If you have questions about mulch supply in NJ, Braen Supply has created this comprehensive guide. Here, you’ll learn about the various uses of bulk mulch, as well as installation and maintenance guidelines and the pros and cons of the three major types of bulk mulch on the market.
Mulch Supply NJ: What Is Bulk Mulch Used For?
Bulk mulch is most commonly used to fill in large and expansive areas in yards, landscapes, gardens and flower beds. It can also be used instead of gravel or pavement to finish walkways and pathways.
Bulk mulch is usually purchased by construction contractors, landscaping professionals and property maintenance companies who need a large supply of product on hand to meet their ongoing needs.
You may have noticed that mulch is becoming increasingly common in parks and on playgrounds. This is because bulk mulch offers a safe, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to other materials.
From a performance standpoint, mulch provides:
- Excellent protection from impact (part of the reason it is becoming so popular on playgrounds).
- A natural means of helping soil retain moisture, leading to healthier plant roots.
- An effective barrier against animals and pests.
- An easy and attractive way to top landscapes and exterior design features.
Mulch Supply NJ: The Pros and Cons of the Main Types of Bulk Mulch
The three most common types of bulk mulch are hardwood, cedar and dyed mulch. Each of these products has specific advantages and disadvantages, which you should carefully consider when making your choice.
Hardwood mulch
Hardwood mulch is a very economical option. It is cheap and plentiful, and it’s also extremely versatile. If you need an affordable all-purpose mulch, hardwood is your best bet.
However, it is dry and light, meaning that it can be displaced fairly easily. Thus, it requires more maintenance. Lastly, while some people prefer its rustic, natural look, others prefer bulk mulch that has a more refined appearance than hardwood can offer.
Cedar mulch
Cedar mulch is a more attractive, yet still affordable option. Denser than hardwood mulch and better at retaining moisture, cedar mulch is also more uniform in appearance.
Even so, it is still fairly dry, and it is thus prone to the same displacement issues as hardwood mulch. On the whole, if you’re looking to balance a low cost with an attractive appearance, it’s hard to beat cedar.
Dyed mulch
Dyed mulch is the longest-lasting and best-performing mulch on the market. It is heavier and thicker, retaining much more moisture than hardwood or cedar mulch while being more difficult to displace. These factors combine to make dyed mulch one of the lowest-maintenance options on the market.
On the down side, dyed mulch is also the most expensive type of mulch you can buy. However, it is very attractive and can be blended in with other design elements very easily due to its wide range of colors and textures.
In essence, use these rules of thumb to guide your purchase:
- Hardwood is an economical all-purpose solution.
- Cedar provides the best value if aesthetics are a priority.
- Dyed mulch is the ideal choice when appearance matters most.
Mulch Supply NJ: Usage Guidelines
Once you’ve decided on the type of mulch you need, your next step is to determine how much mulch you should buy. You can use an online mulch calculator to accurately determine your volume needs. All you need to know is:
- The surface area of the landscape you’re covering.
- The depth to which you want to fill the area.
Experts recommend filling gardens, walkways and landscapes to a depth of 2 to 4 inches, and playgrounds and parks to a depth of 6 to 9 inches.
Mulch Supply NJ: Trust Braen Supply for All Your Landscaping Needs
Braen Supply offers highly competitive prices on bulk mulch, serving New Jersey and the greater New York City area from several convenient locations. The company delivers all bulk mulch orders, and its knowledgeable representatives are happy to answer any questions you might have.
To learn more, or to obtain a fast, free estimate, please contact us at Braen Supply.