A landscape supplies price list varies by material, quantity, delivery distance, and whether installation is included. U.S. homeowners commonly spend $25-$150 per cubic yard for bulk materials, while a delivered project order often totals $150-$1,500; soil quality, stone type, and small-load fees can shift the estimate sharply.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded mulch | $25/yd³ | $40/yd³ | $70/yd³ | Bulk price before delivery |
| Topsoil | $25/yd³ | $45/yd³ | $85/yd³ | Screened or amended soil costs more |
| Decorative gravel | $35/yd³ | $65/yd³ | $120/yd³ | Stone size, color, and source affect price |
| Flagstone | $250/ton | $450/ton | $900/ton | Varies by stone type and thickness |
| Delivery | $50 | $100 | $250 | Usually based on load size and distance |
| Plants and shrubs | $8 each | $35 each | $250+ each | Size and species determine retail price |
Typical landscape supply prices by material and order size
Bulk landscape materials are usually priced by cubic yard or ton, while plants, edging, pavers, and fabric are priced per item, linear foot, or square foot. A modest homeowner pickup order may cost $75-$350 before delivery. A mixed order for a yard refresh—such as 5 cubic yards of mulch, 2 cubic yards of soil, and edging—often runs $400-$1,200 delivered, depending on local rates and product grade.
Bagged materials cost more per unit but can make sense for small beds or sites with limited truck access. A 2-cubic-foot bag of mulch commonly costs $3-$7, equivalent to roughly $40-$95 per cubic yard before sales tax. Bulk mulch is generally cheaper once the job needs several cubic yards.
For a standard bulk order, budget about $150-$500 for a few yards of material and local delivery. The estimate assumes ordinary access, common products, and no spreading or excavation. Premium compost blends, colored mulch, specialty stone, and large specimen plants can exceed the listed high ranges.
Assumptions: Common residential products, typical U.S. retail pricing, and delivery within roughly 10-20 miles.
What mulch, soil, and stone quotes include
A supplier quote may list material, loading, delivery, and taxes separately. It usually excludes unloading by hand, spreading, grading, landscape fabric, and removal of old material unless those services are specifically included. Comparing the line items matters because a low material price can be offset by a high minimum delivery charge.
| Quote item | Typical price | How it is charged | Common cost driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk mulch | $25-$70 | Per cubic yard | Wood type, color, and processing |
| Screened topsoil | $30-$85 | Per cubic yard | Screening and soil amendments |
| Washed gravel | $40-$110 | Per ton or cubic yard | Stone size, color, and washing |
| Delivery and handling | $50-$250 | Per load | Distance, truck size, and minimum order |
| Landscape fabric | $0.15-$0.75 | Per sq ft | Weight, UV rating, and roll size |
| Edging | $1-$8 | Per linear ft | Plastic, metal, or stone material |
Installation labor is separate when a landscaper handles placement. Typical rates are $40-$85 per worker-hour, with a two-person crew often costing $80-$170 per hour before equipment or overhead. A basic mulch-spreading job may add $30-$70 per cubic yard, while stone placement can cost more due to weight and preparation.
Check whether the quote covers delivery, unloading, and placement before comparing supplier totals. For example, 6 hours of two-person labor at $50-$80 per worker-hour equals about $600-$960, not including material or delivery.
How cubic yards, stone weight, and delivery distance change the bill
Order quantity is one of the biggest price controls. Many yards have a minimum delivery charge or a minimum order of 2-3 cubic yards. A 1-yard delivery may incur a $50-$125 small-load fee, while a full truckload can lower delivery cost per yard. Before ordering, confirm whether the supplier sells by cubic yard, ton, pallet, or bag; stone and soil do not convert evenly because density varies.
Coverage also determines the amount needed. One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, or 108 square feet at 3 inches. For gravel, coverage depends on depth and stone size; a 2-inch layer over 100 square feet generally requires about 0.6 cubic yard, though compaction and grading can increase the amount.
Material specifications can move prices substantially. Basic shredded hardwood mulch may cost $25-$45 per cubic yard, while dyed or premium bark mulch can reach $50-$70. A ¾-inch crushed gravel may be priced differently from rounded river rock, and decorative stone can run $80-$200 per ton for selected colors or imported varieties. Screened topsoil may cost $35-$60 per cubic yard; compost-rich blends can reach $60-$100.
Depth and weight should be confirmed before ordering, especially for stone, retaining areas, and truck access. A supplier can estimate load weight, but the buyer should also check whether a driveway can support a loaded delivery truck.
Ways to reduce landscape supply prices without underordering
Measure beds and calculate depth before requesting a quote. Ordering 20% too much mulch or stone can add a full extra yard and another delivery charge, while ordering too little may require a costly second trip. For irregular areas, divide the space into rectangles or ask the supplier to check the calculation against the dimensions.
Choose a material that fits the job rather than paying for a decorative grade everywhere. Standard brown mulch is generally less expensive than dyed or cedar products. Common crushed stone is usually cheaper than specialty river rock. A lower-cost product is not always the best option, however: mulch that breaks down quickly may need replacing more often, and unsuitable soil can create drainage or plant-growth problems.
Combining materials into one scheduled delivery can reduce separate trip charges. Ask for an itemized quote from at least two local yards and compare the same material grade, quantity, delivery distance, and tax treatment. If buying bagged goods, compare the per-cubic-yard equivalent rather than the bag price alone.
Seasonal timing can help when suppliers have lower demand, but material availability varies. Scheduling well ahead of spring landscaping may provide more delivery options than requesting a same-day or weekend drop. Avoid ordering during rain if a truck could rut a lawn or if wet soil would be harder to spread.
Urban, suburban, and rural delivery rates around the U.S.
