You don’t have to buy a truckload of mulch to upgrade your landscaping. Sometimes, you only need a bag or two to spruce up a space and protect your plants.
A trip to your local hardware store like The Home Depot may be your normal routine to start a project. But can you buy mulch there?
Today, we’ll walk you through tackling this task and share tips to help you save money along the way.
Let’s dive in!
What is The Home Depot?
The Home Depot is one of the largest and most popular home improvement stores. You can spot these buildings from a mile away with their bright orange color scheme.
It all started with co-founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank. They aimed to create a one-stop shop for those who enjoy do-it-yourself projects. In 1979, their vision became a reality when they opened the doors of the first two in Atlanta, Georgia.
At 60,000 square feet, the original shops were massive for the time. However, they’re tiny compared to today’s more than 100,000-square-foot warehouses.
You can find a wide range of products and services in their 2,300 locations. It’s the go-to place for home improvement, construction, remodeling, and gardening. They sell building materials, tools, appliances, and so much more. The Home Depot can help you get more done for your next DIY or construction project.
Does The Home Depot Sell Mulch?
You can buy thousands of items at The Home Depot, including mulch. Whether you’re shopping online or in their physical stores, they have an extensive gardening and landscaping section. It’s available by the bag, pallet, or truckload.
Some of their top-rated brands are Vigoro and Scotts. Their experts can help ensure you get enough of the right type or color for your project. You can use their online calculator to estimate how much to purchase. Hold on to your receipt because you can likely return any unused product.
Does Lowes Sell Mulch?
Like Coke and Pepsi, Lowes and The Home Depot are competitors. With approximately 1,700 stores, Lowes maintains a significantly smaller footprint.
They sell many of the same products and services. Items are typically very competitively priced, and it’s often a matter of preference when choosing between them.
The store also has a variety of colors, types, and brands. Some of their most popular products come from Scotts and NuScape. You can purchase in bulk, and they’ll deliver it straight to your curb.
If you have a Lowes nearby, it can be a convenient place to buy mulch.
Don’t forget all the other tasks for this time of year: Fall Checklist: 10 Must-Do Activities in the Garden.
What’s the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Mulch?
When you buy mulch, you’ll likely have to choose between organic and inorganic. Knowing the difference between the two is essential. In general, organic products break down, while inorganic ones don’t.
Organic comes from natural materials like tree bark, pine needles, and grass. It’ll degrade over time and require that you replace it. The decomposition process can help improve the health of the plants and other vegetation.
On the other hand, inorganic products can be both natural and artificial. They typically include materials like rubber, river rocks, or landscaping fabric. Unlike organic versions, these options don’t add nutrients to the soil. Overall, they’ll last longer and fend off weeds and other invasive plants.
When shopping, you need to consider the benefits and disadvantages of each type. Organic is better for the environment but requires routine maintenance. Inorganic lasts longer but is more expensive.
Whichever you pick, make an informed purchase and get enough to complete the job.
Tips to Save Money When Buying Mulch
You could pay a pretty penny, depending on how much you purchase. Luckily, we’ve discovered some tips to help you keep cash in your pocket. If you want to avoid spending more than you planned, commit to following these tips.
Contact Local Tree Trimmers
Don’t buy mulch without first calling a few local tree trimmers. These services often cut up and haul away limbs, branches, and entire trunks. They’ll often sell it as firewood or grind it up.
Depending on how much they have on hand, they may be willing to cut you a deal. If you’re lucky, they may have a surplus and practically give it away.
However, it’s crucial to know it’ll not likely come in bags. You’ll probably have to go with a truck or trailer to haul it to your worksite. If you get lucky, they’ll load or deliver it, but this typically comes with a small fee. Depending on your situation, it may be money well spent.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money. At The Home Depot, a bag costs approximately $4, which covers roughly two cubic feet. On the other hand, you can get a load that’s about 270 cubic feet for around $550. This results in an almost 50% savings.
While purchasing in bulk can be a great idea when you buy mulch, you also want to consider hidden expenses. If you need a vehicle to haul it or you pay for delivery, this can eat away at savings.
Purchasing too much is easy because you’re getting such a sweet deal. If you get more than you need, you’re eating away at any savings you could enjoy.
Watch for Sales
Stores often offer promotions or sales to help entice shoppers to make purchases. These are usually around holidays or the start of a season. Taking advantage of sales can be another fantastic way to get the most bang for your buck.
Unfortunately, they can be hard to predict. Just because an establishment offered a sale last year or season doesn’t mean they will again. So, if they do, jump at the opportunity. You don’t want the deal to end before you can get there.
The Home Depot can help with almost anything, even the bigger chores: What Can You Rent from Home Depot?
Shop Around
We are often loyal to one business and often don’t consider alternative options. There’s nothing wrong with shopping around when making large purchases. A slight price difference could be huge if you buy a lot of mulch.
When comparing, remember to take advantage of price matching. Many large retailers like Lowes and The Home Depot will match pricing from their competitors. However, it typically has to be the same product, and some restrictions exist.
If you see a product advertised elsewhere for a lower price, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they’ll match it. The worst they can say is no.
Dive deeper into your garden: The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques.
Is Buying Mulch at The Home Depot Worth It?
The Home Depot can be a great place to buy mulch and many other home improvement supplies. You can get the quality products you need to start checking off the projects on your to-do list. Plus, their friendly experts can help answer your questions and ensure you get what you need. But you may want to do some research and price-checking before purchasing.
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