When planning a landscaping project, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to buy materials in bulk or purchase bagged products from a home improvement store. While bagged mulch, soil, and gravel may seem like the more convenient option, bulk landscape supply is often the smarter choice.
Buying in bulk can save you both time and money, especially for larger projects. Whether you’re a homeowner working on a DIY landscape renovation or a professional landscaper managing multiple job sites, bulk ordering can streamline the process and help you get more value for your investment.
Keep reading as we break down the key advantages of bulk landscape supply, including cost savings, time efficiency, and environmental benefits.
The True Cost of Bulk vs. Bagged Landscape Materials
At first glance, bagged mulch, soil, or gravel might seem inexpensive, but when you calculate the total cost for a full project, bulk purchasing offers significant savings.
Price Per Cubic Yard Comparison
- Bagged mulch (2 cubic feet per bag): Typically costs between $4-$6 per bag. You need about 13.5 bags to equal one cubic yard, bringing the total to $54-$81 per cubic yard.
- Bulk mulch: Prices usually range from $25-$45 per cubic yard, often including delivery options.
For gravel and topsoil, the price difference is even more noticeable:
- Bagged gravel (0.5 cubic feet per bag): Costs around $4-$7 per bag. You need 54 bags to make up one cubic yard, costing $216-$378 per cubic yard.
- Bulk gravel: Often available for $40-$80 per cubic yard, a fraction of the cost compared to buying individual bags.
Bulk pricing offers landscapers and homeowners a way to complete large projects without spending unnecessarily on smaller, individually packaged products.
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How Bulk Landscape Supply Saves You Time
Buying landscape materials in bulk not only saves money but also eliminates the hassle of transporting, unloading, and disposing of countless plastic bags.
Faster Project Completion
When ordering in bulk, materials are delivered directly to your location, allowing you to start working immediately. Compare that to loading, transporting, and unloading dozens (or even hundreds) of bags, which adds hours of labor before the project even begins.
For professional landscapers, bulk orders keep teams productive and focused on the job rather than wasting time making multiple trips to the store.
Fewer Trips to the Store
Homeowners often underestimate how much mulch, soil, or gravel they need. Bagged materials frequently require multiple store visits to purchase additional bags. With bulk landscape supply orders, a single delivery ensures you have the exact amount required from the start.
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The Environmental Benefits of Bulk Landscaping Materials
Another major advantage of bulk landscape supply is its positive environmental impact. While bagged products contribute to significant plastic waste, bulk materials are delivered loose and require no excess packaging.
Reducing Plastic Waste
Consider how many plastic bags are used in landscaping projects:
- A 1-cubic-yard project using bagged mulch requires about 13 plastic bags.
- A 5-cubic-yard project could generate over 65 plastic bags, most of which end up in landfills.
By ordering in bulk, you eliminate this waste entirely. Landscapers and eco-conscious homeowners can feel good about making a sustainable choice without sacrificing quality.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Bulk deliveries reduce the number of trips needed to transport materials, cutting down on fuel emissions. Instead of multiple car trips to pick up materials, a single bulk delivery truck can transport everything at once.
Common Questions about Bulk Landscape Supply
Q. Is buying bulk landscape materials cheaper than buying bags?
A. Yes, buying in bulk is significantly cheaper than purchasing bagged mulch, gravel, or soil. The cost per cubic yard is much lower when buying in bulk, and delivery options make it even more convenient.
Q. How do I know how much mulch, gravel, or soil I need?
A. A general rule is that one cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at a 3-inch depth. Many suppliers offer online calculators to help estimate exactly how much you need based on your project size.
Q. Can I get bulk landscape materials delivered to my home?
A. Yes, most landscape supply companies offer bulk delivery services, allowing you to receive mulch, gravel, or soil directly at your location. This saves time and eliminates the hassle of transporting heavy bags yourself.
Q. Is bulk mulch the same quality as bagged mulch?
A. Yes, bulk mulch is often fresher and higher quality than bagged mulch, which may sit in warehouses for months before reaching stores. Bulk mulch also tends to have fewer fillers and artificial dyes.
Q. Does buying bulk help the environment?
A. Absolutely. Bulk purchases reduce plastic waste from bags and lower fuel emissions by consolidating multiple trips into one delivery. It’s a more sustainable choice for both homeowners and landscapers.
Get the Best Value with Bulk Landscape Supply
Whether you’re a landscaper working on multiple projects or a homeowner planning a backyard makeover, buying in bulk is the best way to save time, money, and effort. Instead of dealing with endless bags of mulch or gravel, consider the convenience and efficiency of bulk landscape supply.
Ready to simplify your landscaping project?
Contact Lammon Brothers today to order high-quality bulk mulch, gravel, topsoil, and more—delivered right to your location.