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 Imperial, PA

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Imperial, PA

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Imperial, PA 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 Imperial, PA 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 December 2024
These men can be counted on. They always show up to do a terrific job. My yard always looks trimmed and edged neatly. Fall leaves were raked and taken away. The snow is removed in timely manner. The front retaining wall is the best looking in the neighborhood. I’ve depended on this company for...
P&R Landscaping Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Our HOA has used P&R services for the past five years. We will continue to do so for the forseeable future. They are Vets, reliable and respond quickly to our needs.
P&R Landscaping Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2023
Cullen Green was prompt with providing our estimate, performing the landscaping, professional, and his price was fair. His replies were also prompt. Cullen’s work crew did a great job with weeding, edging, mulching, leaf removal, and were friendly.
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2022
Cullen Green of Green Landscaping maintains our lawn each week. When we wanted to make some hardscape changes to our back yard, he was my first call. He is like the opposite of every other landscaper out there. He returns calls, provided timely estimates (that I didn’t have to chase down) and...
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2021
The work went very well and was completed as promised. The crew was hard-woking and well organized, the project well planned with Cullen's close involvement throughout. Cullen has been easy to communicate with and has remained responsive to questions about care after the work's completion and...
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2021
Cullen and his team were great! Ripped out the exsisting lawn, brought in new topsoil and graded it, spread new grass seed, and covered it with mushroom compost. His team also cut new edging and mulched all the flower beds. Grass is coming in very nicely and we couldn't be happier with the...
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2021
Through the entire process, Cullen and his team were punctual, informative, and professional. They re-did our front landscape by removing a large evergreen ground cover and river rocks, planted new plants, got rid of all of the weeds, installed mulch, edged the beds and trimmed the existing rose...
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2020
It went great! Cullen was very responsive, did a video walkthrough with me since I was unable to be on site, and sent me pictures of the work after. They were very prompt in getting us scheduled, too.
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2020
Cullen and his team did an outstanding job. Completed all work efficiently and on time as communicated. Exceeded all expectations. Backyard looks great and will definitely hire his team again in the spring for more projects.
Green Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2020
Cullen and his team worked very hard for two days. They removed the old lawn, added two to three inches of new topsoil, installed a treated lumber border held in place by rebar, installed eight pallets of shade sod from Lancaster, PA, double mulched trees and a six foot border. They did a...
Green Landscaping
Request a quote

Mulch and topsoil pros in Imperial

Customers say: Quality work

185 local quotes requested

45 years of experience

***Call Jack at 412-771-2118 or 412-310-2405 to schedule service. PLEASE CALL! DO NOT TEXT OR EMAIL I WILL NOT GET IT.*** Serving the Pittsburgh area for 25 years. Owner Operator. 2 Employees. Uses subs for plumbing and electrical work. Cost determined by the job. No travel charges

"I hired Jack and crew to replace a portion of my deck. For a nominal fee, Jack came out, evaluated my deck and gave me an estimate. The nominal fee went toward the estimate, which I thought was fair and reasonable. The cost I felt was fair, not cheap, but not expensive. Jack is very attentive to details, communicative, and was happy to explain what they were doing during the process. The craftsmanship was top-notch. Not only do I strongly recommend Jack and crew for your decking needs, but have hired him to clean and treat my decks this coming fall."

Lena V on June 2025

Grays Landscaping LLC

Grays Landscaping LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

1226 local quotes requested

Transform your outdoor space with Grays Landscaping LLC. Our expert team specializes in landscaping services in Pittsburgh. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, we'll bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a stunning landscape that sets your home apart.

"Great! Jermaine is great with communication!"

Christopher K on August 2025

"Great! Jermaine is great with communication!"

Christopher K on August 2025

House cleanouts Pressure washing Mulching Brush removal Junk removal Weed wacking Mowing Hedge trimmer General hauling

Gibson contracting and handyman services

No reviews

Gibson contracting and handyman services

No reviews

5 years of experience

I guarenatee all my work and will not ask for any payments unitl the customer is 100% satisfied. My favorite part of the job is bringing life back into old and ugly areas of homes. Like refinishing an old run down deck or adding a beautiful paver patio or fire pit to a neglected boring yard. I do everything from painting, to plaster and drywall repairs, landscaping, water features, home remodeling, plumbing, electrical etc....4122184664callme

Custom edge landscaping

No reviews

Custom edge landscaping

No reviews

39 years of experience

Hello, we provide quality landscaping services at affordable prices rated 5 stars on google! Free estimates and fully insured! Give us a call today to schedule your landscape dreams!

Andrade Home Services

No reviews

Andrade Home Services

No reviews

5 years of experience

Andrade Home Services is a rapidly growing home services company located in Pittsburgh PA. We provide local moves, furniture assembly, fitness equipment assembly, and handyman services with an emphasis on exceptional customer experience.

Birds&bees landscaping

461 Washington St

No reviews

Birds&bees landscaping

461 Washington St

No reviews

Hello birds&bees is a landscaping business we take pride in making the customer very happy and will make sure they are! We are gonna beat any price quoted to you quarentee..or we do for free please give us a try thank you!!

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We offer quality work matched with unprecedented character. Here at Alati Excavation we take pride in our work and want our customers to be happy with the work he have done. Will go above and beyond to complete a job in a timely manner and satisfy our customers from day one!!

"Rocco and his crew did an excellent job . The quality of work was phenomenal. They arrived on time each morning and got to work . He always kept us informed what was going on . If you need any excavation,inground pool install you can’t go wrong with these guys . Thanks guys for an excellent job !!!!"

Chris Y on July 2022

We are a family owned and operated Landscaping company servicing Pittsburgh and all surrounding areas. We have been doing business for 15 years, started by the same owner who owns it now. Our staff is all highly experienced and trained in the areas they are hired to cover. The owner is still hands on with all customers and project management. We do all aspects of landscaping from install, maintenance and patios or outdoor living. We are set apart from our competition in many ways but the main one is our no hassle warranty. We offer warranties ranging from 1-5 years based on the products that are installed, and which manufacturer they are from. Along with our warranty, you will always hear from a Hamilton either before, during or after your project. We strive to make our clients part of our family, in order to do this we feel we need to have our family be in communication with every client.

We are a local lawn care and landscape company that can help you with any of your landscape needs! From weekly lawn mowing to large landscape jobs you have you covered. Our staff and costumer service will make sure you are informed and in good hands. Give us a call or email at anytime for a free estimate!

...

Showing 1-10 of 146

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Imperial, PA

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.