Top Questions We Hear at High Country Landscape Supply – High Country Landscape Supply

If you’ve ever started a landscaping project and felt unsure about how much mulch to buy, what type of gravel works best for a driveway, or whether garden soil is really different from topsoil—you’re not alone. At High Country Landscape Supply, we hear these kinds of questions every day.

So we thought we’d round up the most common ones we get and give you the answers right here, all in one place. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned contractor, these FAQs can help you get your job done faster, cleaner, and with fewer surprises.

❓ 1. How much mulch or gravel do I need?
This is by far the most common question we get. The good news? The math is simple.

Use this formula to calculate cubic yards:
(Length in feet × Width in feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards

For most mulch and gravel jobs, you’ll want 2–3 inches of depth. If you’re not sure how that translates to your space, give us a call. We’re happy to help you run the numbers.

👉 Need help now? Check out our full blog post on how to calculate what you need.

❓ 2. What’s the difference between your black mulch, brown mulch, and natural mulch?
The main difference is color. All three are made from high-quality wood and offer the same core benefits: weed suppression, moisture retention, and improved soil insulation.

Black mulch offers a bold, modern contrast and holds color well
Brown mulch blends beautifully with natural landscapes and homes
Natural mulch (undyed) is the most eco-friendly and breaks down a bit faster

Still unsure? Come by and check them out in person.

❓ 3. What’s the best gravel for a driveway?
We usually recommend #57 stone or crusher run for driveway use.

#57 stone is clean, angular gravel that provides excellent drainage and stability.
Crusher run includes both fine material and crushed rock, which compacts tightly and is ideal for creating a base layer.

Pea gravel, while great for walkways and decorative areas, is usually too loose for vehicle traffic.

❓ 4. Do you deliver? How much does it cost?
Yes! We deliver all of our bulk materials—mulch, pine straw, gravel, soil—right to your home, job site, or business.

Our delivery fees are based on distance from our yard in Alabaster, AL:

0–15 miles: $50
16–30 miles: $75
31–50 miles: $100

We stay on paved surfaces for safety and will work with you to find the best drop-off location.

📞 Call (205) 225-7155 to schedule a delivery or ask about availability.

❓ 5. What’s the difference between garden soil and topsoil?
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil from the ground. It’s good for leveling or filling in areas but may not have much organic material.

Our premium garden soil is a blend of screened topsoil, organic matter, and nutrients—perfect for planting, raised beds, and improving existing beds.

👉 Browse our garden soil and learn why quality matters

❓ 6. How do I know when it’s time to refresh my mulch?
If your mulch is faded, thin, or showing bare spots, it’s time for a refresh. We usually recommend:

Once a year at minimum
Twice a year if you want to keep beds looking fresh and maximize weed control

Spring and fall are the best times to add a new layer.

❓ 7. What type of mulch lasts the longest?
Our mini pine nuggets and dyed hardwood mulch (like black and brown) tend to last the longest. Nuggets are chunkier, so they break down more slowly. Dyed mulch holds its color longer, especially when kept out of direct afternoon sun.

❓ 8. Can I pick up materials myself?
Absolutely. We offer convenient drive-up loading for pickup trucks, trailers, or dump trailers. Just let us know what you need, and we’ll load it for you. No appointment necessary.

We’re located in Alabaster, right off the main highway—easy in, easy out.

❓ 9. What’s the best mulch for weed control?
Any mulch that’s installed properly and thick enough (2–3 inches) will help control weeds. But if you’re dealing with a tough area:

Use landscape fabric underneath for extra weed resistance
Choose shredded mulch or fine pine bark for tighter coverage
Avoid piling mulch too thin or too close to plants, where weeds can sneak in

❓ 10. What’s the best way to order?
You can order in person, by phone, or online.

Visit our website to browse products and place your order
Call us if you need help choosing or want to schedule a delivery
Stop by the yard to see materials and ask questions—we’re always happy to help

📞 (205) 225-7155
🌐 Order Online 24/7

Why Trust High Country?

We know there are plenty of places to buy mulch, gravel, or soil—but what sets us apart is service. We don’t just drop materials off and disappear. We’re here to help you understand what you’re getting, why it matters, and how to use it right. You’ll never feel like just another ticket number with us.

Whether you’ve got one flower bed or an entire commercial site to prep, we’ve got the products and support to make your job easier. If your question didn’t show up in this post, call or come see us—we’d love to help.

📍 Located in Alabaster, AL
📞 (205) 225-7155
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