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 Maple Plain, MN

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>

There are 19 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

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Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

4.6

(36)

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

4.9

(14)

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

4.5

(29)

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Maple Plain, MN

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Maple Plain, 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 Maple Plain, 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 June 12, 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 May 2024
A++ work by the Trinity crew. Travis’ team was professional, hardworking, honest and very responsive to everything we threw at them with our landscaping project. You can tell they truly care about the end product by paying attention to the little details. I highly recommend Trinity Landscaping...
Trinity Landscaping & Excavating Inc
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Reviewed in April 2024
I highly recommend Van Buren Landscaping. I hired them to build a retaining wall and revamp my backyard landscape design. Greg the owner was upfront and honest regarding cost and start/completion dates. Professional quality work, I was very pleased!
Van Buren Landscape
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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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