Spring has sprung and that means that it’s time to start tending to your flower garden, shrubs and other vegetation throughout your landscape. For many homeowners, this means working with mulch.
Mulch is, by far, the most affordable and effective means of regulating soil temperatures and moisture levels while protecting flowers and plants from pests.
The right mulch can also enhance the appearance of your garden and boost property value. So which type of mulch is right for your home? The purpose of this handy guide is to provide you with an overview on everything you need to know about buying bulk mulch in NJ in 2016.
Bulk Mulch Uses
What’s the point of mulch? Homeowners love working with the material because it helps in many areas. Mulch is frequently used for:
- Soil Temperature – Mulching materials help to keep soil temperatures ideal for plant growth. The mulch prevents the sun’s rays from overheating the ground and negatively impacting vegetation.
- Soil Moisture Levels – For optimal plant health, your soil needs to retain moisture after watering. Mulch acts as a barrier between the earth and the sun, preventing water from being evaporated and dried up.
- Weed Prevention – No one wants weeds creeping up and detracting from the natural beauty of their gardens and flower beds. Mulch will deter these undesirable weeds from growing and spreading in these areas.
- Pest Control – Certain types of mulch can actually be used to discourage insects, rodents and other pests from burrowing around your flowers and shrubs.
- Decorative – Of course, mulch also offers a decorative flair to any garden area. It contrasts beautifully against vegetation which truly allows the colors to “pop” throughout your landscape.
Organic vs Inorganic Bulk Mulch
When purchasing bulk mulch in NJ, you’ll have the option of working with either organic or inorganic mulching materials. While both are capable of improving your garden, there are some differences to be aware of. Organic materials will decompose over time whereas inorganic mulch will not.
The benefit to the decomposition is that it can add valuable nutrients to the soil. The drawback is that you’ll need to spread a new layer of mulch each year whereas inorganic mulch will last for longer.
Another thing to be aware of is that inorganic mulch can make for an attractive home to certain insects. You may need to purchase specially treated mulch to prevent pests from settling in.
Types of Organic Bulk Mulch
Those interested in organic mulching materials can choose from:
- Hardwood – Hardwood is extremely affordable without skimping on beauty and quality. The soft, brown colors blend with any landscape.
- Pine – Pine offers appealing, deep brown hues and a soothing aroma that you’ll fall in love with. It’s also a natural insect repellent.
- Cedar – Cedar is one of the most popular types of bulk mulch in NJ. People absolutely fall in love with the soft coloring and rich texture associated with this type of mulch. Another great thing about cedar is that it tends to be dryer than other materials which can discourage chipmunks and other critters from burrowing there.
- Hemlock – Hemlock mulch is grabbing the attention of many homeowners throughout NJ and the northeast. The bright, bold and brilliant coloration of the material makes it highly appealing from a visual standpoint. At the same time, Hemlock is aromatic in a way that is attractive to humans but repellent to insects and other pests.
- Dyed – Mulch can be dyed red, black, or brown depending on customer preferences.
Types of Inorganic Bulk Mulch
If you’re looking to buy inorganic bulk mulch in NJ you might consider:
- Crushed Stone – Crushed stone of various sizes can be used to create sophisticated tree circles or to border your planting and gardening areas.
- Pea Gravel – The colors associated with pea gravel make it perfect for gardening. It works to protect the soil while enhancing the look of flowers and shrubs.
- White Marble Chips – White marble chips are great for mulching because of their shimmering, reflective properties. The stone reflects sunlight away from the soil to prevent overheating and drying.
Calculating Your Bulk Mulch Needs
How much bulk mulch should you plan on purchasing, exactly? By taking a few simple measurements and using a reliable, online materials calculator you can quickly and accurately determine the correct quantity.First, measure your project’s coverage area – both length and width (in inches).
Next, determine the desired depth. As a general rule of thumb, 3″ of mulch will give you the best results, but feel free to consult with an expert for advice that’s specific to your project needs.
Finally, enter these measurements into the calculator too. This will tell you how many cubic yards of material you’ll need to order.
Bulk Mulch Prices
When buying bulk mulch in NJ, you’ll notice that materials are typically sold by the cubic yard, and that prices per cubic yard tend to vary based upon factors such as:
- Project Area – Covering 1 or 2 flower beds might only require a couple bags of mulch, but if you’d like to cover a larger area, you’re going to need a lot more material. For obvious reasons, the larger your coverage area, the more mulch you’ll need to get the job done. Buying in bulk can help you to take advantage of cheaper rates and save money.
- Type of Material – The price of bulk mulch depends on what the material is comprised of. Some organic materials, for instance, may cost more than inorganic options. You may also find that mulch made of one type of wood may require a heftier investment than another. It’s smart to talk to your supplier about the different costs and price out all materials before making a decision.
- Supplier – Investing the time in finding the right supplier can make a big difference in how much you end up spending on bulk mulch in NJ. Although going through major retailers like Home Depot and Lowes may seem very convenient, these stores frequently charge customers more money than locally owned and operated landscaping suppliers. Be wary, too, of online sellers and vendors along the side of the road. The prices may be tempting, but there’s no way for you to verify what the mulch is comprised of or how good the materials really are.
- Delivery – Buying in bulk often means that you’ll need to hire a bulk delivery service. Be sure to account for this extra cost when planning your budget. In order to get the best pricing, take time to find a reliable supplier that offers low cost delivery services within your locale.
Where to Buy Bulk Mulch in NJ
Braen Supply is the leading supplier of bulk mulch in NJ and its surrounding areas. We carry a wide variety of different types of organic and inorganic mulching materials to ensure that you’re able to find the right solution for your property.
Our team of experts are available to provide you with advice about which materials to select and can work with you to determine how much mulch you’ll need to buy. You’ll enjoy the lowest and most competitive pricing on our products. Our bulk mulch can be picked up or delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.
