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 Saginaw, MI

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 2 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

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Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Saginaw, MI

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Saginaw, MI 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 Saginaw, MI 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 October 05, 2025

Reviewed in May 2020
Highly recommend! They did a great job for very competitive pricing. I had my concrete patio removed that was sinking and pitched towards the house along with regrading the entire backyard that had been tore up after adding an addition off the back of the house. Also had drainage lines installed...
Killian's Landscaping Services
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Reviewed in June 2016
We had a French Drain System installed to resolve a problem with standing water in our backyard. Our brick walkway and front step were relaid with edge restraint and polymeric jointing sand. They also cleaned all our beds, trimmed the shrubs, and applied mulch. We are VERY pleased with the work...
Locke's Landscaping & Brick Paving
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Reviewed in August 2017
Wallace Landscaping did an excellent job! They completed the work in the amount of time they originally told us and for the price they quoted. The owner personally came out to give us a quote. He also came back to answer questions my husband had. The owner also stopped by to check on the...
WALLACE LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in October 2015
Good selection, fast delivery. I like that they can generally deliver mulch and stuff on the day we decide to do the work. I am told there are cheaper places in Byron but I have never checked that out. The fees seem reasonable for mulch and crushed stone for the driveway. The delivery guy...
MICHIGAN LANDSCAPE SUPPLY CO
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Reviewed in August 2012
When we inquired about having mulch delivered and installed at our home, a local landscape supplier recommended Paul Cavanaugh who he said had received positive reviews from previous customers. When contacted, Paul was polite, professional and answered all our questions. As promised, he came...
Cavanaughs Lawn Care
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Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Saginaw, MI

There are 2 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

Need a pro for your mulch and topsoil service project in Saginaw, MI?

Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

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praters construction

praters construction

Grassroots Lawn Care

Grassroots Lawn Care

Andersen Structural Solutions LLC

Andersen Structural Solutions LLC

Four seasons

Four seasons

Reliable Landscaping

Reliable Landscaping

Elevation Landscape & Services, LLC

Elevation Landscape & Services, LLC

Northern Touch Lawn Care & Snow Plowing LLC

Northern Touch Lawn Care & Snow Plowing LLC

Randall & Randall

Randall & Randall

Dornbos Tree Care

Dornbos Tree Care

Becker Property Management/Lawncare & Landscaping

Becker Property Management/Lawncare & Landscaping

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Saginaw, MI

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 Saginaw, MI homeowners’ guide to mulch and topsoil services

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