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 Columbia Heights, MN

There are 15 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

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Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Columbia Heights, MN

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Columbia Heights, MN 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 Columbia Heights, MN 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 19, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
I am a weekend warrior with little landscape knowledge but with the advice received and products I purchased my lawn and beds look professionally done. I purchased 8 yards of garden mix and 15 yards of natural hardwood mulch and could not be more satisfied with both the experience and the...
BUBERL BLACK DIRT INC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Tom and his team totally knocked our project out of the park. From the 14+ tons of boulders surrounding our new flower beds to the meticulous planting of the bushes and flowers and the beautiful patio hardscaping work, they exceeded our expectations and transformed our backyard into a paradise....
Sirek Landscaping Co.
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Reviewed in October 2022
This was our second time hiring L & R, and based on our first experience at a previous home years earlier, we expected -- and had -- another great experience this time. Up front, Lyle came out for multiple visits to talk through many details, desires and ideas, and produced a very nice printed...
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in October 2022
Ron and Layla were my main contacts and they were extremely easy to work with and very responsive to my questions and changes. Ron very closely supervised the project and was on site every day. He suggested adjustments based on situations that came up that would improve the project (particularly...
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in August 2022
I was very happy with the professionalism and the fact that they use their own crews instead of subcontractors. I got the impression that they did everything right, not quick and dirty.
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in November 2021
Very happy with the whole process. Owner was onsite everyday making sure everything was perfect. Designer visited site numerous times to make sure layout was done as his plan specified. All trees, shrubs and sod were very hardy. Office staff kept me posted on job schedule.
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in November 2021
Fantastic! Communication was great and the work was done when they said it would be. The crew cleaned up our yard and driveway when they were done. The finished project is beautiful!!
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in October 2021
Drainage and erosion resulted in the need for extensive deveopment of retaining walls. Fantastic work in stabilizing the area and now making it both functional and beautiful. The guys were able to take my vision and make it even better. Attention to every detail.
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in September 2021
All of our projects have gone exceptionally well. This is an unbelievably customer centered organization that always delivers exceptional results, communicating with the customer throughout each project. I can’t say enough about how we love this company!
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Reviewed in August 2021
The team at L&R were amazing!! They completely transformed my backyard, and my family loves it. From start to finish, the work was beyond expectations. Honestly worth every dollar, and we will be hiring the team again for our front yard.
L & R Suburban Landscaping Inc
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Mulch and topsoil pros in Columbia Heights

101 local quotes requested

17 years of experience

Landscape . Paint . Renovate - Landscaping - Landscaping - Hardscaping & Pavers - Outdoor Kitchens and Living -

Customers say: Quick response

97 local quotes requested

4 years of experience

Jack of All Trades Lawn & Property Services offers expert care for both your indoor and outdoor spaces. Specializing in lawn maintenance, we provide a full range of services including spring and fall cleanups, leaf removal, sod installation, stump grinding, pressure washing, window cleaning, and hardscaping with rocks and pavers. Inside, we tackle projects like garage organizing, furniture assembly, and general home maintenance. Whether it’s enhancing your lawn or organizing your home, we handle everything with skill and professionalism. No job is too big or small—count on us to keep your property looking its best year-round!

"Hard workers, did a fast and good job. Vince is very kind and professional."

Heather F on May 2025

"Hard workers, did a fast and good job. Vince is very kind and professional."

Heather F on May 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

366 local quotes requested

Spring Clean Your Home 🏡 Spring is almost here! Get your home shining bright ✨, with our professional window cleaning, house washing, and gutter cleaning services. Book now and enjoy a sparkling clean home all season long! (763) 318-3885 Window cleaning Gutter cleaning House wash Roof cleaning Pressure washing Tree trimming Small tree removal Gutter guard installation Yard clean up Leaf removal Junk removal

"2 👍s Up !!"

Janet F on July 2025

"2 👍s Up !!"

Janet F on July 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

191 local quotes requested

We offer a wide range of landscaping services including landscape design, lawn maintenance, garden maintenance, planting, pruning & tree trimming, yard waste removal, deck maintenance, pressure washing, snow removal and more!

"Matt was prompt, courteous, and professional, and the work was well-done. I recommend working with Apex."

Bernard R on August 2025

"Matt was prompt, courteous, and professional, and the work was well-done. I recommend working with Apex."

Bernard R on August 2025

Gill Handyman & Cleaning Service LLC

2163 Hawthorne Avenue East

Gill Handyman & Cleaning Service LLC

2163 Hawthorne Avenue East

475 local quotes requested

1 years of experience

We are a handyman and general home maintenance provider. Our goal is to provide you with services that will simplify and improve your life! Our vision and focus are to deliver high-quality service for our clients with an emphasis on communication, attention to detail, and cost management.

"Initial meeting, 30 minutes late, no call, no show. Messaged him via the Angi app. Got a flat apology and told he’d be there in 40 more minutes. I’m not waiting 70 minutes for him to show up to an initial quote for a date and time he, himself, arranged."

Jeff B on August 2025

I am Brian with AWA Lawn Services out of the Rush City, MN area. We provide lawn care and related services to the Twin Cities area. Standard services include mowing/trimming, add-on services include but are not limited to mulching, pressure washing, outside painting/touch-up, yard clearing, gardening, and light handyman services. Reach out for free estimates on anything from a simple one-time mow/ trim or we can set up for a recurring service. Property management and real estate companies are encouraged to call for volume and referral discounts. AWA Lawn Service is a veteran-owned small business.

we are a family company that has 30 years plus of experience. We have worked in high end commercial properties for many years, we take care on the cites we work and we work as cleans as possible. we like our customers to be happy with end result .

C&J Outdoor Solutions

3300 Rice St

No reviews

C&J Outdoor Solutions

3300 Rice St

No reviews

3 years of experience

At C&J Outdoor Solutions, our mission is simple yet profound: to transform your outdoor space into a living masterpiece that reflects your vision and personality. We take pride in the ability to turn your dreams into reality and enhance the beauty and functionality of your property.

Red Pine Outdoor Solutions

440 6th Street East

No reviews

Red Pine Outdoor Solutions

440 6th Street East

No reviews

Free onsite estimate

Red Pine Outdoor Solutions is family owned and operated company. Specializing in custom landscaping and patios. Looking to improve your outdoor space give us a call and we will work with to redesign your outdoor space and make it what you have always dreamed it looking like.

Best View Building Services LLC

24 Hay Camp Rd.,

No reviews

Best View Building Services LLC

24 Hay Camp Rd.,

No reviews

11 years of experience

Best View has been providing exceptional services for more than 8 yrs. to both Residential & Commercial customers throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding areas we offer a wide variety of services, including Lawn Care Maintenance: Mowing, Edging, Punning, Fertilizing, Spring & Fall Clean up, & Weed Control. Tree Trimming & Stump Removal, Landscaping: Mulching, Rock, & Pavers.

...

Showing 1-10 of 200

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Columbia Heights, MN

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.

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