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>

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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>

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

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Madison, 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.

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Last update on October 06, 2025

Reviewed in April 2024
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!
TNE Lawn Care
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Reviewed in February 2019
Robert and the team at A Cut Above The Curb were very professional and respectful. They got the job done on time and they were very well organized. I look forward to using there services again for my back yard this upcoming spring or summer I am going to recommend them to all my coworkers and...
A Cut Above The Curb
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Reviewed in September 2011
It has been a great experience from start to finish, We have worked with Brent and he is completely on top of things. He is honest, hard working and fair. Whenever we call for service, he schedules us within the week and he and his crew come out and always do an excellent job. We have been...
Agape Lawn Company and Greenway Irrigation
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Reviewed in July 2023
James was amazing. He answered my request in a timely manner and my yard was serviced two days later ! I’m impressed with the work that was done and he did it in no time. Definitely a happy customer who will be using his services again !
R & R Landscaping
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Reviewed in December 2013
Our entire experience with Hutchins Landscaping was outstanding. Jon Hutchins is very professional and knowledgeable. I initially contacted him by phone and left a message. He promptly returned my call and answered all of my questions about the installation of sod. He said that he would be...
Hutchins Landscape & Lawn Maintenance LLC
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Reviewed in June 2007
Daniel returned our phone calls promptly and met with us at a time convenient for us. He warned us that he was quite busy and it would be at least 4-6 weeks, before he could get to us. He explained the scope of the work in detail, explaining why the timber wall had buckled. He prepared 2...
Island Creek Landscape
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Reviewed in October 2022
O'Neal is honest. He communicates well. He comes when he says he will. He is available to do other work besides mowing, trimming, and mulching.
Oneal Landscaping
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Reviewed in October 2016
Job went great. Greg was very responsive and knowledgeable about the job at hand and he went the extra mile for us and did a few things outside the scope of work. Very pleased and we will use his company again. He had very professional men on site that were truly helpful to our needs.
Little Daves Landscape Management Inc
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Reviewed in August 2011
I found these guys on Angies list and they had a very good rating so I decided to try them out. The very same day and within 30 minutes of calling them they stopped by to give me an estimate since they happened to be in the area. My back yard is sand so i was looking to have it sodded as...
Sanford Turf and Irrigation
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Where Clean Meets Green

Where Clean Meets Green

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Green Piedmont Sod and Landscaping, LLC

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B-Z Hardscaping llc

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All things Welch LLC

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Triad Creations

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Carolina Lawn Maintenance

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Benson Tree service Inc

WLR Outdoor Services-NC

WLR Outdoor Services-NC

Nathan's DirtWorks

Nathan's DirtWorks

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JRS best lawns

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Madison, NC

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 Madison, NC homeowners’ guide to mulch and topsoil services

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