Local prices reflect trucking distance, fuel, competition, and access. Urban buyers may find more suppliers nearby but pay more for labor, parking constraints, and restricted delivery windows. Rural buyers may see lower material prices at the yard yet face longer-haul fees. These are broad planning adjustments, not fixed regional tariffs.
| Market type | Typical delivery charge | Price pattern | What may raise the quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dense urban area | $75-$250 | Materials and labor often 10%-25% above national midrange | Restricted access, small trucks, timed delivery |
| Suburban area | $50-$150 | Often near the national midrange | Distance from the supplier and minimum loads |
| Rural area | $100-$300 | Materials may be 5%-15% lower near quarries or mills | Long haul, limited suppliers, return-trip mileage |
Regional material supply also matters. Gravel near a quarry can be less expensive than the same type delivered from another county. Coastal markets may have higher transport costs for bulk soil, while areas with abundant local wood waste may have competitively priced mulch. Request the delivery radius and fee schedule rather than assuming a national average applies.
Distance can outweigh the material discount on a small order. For example, saving $10 per yard on 2 yards is only $20; a delivery fee that is $60 higher erases that savings.
Delivery, spreading, and removal add-ons to plan for
Delivery commonly costs $50-$150 for a nearby residential drop and $150-$300 for longer routes, oversized trucks, or remote addresses. Narrow streets, steep driveways, low branches, and limited turnarounds can require a smaller vehicle or a second trip. Some suppliers charge a waiting fee if the drop site is blocked or the truck cannot unload promptly.
Spreading mulch typically adds $30-$70 per cubic yard when the beds are accessible and require little prep. Stone spreading may cost $50-$120 per cubic yard because crews must move heavier material and may need a wheelbarrow, loader, or protective base. Site preparation, landscape fabric installation, and edging are separate tasks that can add $1-$8 per linear foot for edging or $0.50-$2 per square foot for installation labor and materials.
Old mulch or soil removal can add $100-$400 for a small residential cleanup, with larger jobs priced by labor, truck capacity, and disposal fees. Dump fees may be $25-$100 per load, and contaminated soil or mixed construction debris can cost more. Ask whether the contractor will leave removed material on site, haul it away, or charge by volume.
Get written confirmation of the drop location and all removal fees before the truck arrives. A curbside delivery is less expensive than hand-carrying material to a backyard, and a crane truck or conveyor can add several hundred dollars when access is difficult.
Bulk materials compared with bags, pavers, and plant purchases
Bulk supplies are usually the economical choice for projects requiring 3 or more cubic yards, provided a truck can reach the drop point. Bags offer cleaner handling and predictable quantities for small beds, but their unit price is higher. A 2-cubic-foot bag contains about 0.074 cubic yard, so roughly 14 bags equal one cubic yard. At $4-$7 per bag, that is about $56-$98 before tax.
For hardscape projects, gravel and pavers have different cost profiles. Gravel may cost $40-$110 per ton, with fabric and edging adding to the total. Concrete pavers commonly cost $3-$10 per square foot for material, while natural stone pavers can reach $10-$30 per square foot. These figures exclude base preparation and installation, which often exceed the material cost on intricate patios or paths.
Plants range from $8-$25 for small perennials and groundcover pots to $35-$150 for mid-size shrubs. Large specimen trees can cost $250-$1,500 or more, not counting delivery, planting, staking, or warranty. Compare mature size and pot or root-ball dimensions; two plants with the same label may differ significantly in size and price.
Use bulk pricing for large-area coverage and reserve higher-priced items for focal points. This approach can keep the material budget controlled without substituting a product that is poorly suited to drainage, traffic, or plant needs.
Three sample landscape supply budgets for common projects
These examples show material and delivery estimates for ordinary access. Labor is included only when stated. Local quotes can vary with season, quantity, product grade, and distance, so the figures are planning ranges rather than guaranteed prices.
| Project | Materials | Delivery | Labor or added work | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch for 600 sq ft at 2 in | 3.7 yd³ at $35-$60/yd³, or $130-$220 | $60-$130 | Spread 4-6 hours, $320-$800 | $510-$1,150 |
| Gravel for 300 sq ft at 2 in | 1.9 yd³ at $55-$110/yd³, or $105-$210 | $75-$160 | Fabric and edging, $180-$500 | $360-$870 |
| Soil for 500 sq ft at 3 in | 4.6 yd³ at $35-$75/yd³, or $160-$345 | $60-$150 | Spreading and light grading, $250-$650 | $470-$1,145 |
The mulch example assumes a 2-inch refresh layer and no old-mulch removal. The gravel estimate assumes a stable, prepared base; excavation or compaction can add $2-$8 per square foot. The soil example assumes screened topsoil or a planting blend, not imported fill for major grade correction.
Ask for a takeoff showing quantity, depth, unit price, delivery, and labor as separate lines. A written breakdown makes it easier to identify whether a total is high because of premium material, unusually low quantities, extra site work, or delivery charges.
Seasonal timing and stock changes for mulch and stone
Spring and early summer are often the busiest periods for landscape suppliers, and delivery slots may fill quickly. Prices do not rise everywhere at the same time, but urgent deliveries can cost more when a supplier has limited trucks. Ordering ahead gives buyers more choice in delivery dates and helps avoid a second trip caused by an incomplete order.
Mulch availability can shift with local production and color demand. Stone prices are more affected by quarry location, freight, and inventory. A product listed as available may require several days for loading or transport, particularly for large quantities or uncommon colors. Ask how long a quote is valid and whether the price includes the full quantity needed.
Confirm stock, delivery date, and quote expiration before scheduling crews. If the material arrives late, labor may need to be rescheduled, potentially adding a remobilization charge of $75-$250 for a small job or more for equipment-heavy work.