Mulch Buyer’s Guide: Where to Buy Mulch and What to Look For - The Practical Planter (2024)

Wondering where to buy mulch for your next gardening project? You’ve come to the right place.

Mulch is among the world’s most accessible gardening resources. You can find it in most local garden centers, home improvement stores, and specialized online retailers.

In this article, we’ll explore the various avenues you can purchase mulch, as well as the importance of choosing the right source for your gardening needs.

Drawbacks of Poor-Quality Mulch

As a gardening enthusiast, I can’t deny the appeal of a great deal. After all, who wouldn’t want to stretch their budget while still giving their garden the care it deserves?

But I’ve learned the hard way that succumbing to the temptation of cheap mulch from unreliable sources isn’t the wisest decision in the long run.

My advice? Prioritize quality over immediate savings. Manufacturers of low-cost mulch often cut corners, using subpar materials and improperly processed organic matter.

Here are the biggest drawbacks of poor-quality mulch:

• Hidden contaminants such as chemically-treated wood or construction debris
• Reduced effectiveness in terms of weed suppression and moisture retention
• Shorter lifespan requiring frequent reapplication
• Inconsistent color, texture, and the presence of foreign material
• Increases the risk of pest infestations and soil contamination

Remember: the true value of mulch lies in its ability to enhance the overall health and appearance of your garden.

High-quality mulch might come at a slightly higher upfront cost, but the long-term benefits—enhanced plant health, reduced maintenance, extended lifespan, etc.— significantly outweigh the initial expenditure.

Factors to Consider When Buying Mulch

When buying mulch, there are several factors to consider to ensure the health and long-term sustainability of your outdoor space.

Mulch Type

Selecting the right type of mulch isn’t only a matter of aesthetics, but also of functionality and long-term impact.

Vegetable gardens, for example, benefit from organic mulches like straw, shredded leaves, and compost. These mulches enrich the soil as they break down and help maintain moisture levels, reducing the need for frequent watering.

For landscaping, shredded mulch of any type (hardwood, cedar, pine, etc.) is an excellent option. Shredded mulch works particularly well with perennial beds, as they not only promote the natural growth of perennial plants but also present a clean and uniform visual aesthetic.

If plant growth isn’t your primary concern, stone mulch can be a viable choice. It’s low-maintenance and doesn’t break down over time, eliminating the need for frequent replacement.

It also offers effective weed control, which can help keep your landscape neat and well-maintained.

Quality and Source

The quality and source of mulch often come hand in hand.

When ordering commercial mulch, vet the company you’re purchasing from to ensure the mulch doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. Read through online reviews and testimonials, as well as the company’s “About” section to learn more about their manufacturing practices.

If the information online is limited, contact the company directly and ask them about their mulch sourcing practices and whether their products are made with additives or treatments.

Texture and Size

The texture and size of mulch affect weed suppression, water retention, and appearance.

For most use cases, medium-textured mulch is the way to go because it offers a good balance between water retention and drainage.

Fine mulch can get compacted and create a barrier that traps water, preventing it from reaching the plant’s roots. Coarse mulch, on the other hand, may prevent soil from retaining the moisture plants need to thrive.

Bag vs. Bulk

Bagged mulch is suitable for small-scale gardening, while bulk mulch works better for landscaping and larger projects.

Map out your garden and determine the exact quantities you need.

If you’re unsure of what to purchase, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from a gardening or landscaping expert.

Mulch is always cheaper in bulk, but bagged mulch is easier to manage and handle.

Where to Buy Mulch for Your Garden and Landscaping Needs

Here are some of the best places to buy mulch:

Home Improvement Stores

Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot offer a range of mulch options, both in bulk and bagged. Due to their availability, home improvement stores are the go-to choice for many.

Garden Centers and Nurseries

Garden centers specialize in catering to the needs of beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. They usually sell mulch in bags, but some may provide bulk options for larger-scale landscaping when requested.

Online Retailers

E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Tractor Supply, as well as specialized garden centers like Patuxent Nursery, Everglades, and MassMulch, offer the convenience of browsing and purchasing mulch from the comfort of your home.

Avoid international e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, AliExpress, and JD, as they often lack transparency in product quality, sourcing practices, and adherence to local regulations.

Prioritize trusted suppliers and reputable sources that can provide clear information about the products they offer.

Local Composting Facilities

Some composting facilities turn organic waste into mulch.

Before buying, inquire about the composting process and quality control measures of the facility. You want the mulch to be free of harmful chemicals, contaminants, and weed seeds.

It’s also wise to check the certifications of the facility to ensure they’re following industry protocols for mulch production.

Local Sawmills

Local sawmills are a good source of wood chips and sawdust, which you can use to make DIY mulch. The same is said with companies that engage in tree removal.

These companies often sell these materials at an extremely low price since they’re usually sent off to recycling for free.

Where Can I Buy Mulch in Bulk?

Home improvement stores, like Home Depot, Menards, and Lowe’s, as well as mulch suppliers like USA Mulch, Mulch America, and WeCare Organics, sell mulch in bulk.

Where Can I Buy Straw Mulch?

You’ll find straw mulch in garden centers and nurseries, farm supply stores, Farmer’s Markets, and large retail chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Where Can I Buy Cedar Mulch?

Much like straw mulch, you can buy cedar mulch in garden centers and nurseries.

You can also find them in landscaping supply companies like Nature’s Landscape Supply and Mulch & More Landscaping Supplies.

Local sawmills and wood supplies may also have cedar mulch available, especially if they tend to work with cedar wood.

Where Can I Buy Black Mulch?

Black mulch is a type of mulch that has been treated with non-toxic black dye for aesthetic purposes. It’s typically made from bark, wood chips, and recycled wood products.

You can find it in most big-name home improvement and specialty gardening stores.

Where Can I Buy Cocoa Shell Mulch?

Cocoa shell mulch is less common than other types of mulch due to its origin and properties.

Cocoa shell mulch comes from the shells of cocoa beans, which are grown primarily in tropical regions like South America, Southeast Asia, and West Africa.

You can buy cocoa shell mulch in specialty garden centers, well-known nurseries, and online retailers like Amazon and specialized gardening websites.

Final Thoughts

Mulch is an easily accessible garden resource. You can find it in a variety of sources, including garden centers, online retailers, home improvement stores, specialty gardening stores, and even municipal recycling centers.

When buying mulch, choose from a reputable source that offers quality mulch to ensure the success of your gardening and landscaping endeavors.