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>

Top 10 Best Mulch and topsoil pros in Hickory, NC

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Hickory, NC

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Hickory, NC 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 Hickory, NC 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 08, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
I could not be more pleased. They did a Fantastic job!!!! They put in a rock fire pit, rock wall, and cross tie steps. They did an amazing job far exceeding my expectations. I highly recommend them and plan to use them again for additional work we have planned in the future.
Champions Landscaping, Tree and Cleanup Services
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Reviewed in June 2024
Cliff has been cutting my lawn for the past two years and he hasn’t disappointed me. He communicates when and if he can make it. Cliff will also do what is needed/asked of him. I have been greatly pleased with Cliff. Highly recommend him!!
Maintenance Pro LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
Great! Work was done promptly, was well done and reasonably priced. Owner/ contractor was very personable and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.
True Authority Landscapes
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Reviewed in October 2019
Working with Joh band his team was an absolute pleasure - I had never gone through a project the scale of what GOTC completed! John is incredibly knowledgeable and places a high priority on quality and performing projects in a manner that results in the smallest impact. Diana and John were...
Gardens of the Carolinas
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Reviewed in July 2013
Excellent. A crew of three arrived with proper equipment and tools. They were experienced and professional. After a brief discussion to confirm what work was expected, the crew got immediately to work. They worked steadily and effectively, with only a few breaks. When any questions arose, they...
Artistic Design Landscapes
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Mulch and topsoil pros in Hickory

TNE Lawn Care

7901 Old Fort Sugar Hill Road

7901 Old Fort Sugar Hill Road

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

66 local quotes requested

Transforming Your Outdoor Oasis: Elevate Your Curb Appeal with Expert Lawn Care Solutions. Discover the Beauty of a Lush, Green Landscape – Where Your Dream Lawn Begins!

"I’m now a returning customer. Alan’s work ethics and reasonable quotes are unmatched. His professional skills leave my yard looking like a golf course. Beautiful work, thank you!"

PAEZ,AIDA P on April 2024

Transforming Your Outdoor Oasis: Elevate Your Curb Appeal with Expert Lawn Care Solutions. Discover the Beauty of a Lush, Green Landscape – Where Your Dream Lawn Begins!

"I’m now a returning customer. Alan’s work ethics and reasonable quotes are unmatched. His professional skills leave my yard looking like a golf course. Beautiful work, thank you!"

PAEZ,AIDA P on April 2024

True Authority Landscapes

True Authority Landscapes

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

132 local quotes requested

True Authority landscapes has been performing quality service from quality people for the last 6 years. Our company was founded in spring of 2019 by Matthew Walters and William White. Like the bricks and mortar of a building, our values are what separate us from the competition, they're what guide and support our behavior. We are a family-owned company. At True Authority, providing quality lawn care & unmatched customer service go hand-in-hand. With True Authority you can count on: ✩ Highly trained, knowledgeable professionals who perform top quality services for all of our customers. ✩ 24/7 customer support. ✩ 100% Insured & Bonded. We specialize in all elements of your landscape. We offer lawn mowing, treatments, mulching, planting and tree service. We are professional and dependable.

"excellent"

Jim G on February 2025

"excellent"

Jim G on February 2025

CR Lawn Service

1023 Rocky Ridge Drive

1023 Rocky Ridge Drive

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

122 local quotes requested

Cristian Ramos With CR Lawnservices LLC. We service in Lawn Mowing, Trimming, Mulch, Pine needle, Power Washing, Sod, Replanting, etc. we delivery our services very formal with compassion. We thrive for uniqueness and deliver our clients needs.

"We just purchased an older home in Newton NC. Yard and bush maintenance hadn’t been kept up in many years. I asked Cristian Ramos if he could help us bring the property back to its original beauty. Cristian did a fabulous job with the yard and the over grown flower beds, but what really shows his skills is how he trimmed and manicured the bushes and trees around the house, not a leaf out of place or twig left behind. very attentive to detail. I highly recommend Cristian and will use him again."

John S on December 2023

Seagle Farms & Construction

608 Hulls Grove Church Rd

Seagle Farms & Construction

608 Hulls Grove Church Rd

Customers say: Quick response

4 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We're a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Berry happy with the work did an excellent job would definitely recommend"

Kyle A on March 2022

"Berry happy with the work did an excellent job would definitely recommend"

Kyle A on March 2022

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

18 years of experience

We are the experts you need to take care of your home or business. We handle everything from rock delivery to maintaining and mowing lawn services. We will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give Bristol's Lawn Care a call today we look forward to working with you! We also offer Military Discounts!

"Very quick to answer my ad and gave me a quote same day!! Does a great job!!!"

Lisa C on February 2024

"Very quick to answer my ad and gave me a quote same day!! Does a great job!!!"

Lisa C on February 2024

Suddreth Masonry, LLC

3519 Old Petra Mill Road

Suddreth Masonry, LLC

3519 Old Petra Mill Road

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

22 years of experience

Suddreth Masonry, LLC, proudly serves their customers with pride, integrity, and attention to the details that matter most to you. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated. Give us a call today!

"Never called"

Carlos A on June 2023

"Never called"

Carlos A on June 2023

Perfect Green Lawncare

Perfect Green Lawncare

93 local quotes requested

10 years of experience

Perfect Green Landscaping is family owned and operated. Proudly serving Newton and surrounding areas since 2015. At Perfect Green Landscaping, we specialize in professional, friendly and courteous lawn care services for your home or business. Call us today for free estimates.

"Very professional, courteous and conscientious about his work. Reasonable rates. Could not be happier with the job he did and have hired him to service my lawn."

Dawn E on June 2025

"Very professional, courteous and conscientious about his work. Reasonable rates. Could not be happier with the job he did and have hired him to service my lawn."

Dawn E on June 2025

Big Boss Man Junk Removal & more L.L.C.

1059 BELLMORROW DRIVE

Big Boss Man Junk Removal & more L.L.C.

1059 BELLMORROW DRIVE

94 local quotes requested

Free onsite estimate

At Big Boss Man Junk Removal and more LLC, we pride ourselves on being the best hauling company in the area. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing. Being a screened and approved professional gives you the peace of mind you need to allow us to give your home the attention it deserves. Call us today and let's get started!

"Mitch with Big Boss exceeded my expectations. He was early, he completed the job promptly and he even went above and beyond to make sure I was happy. Mitch is old school in work ethic and customer service. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Don’t bother looking elsewhere - this is your guy! "

Lauren V on June 2025

Bucknor Landscaping

4318 Blackberry Trail

No reviews

Bucknor Landscaping

4318 Blackberry Trail

No reviews

Free onsite estimate

Lawn maintenance, weed control, fertilization, trim shrubs, seasonal cleanup, mulching and pine needling, pressure wash driveways and patios. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, I take pride in delivering top-notch landscaping services tailored to your needs.

I specialize in landscaping projects such as mulching, creating pathways, and beautiful drainage systems. Im currently on my 2nd year. Although I do not only do landscaping, I also do hardscaping as well as construction.

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FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Hickory, NC

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.