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 Marion, NY

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>

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Marion, NY

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Marion, NY 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 Marion, NY 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
JC and Sons is extremely reliable and produced amazing results. Will bring them back for the next project!
JC & Sons Property Services
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Reviewed in June 2015
The crew showed up after lunch and by 5pm my beds were completely edged, weeded and mulched. They cleaned up after themselves and did a terrific job. I am very very pleased. Great value.
Brockman Tree & Lawn Care LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Whenever we use Birchcrest we are pleased. Last fall we had pruning done. For the first time we had help with Spring clean up and putting down mulch. Quick, good work and friendly service.
Birchcrest Tree & Landscape Inc
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Reviewed in September 2022
I needed someone to properly distribute and grade-in 40+ yards of screened topsoil on my residential property. I contacted Paul Dulieu from a strong recommendation by a local heavy equipment dealer that I trust. After explaining what I needed to have done, Paul impressed me with his familiarity...
Cut Above Landscape LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
I can not honestly say how much I love having this company. Between my home, and two businesses, Fields Of Green knock it out of the park. I appreciate the work they have done over the years for me. Recently I had a bunch of trees cleared in my back yard. Scott came and was able to clear them...
Fields of Green Lawncare And Landscaping
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Mulch and topsoil pros in Marion

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

3 years of experience

A leading trucking company located in Seneca Falls NY, specialising in pickup and delivery of driveway stone, sand, gravel, dirt, and topsoil. We pride ourselves on being quick, careful, and affordable, and try our best to leave every customer happy. Contact us for a free estimate!

"Very good and reasonable pricing, was available when I called them."

Lendale M on April 2023

"Very good and reasonable pricing, was available when I called them."

Lendale M on April 2023

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Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

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