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 LaSalle, IL

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>

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Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in LaSalle, IL

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

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

Last update on June 13, 2025

Reviewed in October 2014
Tom was a pleasure to work with. He was always responsive to my phone calls or emails. His work was priced competitively and the results were excellent. Tom was present throughout completion of the work. His crew arrived on time, were courteous and considerate, minimising any inconvenience...
Wall Landscape Services LLC
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Reviewed in May 2016
Chris responded quickly after I first called him and he came out to see the property within a few days. After gathering input on what I wanted, I received a computerized image of the front of my house with his proposed landscaping. This was very helpful in deciding if I'd like the look. Hook's...
HOOKS LANDSCAPING LLC
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Reviewed in October 2017
Jon did a superb job on both projects. He completed them in a timely manner and stayed on budget. Jon is not only a landscaper. He is an artist!
Jon Gross Building Arts
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Reviewed in May 2019
Work was excellent. Looks great, good ideas. Some unique work with a Prairie resteration and traditional Landscaping.
Semper Fi Land Service Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2017
They wonderful. They were very good and did an excellent job. They were very knowledgeable. They recognized my trees immediately even though they are kind of unique trees. They were even able to identify a bush and tell me how to make sure it kept growing. They are even willing to break your...
Elsner's Nursery
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Reviewed in January 2012
They came when they said they were going to come here. They kept me informed when they were coming. They were here very day on time. We would use them again.
Designer Concepts Landscape Architecture Inc
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Reviewed in December 2014
They did a good job and were great to work. The man I spoke with and dealt with was extremely thoughtful and helpful. I would use them again and recommend them.
Green View Landscaping Company
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Reviewed in May 2011
They have been very professional. He seemed to be very knowledgeable about artillery fungus. He spent a lot of time and showed us the mulch. I am very impressed with them. I would definitely recommend him to others. He has quality mulch.
Naperville Mulch Sales Inc
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