not working. I received a message saying that I would be refunded. I would like a refund of $850.ssage saying that I would be refunded. I would like a refund of $850."

Yuriko S on August 2025

FIGIS - Unlicensed Contractor

208 Willie James Jones Ave

FIGIS - Unlicensed Contractor

208 Willie James Jones Ave

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

3 years of experience

You can depend on us to provide a high quality service at a fair and honest price. We understand that the future of our business depends upon our reputation and that is why customer service is by far our highest priority. If you are looking for a professional you can trust, please call today to schedule a no-obligation estimate! 2 + years of experience!

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Esmeralda A on September 2022

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Esmeralda A on September 2022

RH Construction - Unlicensed Contractor

2003 Bayview Heights Drive, #71

RH Construction - Unlicensed Contractor

2003 Bayview Heights Drive, #71

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

15 years of experience

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. We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience.

"x"

Kenneth G on November 2021

"x"

Kenneth G on November 2021

Rudy Hernandez - Unlicensed Contractor

Rudy Hernandez - Unlicensed Contractor

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

26 years of experience

At Rudy Hernandez, we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all the work we perform. We are experts, and will always keep you educated about the work process. We look forward to earning your business!

"Rudy fixed a sprinkler problem I have had for over two years in under 2hours. I will finally have my grass back to normal. I would highly recommend for any help with irrigation."

Sam A on September 2024

"Rudy fixed a sprinkler problem I have had for over two years in under 2hours. I will finally have my grass back to normal. I would highly recommend for any help with irrigation."

Sam A on September 2024

Angel's Landcaping Services

400 Greenfield Drive Unit 151

Angel's Landcaping Services

400 Greenfield Drive Unit 151

27 local quotes requested

5 years of experience

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"Great service from Andy at Angel’s Landscaping Service. He called me right away after I sent the request online and he was able to fix my lawn sprinklers the next morning. I will definitely call them again next time. A+++"

Irma G on August 2025

McCormick Home Builders, Inc.

McCormick Home Builders, Inc.

Customers say: True professional

275 local quotes requested

8 years of experience

MCCORMICK HOME BUILDERS INC We're a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home or business as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing projects and our services are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in both installations and replacements. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Mike was our representative. Mike was our representative and everything he said there was to be done. They did absolutely wonderful and Mike was a really really good guy and thank you for that. I am very pleased and what they did and all the cleanup was done absolutely great thank you so much for the workmanship and all the people that you have working for you what they did for me was very professional very nice thank you again."

Barbara R on June 2025

RSF Construction Inc.

6910 Monte Verde Drive

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

RSF Construction Inc.

6910 Monte Verde Drive

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

280 local quotes requested

6 years of experience

RSF Construction Inc. is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

Ledesma's Hauling and Landscaping

Located In:

5.00(

)

Ledesma's Hauling and Landscaping

Located In:

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Services Offered Verified by Business Appliance disposal Construction debris disposal Furniture disposal Driveway construction or installation Interior wall construction Patio, porch, or terrace construction … Interior demolition Irrigation repair or maintenance Landscape construction or installation Landscape maintenance Greenscape construction Landscaping waste disposal Construction or installation Partial structure demolition Shrub care Insect management - shrubs Shrub pruning or trimming Shrub transplanting Storm debris disposal Trash disposal Tree planting Tree removal Christmas tree disposal Exterior surface and wall demolition Gardening Exterior wall construction Retaining walls Walkway construction or installation Irrigation construction Junk pickup Landscape design Landscaping building construction Greenscape design Lawn care Mattress disposal Recycling disposal Disease management - shrubs Shrub planting Shrub removal Soil disposal Total structure demolition Tree care services Tree pruning or trimming Tree stump removal

"They got here within an hour of me calling, were so kind and quick. I would definitely recommend and hire again! They made the process so smooth and fast."

Colle H on June 2025

"They got here within an hour of me calling, were so kind and quick. I would definitely recommend and hire again! They made the process so smooth and fast."

Colle H on June 2025

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Showing 1-10 of 115

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in San Diego, CA

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.