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 Sharptown, MD

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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Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

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Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

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Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

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Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Sharptown, MD

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Sharptown, MD 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 Sharptown, MD 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 March 2013
I have been with King Cuts Landscaping for 7 years. They give a very acceptable price and it was comparable with other companies within the area. The company is run by Bret Wetsel, young man, you deal with him directly. If you leave him a message, he gets back to you within 20 minutes. I like...
King Cuts Landscaping
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Reviewed in October 2020
Excellent performance. Joy worked closely with us to design a landscaping plan that complemented our house. When we encountered some problems with availability of specific plants, they kept us in the loop with selection of alternate plants. The installation crew was knowledgeable and efficient,...
Jobe's Landscape
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Reviewed in March 2019
It was a rush to get everything done before winter , and was close, but it got done. We were very pleased with the design, plant suggestions for the sun exposure, which respected our likes/dislikes, and with the quality of installation work. The solution to our swampy sump discharge was...
RSC LANDSCAPING LTD
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Reviewed in December 2017
I have a beautiful patio and my grass is lush and green thanks to A&V’s care. I highly recommend them for your next outdoor projects!
A&V Landscaping and Hardscaping LLC
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Reviewed in February 2012
He keeps my yard looking decent. He was very honest with me. I was gone a lot of the summer, and I told him to just take care my yard. I prepaid him. When I got home he told me he owed me one more cut because he skipped a week due to weather, so I was impressed with that.
Windsor's Maintenance
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Reviewed in August 2011
They have been here several times. They are excellent and the service was very positive and prompt. They do a fair amount of work in the neighborhood and I know a lot of neighbors have seen what we have done and have contacted them and they are very satisfied. They also do some regular work for...
Fancy Cutz LLC
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