Niki Powell

Summer is the season of stress for both plants and landscapers. High temperatures, dry conditions, and intense sun can damage even the most well-designed landscapes. Fortunately, there’s one simple and effective strategy to protect your investment: mulching.

This post covers essential summer mulching tips to help preserve moisture, control weeds, and reduce soil temperature. Whether you manage commercial properties or oversee large residential developments, smart mulching will save time, water, and money.

 

Why Mulch Is Essential During Summer

Mulch is more than a finishing touch. During summer, it acts as a barrier between the soil and harsh environmental conditions. Here’s why mulching is especially important this time of year:

• Reduces moisture evaporation caused by direct sunlight

• Stabilizes soil temperatures to protect roots from heat

• Suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients

• Minimizes crusting and runoff after summer rain

• Adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes

According to Colorado State University Extension, mulching can reduce moisture evaporation from soil by up to 70 percent, depending on the mulch type and how thickly it’s applied. That’s a major benefit during dry summer months or when watering restrictions are in place.

Choosing the Right Type of Mulch for Summer

Not all mulch performs the same in summer heat. The type of mulch you choose should align with your project goals, whether it’s moisture retention, soil improvement, or visual appeal.

Recommended Bulk Mulch Types:

• Natural Hardwood Mulch – A durable, classic choice that holds up well in sun and rain. It also provides excellent weed control and long-lasting coverage.

• Compost Mulch – A blend of partially decomposed organic material that improves soil health while regulating temperature and moisture.

• Pine Bark Mulch – Works well for acid-loving plants and decomposes more slowly than other types. Suitable for large decorative beds.

• Shredded Mulch – Offers better coverage and stays in place during wind and rain. Ideal for slopes or exposed areas.

Avoid using rock or rubber mulch in hot climates. These materials trap heat and do not contribute to soil health.

When Should You Apply Mulch in Summer?

The best time to mulch is in late spring or early summer before the hottest weather begins. However, if it’s already mid-summer, it’s still worth applying mulch to protect your landscape.

Here are a few tips for mid-season mulching:

• Water the soil thoroughly before applying mulch

• Never mulch over dry soil since this can trap dryness in

• Apply mulch after a rain or early in the day for better soil contact

Working in the early morning or late evening is safer and more effective when applying mulch during peak summer temperatures.

How Much Mulch to Apply

For most landscaping applications, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is ideal. Less than that won’t provide enough insulation, while too much mulch can prevent water and air from reaching plant roots.

Coverage guidelines:

• 2 inches covers about 162 square feet per cubic yard

• 3 inches covers about 108 square feet per cubic yard

To estimate how much mulch you need, use this formula:

Square footage × depth (in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards needed

Use our bulk mulch calculator to make this easier!

Common Mulching Mistakes in Summer

Avoid these common errors when mulching during hot weather:

• Piling mulch around tree trunks (also called “mulch volcanoes”)

• Using raw mulch that hasn’t decomposed properly

• Applying mulch over dry or compacted soil

• Ignoring weather forecasts before scheduling delivery

• Over-mulching, which can suffocate plants or attract pests

If you’re unsure which mulch is right for your site, your supplier can help guide the decision based on your goals and environment.

Bulk Mulch Delivery for Commercial Projects

Bagged mulch is rarely practical for large landscaping jobs. It increases labor costs, generates unnecessary waste, and limits how quickly your crew can work. Instead, opt for bulk mulch delivery from a trusted supplier.

The Compost Company delivers bulk mulch across Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Indiana, South Carolina and North Caroline. We provide premium hardwood mulch, compost mulch, and other varieties in volumes tailored to your job size.

If you’re managing multiple properties or working on a tight deadline, having the right material delivered on schedule can keep your team efficient and productive.

Quick Recap: Top Summer Mulching Tips

• Choose mulch based on performance, not just appearance

• Always water before applying mulch to trap moisture in

• Apply 2 to 3 inches for best results

• Keep mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks

• Plan deliveries in advance and account for the weather

Looking for mulch that works hard all summer?

