Starting a garden or working on your business's landscaping can be a satisfying and rewarding project, but you'll want to make sure you're getting quality mulch. According to Fact.MR, an online data resource, mulching typically costs $275 for every 3 cubic yards that is delivered and installed. With this kind of cost, it's important to work with the best service near you. Keep reading to learn eight great ways to find the best local mulch experts in your area.

1. Assess Your Needs

Before your search starts, you should have a good idea of what kind of mulch you'll need and what services you require. Do you have a small garden, or will you need a pallet of mulch for a large plot? Will your property require specialized mulch? You should also ask yourself whether you have the drive and ability to spread the mulch yourself or need help from the service you go to. Once you have a solid plan for your project, you can start searching with a good sense of direction.

2. Research Online

There's no sense in going in blind! Doing plenty of research before you approach a mulch company will arm you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision. Narrowing down your choices with research will save you a lot of time in the long run.

First, search online for local mulch companies near you. If they're a dependable service, they'll likely have plenty of reviews from satisfied customers. Take the time to check the company's website as well. Not only will you find valuable information about their services, but you'll also likely see more reviews from past clients. While checking out their site, make sure their services fit your needs. Check whether they offer product discounts and a wide variety of products.



3. Talk to Friends and Family

Word of mouth is a tried and true method of finding the best services in your area. Start reaching out to friends and family who have gardens and have personal experience with mulch. Even a neighbor you haven't talked to much can be a great source of information. They'll likely know about the best services around and can point you in the right direction. If you trust this person, they will recommend a great place. Balance personal recommendations with your online research and start reaching out to local companies.

4. Visit the Business

Once you've narrowed down some mulch services you're interested in, take some time to give them a visit. Talk to them about their products and experience. If you find that they have decades of experience in mulch, you can be confident you're talking to qualified experts.

This is a great time to learn more about their services. Their website may be informative, but it probably won't tell the whole story. Some businesses merely sell mulch for you to spread yourself. Other services will offer useful bark dust blowing to evenly spread out your mulch on-site. If you want to take the hard work out of spreading your mulch, be sure to ask about services like this.

Make sure you find out whether they do residential or commercial work. If you're a business owner working on a landscaping project for your property, there's no reason to waste your time at a business that only does residential work. Ideally, you should find a mulch service that will offer both. That way, you'll have a one-stop shop for all of your needs.

It may also be helpful to look into their business structure. For example, it can be beneficial to work with a family-owned business that is local to you. After all, big national chains can often turn into a maze of bureaucracy whenever you run into problems. Smaller mulch companies can address your concerns on a more personalized level, providing the customer support you deserve.

As you talk to employees, take note of their attitude, knowledge, and professionalism. Prioritize businesses that treat customers with politeness and have confidence in their knowledge of mulch. Their appearance can make a difference as well. A clean and professional appearance can indicate a high quality of service when it comes time to buy their mulch.

5. Evaluate the Product

It's also wise to walk around the business and inspect its inventory. Not only should you be checking to see that they have everything you need, but you should also make sure everything is stored neatly and with care. A messy or disorganized space could be reflected in their work as well.

You should also look into the quality of the products themselves. This may require a little internet searching about the brands that are carried. A business that only carries cheap, lower-quality mulch may not be the best decision for your landscaping needs. Make sure they have higher-quality mulch that will look great on your property.

If you're up for the task, you may even want to smell the mulch. Rotting or musty odors are a red flag that you may end up with an inferior product that you'll have to replace. Quality mulch will smell pleasant and earthy.

6. Ask for Quotes

Now that you have a lay of the land, it's a good time to start asking for quotes. If it's a quality mulch service, they will give you a free quote on whatever you need. However, the work doesn't stop here.

As you look over quotes, be sure to balance factors of cost and the services offered. After all, you won't necessarily want to choose the cheapest service, as they may not have all the products you need, or their products may be of inferior quality. The most expensive option may also provide extra services you don't need.

7. Ask for References

While you may have learned a lot from online research and personal referrals, it's also helpful to look into references provided by the business. Hearing about positive experiences from past clients will give you all the more reason to choose a particular service. Ask them about their experience and the professionalism of the business.

8. Trust Your Gut

When in doubt, rely on your instincts. Sometimes a particular business feels like the best choice even though you can't quite pin down the reason. It can be a good idea to follow your feelings and choose the service you feel will give you the best results.

Sometimes, it's enough to like the personalities of the people you hire. Being able to hold an enjoyable conversation and form a connection is an important quality of any networking we form throughout our lives. The great thing about choosing a service with friendly people you get along with is that they can then be a source for other great resources. Surely, you'll need mulching at some point. There's no doubt that mulch experts can point you in the right direction!

Now that you know all the ins and outs of finding a quality mulch service, you're probably ready to start looking. You can start here with Red Bark Inc. We're a local, family-owned business with more than 30 years of experience. Give us a call today to get started with a free quote on our excellent services!