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 Mount Carmel, TN

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 2 highly-rated local mulch and topsoil pros.

Need a pro for your mulch and topsoil service project in Mount Carmel, TN?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Landscape Yard or Garden Installation

4.8

(27)

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

5.0

(7)

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

4.8

(28)

Verified Reviews for Mulch And Topsoil Service pros in Mount Carmel, TN

*The Angi rating for Mulch And Topsoil Service companies in Mount Carmel, TN 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 Mount Carmel, TN 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in November 2014
They were very prompt for the initial consultation and estimate. They did the work over several days and we made some changes that increased the length of the project and the cost. They were very flexible and easy to work with. The results are stunning and we have received many compliments...
GreatScapes Landscaping and Remodel LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
All work was done in a very professional way. I asked Tim to do the drain work after he had quoted price for everything else. He only charged me for the materials and did the labor at no extra charge. He also filled in some spots in the yard at no extra charge. My landscaping looks so...
Landscape Impressions
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Reviewed in June 2013
Very courteous, professional young man. Very reliable and dependable, something one would not expect from the younger generation. My wife and I have been very impressed and fell very blessed to have this individual and his crew doing work on our property. Our neighbors compliment their work...
Down To Earth Materials Yard
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Reviewed in June 2014
.They calculated how much I needed and the price, and the next day they called me for the delivery and then delivered it. Very well organized organization. Their service was highly superior.
The Mulch Company
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Reviewed in August 2012
McNabb Lawn Care are punctual and consistent. They are fair priced. Ryan McNabb, the son, did a fabulous job designing the garden.
McNabb Lawn Care
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Reviewed in January 2012
There was no sign that they had even been there after they were completed. They worked very hard and did a great job.
Green Sweep Landscape & Irrigation
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Reviewed in October 2013
All planning and installation work was very timely and complete. At our request, the Englewood landscape architect designed a plan based on our input, and was very helpful in suggesting ways to improve some aspects of the yard. When we were satisfied with the design and cost, the landscapers...
Englewood Lawn & Landscapes LLC
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Reviewed in October 2008
We live at the top of a ridge. In order to enjoy our property we had to put pathways through it. What they do is awesome. We didn't want people trampling all over our property with mulch. They set it on the street and brought a huge blower out. They direct it right where you want the mulch. That...
WHITE LIGHTNIN'
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Reviewed in November 2010
The compost was very good, however, the topsoil had many rocks and clay balls in it. When I called and told the owner this, he said I know, but that's the chance you take when you buy topsoil from me and there's nothing he can do about it. As a result, I will never ever buy anything from this...
Smith's Coal & Mulch
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Mulch and topsoil pros in Mount Carmel

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

37 local quotes requested

Are you ready to have your house fully restored? Because here at Dyson Restorations, based in Johnson City, that is our motto! If you’re looking for a power washing or Soft washing solution, as well as paver brick driveway repair, gutter cleaning & Gutter Guard installation,Full Cabin & Deck Staining & Sealing,Window Cleaning,Full landscaping & More You’ll be amazed at the results and changes you can get when you choose Dyson Restorations! Don’t hesitate to get in touch today at (423) 905-2732, and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized quote for any of our services.

"Great job great person to deal with"

Tim T on April 2025

"Great job great person to deal with"

Tim T on April 2025

Premium Cut Tree and Lawn

205 Spring Brook Drive

Premium Cut Tree and Lawn

205 Spring Brook Drive

Customers say: Quick response

3 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Always on time, very professional, and their prices are amazing. They do the best job around"

Summer D on October 2024

"Always on time, very professional, and their prices are amazing. They do the best job around"

Summer D on October 2024

All American Industries

No reviews

All American Industries

No reviews

10 years of experience

We provide professional lawn maintenance, landscaping, and clearing of overgrown weeds and brush.

Elite Home Improvements

5.00(

)

Elite Home Improvements

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Here at Elite Home Improvements we offer a wide variety of home improvement services. We have been in business for 4 years now. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but we will take on most jobs inside and outside the home.

"It was good service! He was on time, the price was good, and he did quality work."

Justin W on February 2024

"It was good service! He was on time, the price was good, and he did quality work."

Justin W on February 2024

3 years of experience

We are a do it all lawn service with a license arborist on hand. With over 10 years experience and a young go getter crew, no job is too big for us.

Mowing, weedeating, edging, mulching, hedge trimming and more. Licensed and Insured. Commercial and Residential. Free Estimates.

Looking for someone to help keep your yard looking great this summer? Look no further! I'm here to offer my services and supplement my income by mowing a few yards in the area. I'll be using a 46-inch Cub Cadet tractor-style mower to get the job done quickly and efficiently. While I may not be the guy to create the perfect stripes on your lawn, I guarantee that I'll make sure your yard is mowed and weeds are cut to your liking. Whether you just need a simple mow or have some small tasks that need attention, I'm here to help. My goal is to ensure that your yard looks great and that you're happy with the results. So if you're in need of some extra help this summer, don't hesitate to give me a call. I'm looking forward to working with you!

Carter's home maintenance

No reviews

Carter's home maintenance

No reviews

20 years of experience

Carter's home maintenance provides landscape instillation, maintenance, and design we also provide mowing leaf clean up pressure washing trash hauling Small excavation and digging hydro seeding specializing in hedge trimming we also provide a number of other services best prices in kingsport

Our professional services offers mowing,edging,trimming,landscaping, Tree service, pressure washing, painting. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Showing 1-10 of 41

FAQs for mulch and topsoil service projects in Mount Carmel, TN

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 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.

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.

The Mount Carmel, TN homeowners’ guide to mulch and topsoil services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Chris Middleton

•

Apr 15, 2025

How Much Does Fill Dirt Cost? [2025 Data]

Before starting your landscaping project, learn how much fill dirt, topsoil, and sand will cost. Find out prices based on materials, labor, and more.

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Heather Ayer

•

Apr 28, 2025

How Much Does Mulch Cost to Deliver and Install? [2025 Data]

If you plan to mulch your yard soon, you may be wondering how much mulch installation costs. Use this guide to help you figure out your project budget.

Rachel Hoffman

•

Feb 7, 2025

How Much Does Forestry Mulching Cost? [2025 Data]

Forestry mulching is a great way to clear large areas of brush and other vegetation. Learn how much forestry mulching costs and what affects the price.

Granddaughter helping grandpa in the garden

Catherine Hiles

•

Jun 2, 2025

Dirt Yards Calculator: How Many Yards of Dirt Do I Need?

If you’re planning a garden and asking yourself, “How many yards of dirt do I need?” this dirt calculator will help you do the math to find the right number.