We offer bulk mulch delivery with flexible scheduling and contractor pricing. Get in touch to find the right product for your project.

Explore Mulch Products    Place An Order

When working on a commercial landscape project, materials are everything.

The quality of compost, the cost per yard, and the delivery logistics all play a role in the success of the job. For professional landscapers and contractors, bagged compost often falls short, both in quantity and performance. That’s where bulk compost steps in.

Sourcing bulk compost for landscaping has become the standard for large-scale projects, and for good reason. Beyond cost savings, bulk compost offers consistent quality, better soil performance, and easier integration into project timelines.

Cost Efficiency That Makes Sense

For any commercial landscape job, cost per square foot matters. Bagged compost may seem convenient, but it adds up fast (both in time and money). Bulk compost allows landscapers to buy compost by the yard, reducing overhead and cutting labor required to open, haul, and distribute small bags.

Contractors looking for wholesale compost pricing often find bulk to be the only viable solution. With bulk compost delivery, there’s no need to make multiple trips to a garden center. One order, one delivery, and the job moves forward.

Consistency You Can Count On

Landscapers know the importance of soil structure and microbial health. Unfortunately, the quality of bagged compost can be inconsistent from one batch to the next. Moisture content, organic material, and nutrient balance often vary, and that can throw off the entire job.

By working with a commercial compost supplier, landscapers can access premium screened compost that’s been tested and refined for performance. The Compost Company, for example, offers bulk compost screened to ensure optimal texture and even distribution, which is ideal for turf installations, flower beds, and tree surrounds.

Built for Large-Scale Use

A bagged product simply isn’t built for acreage. When laying compost over large swaths of soil or working with heavy equipment, bags become inefficient. Bulk compost can be dumped directly on-site or spread by machine, making it the logical choice for:

• Housing developments
• Municipal parks
• Commercial building materials
• Athletic fields
• Highway and DOT landscaping

When ordering compost in bulk, deliveries can be scheduled to match project phases, minimizing material handling and reducing job site congestion.

Better for the Environment (and Marketing!)

Sustainability sells. More and more clients want eco-friendly solutions, and contractors that align with those values have a competitive edge. Using bulk organic compost shows a commitment to environmental responsibility, especially when working with a supplier that diverts food waste and organic matter from landfills.

The Compost Company recycles local food waste into nutrient-rich compost, helping businesses and municipalities reduce their carbon footprint. Choosing a local compost supplier doesn’t just improve your margins, it also supports a circular economy.

Product Spotlight: Premium Screened Compost

Our Premium Screened Compost is one of the most requested products by commercial landscapers. It’s made from a carefully balanced blend of food waste, leaf material, and wood fines—screened to remove oversized material and ensure a fine, consistent texture.

This compost is ideal for:

• Topdressing turf
• Amending poor soils
• Installing beds and tree rings
• Raised bed installations
• Sod base prep

How to Order

Ordering bulk compost is easy. Simply contact our sales team with your project details, and we’ll help calculate how much you need, schedule your drop-off, and offer guidance on product selection.

You can also request:

• Custom soil blends
• Bulk much and compost mulch
• Raised bed soil for community gardens or large residential installs

Delivery That Works Around You

Time is money. Reliable bulk compost delivery ensures your crew has what they need, when they need it. We deliver to commercial and landscaping clients across Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and North Carolina. At The Compost Company, orders can be scheduled with flexible delivery windows that keep your operations moving.

Whether you’re ordering 20 cubic yards of compost or 200, the logistics are handled. That means fewer delays, less downtime, and no scrambling to restock.

Final Thoughts

The landscaping industry is fast-paced and demanding. Choosing the right materials helps contractors deliver better results, faster—and bulk compost is a key part of that. For landscape contractors looking to scale up their projects, lower material costs, and maintain soil health, the shift from bagged to bulk compost is a no-brainer.

Ready to upgrade your next landscaping job? Get in touch with The Compost Company for bulk compost delivery and product recommendations for your next project.