Bulk mulch and bark delivery

Homeowners with garden beds, small landscapers, property managers, HOAs and garden centers that need extra stock.

Price per cubic yard plus a delivery fee based on distance. Repeat orders from landscapers and spring and fall rushes bring steady work.

• Safe driving with a loaded trailer or truck
• Physical work and basic equipment handling
• Pricing by volume and planning delivery routes

• General liability and commercial auto insurance, since personal auto policies may not cover business use
• Vehicle weight limits, trailer registration and whether any commercial driver rules apply to your setup, check with your state DMV
• Local business license and sales tax registration, since mulch is often taxable, check your state and county
• Seasonal demand, so plan for slow winter months
• Quality and contents of mulch, since customers may complain about dyed, wet or contaminated loads

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the truck or trailer you use, your first bulk purchases, insurance and a simple website. These are estimates and will vary with the equipment you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many loads you deliver and your pricing by volume. Demand is seasonal, so plan for slower winter months. The estimates start from about 10 hours a week.

Check insurance, since personal auto policies may not cover business use. Check vehicle weight limits, trailer registration and any commercial driver rules with your state DMV. Also check your local business license and sales tax registration, since mulch is often taxable.