Tips for ordering bulk landscape materials?

Ordering bulk landscape materials in New Brunswick requires some planning upfront — but getting it right saves you significant money and avoids the headache of multiple deliveries or leftover material sitting in your driveway.

The most important step is calculating your quantities accurately before you call a supplier. For mulch and topsoil, measure the length and width of your area in feet, multiply together, then divide by 12 for every inch of depth you want — that gives you cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. Most NB suppliers sell by the cubic yard, and a standard dump truck delivers 10-14 cubic yards. Always add 10-15% to your calculation for settling, waste, and uneven ground. Underordering means a second delivery charge; overordering means you're moving material twice.

Timing matters a lot in New Brunswick. Spring is the busiest season for bulk material suppliers — typically late April through June — and popular products like triple-mix, screened topsoil, and river stone can sell out or face 1-2 week delays during peak demand. If you're planning a spring project, call suppliers in March to check availability and pricing. Fall is actually an excellent time to order materials like topsoil and mulch, as demand drops and some suppliers offer better pricing heading into the off-season.

Know what you're ordering. NB suppliers sell several distinct products that are easy to confuse. Triple-mix (topsoil, peat, compost blend) is ideal for garden beds. Screened topsoil works for grading and lawn repairs. Processed gravel (3/4" clear or crusher run) is used for hardscape bases — and in NB, you need a minimum 12" compacted gravel base for patios and walkways due to our freeze-thaw cycle. Decorative stone, river rock, and mulch are sold separately. Ask your supplier specifically what's in their blend, as quality varies considerably between suppliers.

Practical Tips for Ordering

Get your delivery access sorted before the truck arrives. Bulk material trucks are large and heavy — they need a clear, firm surface to back in. Wet spring ground can leave serious ruts. Decide exactly where you want the pile dropped, because moving a 10-yard pile of gravel by wheelbarrow is a full day of hard work. Lay down a tarp first if you're placing material on a driveway or lawn area you want to protect.

Compare at least two or three local suppliers on both price and material quality. Prices in NB for screened topsoil typically run $35-$65 per cubic yard delivered, mulch $40-$70 per yard, and processed gravel $30-$55 per yard — but delivery charges vary significantly by distance, especially if you're outside a major centre like Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John.

Ask about minimum delivery quantities. Most NB suppliers have a 3-5 cubic yard minimum for delivery. If you only need a small amount, consider whether a pickup truck load from a local garden centre makes more sense, or split an order with a neighbour.

When to Hire a Pro

If your project involves significant grading, drainage work, or large-scale hardscaping, a landscaper will typically source and coordinate materials directly — often at better pricing than retail. For complex projects, the material sourcing is the easy part; proper installation is where the value lies.

Need help finding a landscaper who can handle your project from material sourcing to installation? New Brunswick Landscaping can match you with a local pro for free — no obligation, just a connection to someone who knows NB conditions.