When Home Depot runs the mulch 5 for $10 promotion, the price is great but getting bags home can be the toughest part. If you’re juggling time, a small car, or no trailer, this guide breaks down the safest, cheapest, and fastest ways to get your mulch home so your landscaping project doesn’t stall.
How the Home Depot Mulch Sale Works and What to Expect
The Home Depot mulch sale typically offers selected bagged mulch at a steep discount like 5 for $10. Not every bag type or color is included, and availability varies by store and region. Before you shop, confirm which bags are part of the sale and whether your local store enforces per-customer limits. Knowing what qualifies will save you an extra trip or a frustrated return.
Tip: check the weekly ad and the store listing for your local inventory before loading up. If you want a checklist on qualifying mulch types and timing, see our guide on which mulch types are included.
Plan First: Delivery vs Curbside vs Rent a Truck
Choose based on budget, distance, and how much help you have. Delivery is convenient but adds cost; curbside pickup is cheap and fast but requires you to load; renting a truck is best for large jobs and control. Below is a straightforward decision flow to match your situation with the most practical option.
- If convenience matters and you can afford a fee, schedule delivery.
- If you’re short on cash but have muscle or a helper, use curbside pickup and load yourself.
- If you need dozens of bags in one trip or have heavy landscaping gear, rent a truck for a single-day haul.
Delivery: When It’s Worth the Fee
Delivery saves time and eliminates heavy lifting. Home Depot offers truck delivery for bulk and pallet items and may offer transport for large mulch orders, though small bag deliveries often use third-party carriers. Delivery costs vary by distance and order size; expect a base fee plus per-mile charges for long runs.
How to optimize delivery costs:
- Combine your mulch order with other items that qualify as heavy delivery to meet minimum thresholds.
- Ask for curbside drop-off so you can position the truck as close as possible to the loading area.
- Request a delivery window and a call when the truck is nearby to coordinate help.
For more details on the sale schedule and delivery timing, check the store guide at when the mulch sale starts.
Curbside Pickup: Cheapest Fast Option
Curbside pickup is free or very low-cost and is usually available for bags included in the sale. Home Depot will load the bags onto the pickup cart at the staging area, but they won’t usually load them into your personal vehicle — that’s your responsibility. Bring gloves, ratchet straps, and help if you have a low-clearance car.
- Measure trunk and bed space before you buy.
- Use folded moving blankets and tie-downs to protect upholstery when hauling in a car.
- For hatchbacks and sedans, fold rear seats to maximize length and keep weight balanced.
Rent a Truck: Step-by-Step for Hauling Lots of Bags
Renting a truck (one-way or same-day local) is often the most efficient way to haul dozens of mulch bags in a single trip. A 6–8 foot pickup or small box truck fits multiple bundles of 2 cu. ft. bags and speeds up large jobs.
Steps to rent and use a truck safely:
- Reserve online early — promotional weekends sell out fast.
- Pick the truck size one step larger than you think you need to avoid overloading limits.
- Bring tie-down straps, gloves, and a ramp if you’ll be loading heavy items from a pallet.
- Check the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and estimate total bag weight before loading.
- Drive slowly with a loaded bed and use extra caution when braking and turning.
If you prefer guidance specific to scoring the 5 for $10 deal while planning transport, see our step-by-step tips at how to score the mulch sale.
Loading and Safety Tips for Any Transport Method
Loading safely prevents damage to your vehicle and keeps you injury-free. Use correct lifting technique, keep bags close to your body, and avoid twisting while carrying. Two people are much faster and safer than one.
- Stack bags flat and low to keep the center of gravity down.
- Distribute weight evenly across the vehicle bed or trunk.
- Secure loose bags with ratchet straps or cargo nets to prevent shifting.
- Cover bags in an open truck with a tarp if rain is forecast; wet mulch can add unexpected weight.
Eco and Disposal Notes
If you’re buying dyed or rubber mulches, check local guidance for safe disposal and yard use. For composting or erosion control uses, authoritative resources like the USDA and EPA explain best practices for organic and synthetic mulches — reading them helps you choose the right product for long-term landscape health. See USDA resources at USDA and EPA guidance at EPA.
Where to Buy and Store Extra Bags
After the sale, keep unused bags in a dry, shaded area off the ground to prevent mold and sogginess. If your local store runs out, check nearby Home Depot locations or the store’s online inventory. Some stores restock midweek or offer additional pop-up stacks when a sale is very popular. If you want to know which locations run the promotion, visit the mulch sale page and mulch sale locations for local tips.
Quick Cost Comparison
- Curbside pickup: lowest cost, DIY loading.
- Delivery: mid to high cost, no heavy lifting.
- Truck rental: moderate cost, best for bulk jobs and time savings.
Final Checklist Before You Go
- Confirm which bags are included in the sale and local limits.
- Measure vehicle space and estimate bag count per load.
- Bring straps, gloves, blankets, and a helper when possible.
- Reserve delivery or rental truck early on high-demand sale weekends.
Conclusion: The Home Depot mulch sale is a great opportunity to save, and with a little planning you can avoid the most common hauling headaches. Match your transport choice to the job size and your budget — curbside pickup for small weekend projects, delivery for convenience, and a rented truck for large landscaping jobs. Follow the loading and safety tips above so your mulch arrives ready to use.