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 Chillicothe, IL

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>

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*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Chillicothe, IL 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 October 05, 2025

Reviewed in October 2015
Great company to work with. Easily the most professional contracting company I've worked with. It does come at a slightly higher price than some of the local competition, but I'm a firm believer in getting what you pay for. Other contractors have left extra materials, garbage, etc that needed to...
Designer Concepts Landscape Architecture Inc
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Reviewed in May 2014
They are a local nursery and they have quite a big business. They did a good job. It took two people about six hours to put it all out and edge and trim around the house and around the flower bed, because grass had grown in and weeds had come in and they cleaned that all up also. They put out...
Hoer Nursey
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Reviewed in June 2015
Wes is really excellent to deal with. They are punctual, clean up any debris, etc. I have used them for 3 years and will continue to do so. I highly recommend Wes Hoerr!
Wes Hoerr Lawn Service
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Reviewed in October 2008
Went well. They were late delivering the mulch, but that was somewhat caused by a backlog of deliveries that were postponed due to rain.
KRUMHOLZ TRUCKING
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Reviewed in June 2014
They were fine. They were good. He seemed knowledgeable and he was friendly. He showed up when he said he would and did what they said they would do. I had no issues there. I guess it all came down to price. I think they were a little on the high side. The mulch was fine. It was in line with...
Cuttin' It Close Lawn Care & Landscaping
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Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Chillicothe, IL

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Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

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Stacey Martin

Stacey Martin

Upchurch Trucking

Upchurch Trucking

Upchurch trucking

Upchurch trucking

Redline Lawn Care

Redline Lawn Care

Phelps lawn care

Phelps lawn care

Peoria Lawn

Peoria Lawn

Midwest Lawn & Landscaping

Midwest Lawn & Landscaping

Stone Timber Brush

Stone Timber Brush

309 Property Services

309 Property Services

Bundren's Lawncare

Bundren's Lawncare

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Chillicothe, IL

What's the average cost of topsoil?

How much does mulch cost?

What goes down first, topsoil or mulch?

Does mulch attract termites?

Do you put anything under mulch?

The Chillicothe, IL homeowners’ guide to mulch and topsoil services

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