What is the Best Way to Move 10 Yards of Mulch? Easy Steps

Wondering about the best way to move 10 yards of mulch? The answer is simple: use a wheelbarrow, shovel, and a few smart tricks. I’ll show you how to move mulch quickly, without breaking your back.

Stick around for the best tips to move the mulch, whether you’re dealing with small gardens or huge landscapes.

Key Points

• A wheelbarrow and shovel are your go-to tools for moving 10 yards of mulch.
• A tarp helps you drag mulch over short distances.
• ATVs with trailers are great for large or rough areas.
• Hiring a landscaping service saves time on big projects.
• A front-end loader can move large amounts of mulch quickly.
• Mulch blower services offer fast, hassle-free mulch spreading.
• Use 5-gallon buckets for small, hard-to-reach areas.
• Pallets and forklifts can move bulk mulch efficiently.

Best Way to Move 10 Yards of Mulch: Step by Step

The best way to move 10 yards of mulch is by using a wheelbarrow, a scoop shovel, and a tarp. Load the wheelbarrow with manageable amounts, plan your route to avoid rough terrain, and use a tarp for spreading mulch in larger areas.

Here’s the full guide:

Step One: Get Tools You Need to Move 10 Yards of Mulch

When you need to move 10 yards of mulch, having the right tools saves you a lot of time. I’ve done it before, and I can tell you it’s worth being prepared.

Don’t try to use your hands or basic garden tools. You’ll end up working much longer than you need to.

The first tool I always grab is a wheelbarrow. You also need:

• A shovel
• A tarp
• A rake.

The wheelbarrow helps you carry more mulch in fewer trips. The shovel loads the mulch into the wheelbarrow. The tarp is a great trick for covering large areas quickly without making a mess.

And the rake? It’s perfect for spreading the mulch evenly once you’ve dumped it.

Step Two: Choose the Best Wheelbarrow for Mulch

Not all wheelbarrows are good for moving mulch. I’ve learned that through trial and error. If your wheelbarrow is too small, you’ll waste a lot of time. If it’s too big, it’ll be hard to push when it’s full of mulch.

I’ve found that dual-wheel wheelbarrows are the best choice. They are more stable and easier to control. Look for one with good handles too. It makes a big difference when you’re working for hours.

I think a 6 to 8 cubic foot capacity is perfect for mulch. It holds enough without being too heavy to push.

Step Three: Pick the Best Shovels for Mulching

A shovel may seem simple, but not all shovels work well with mulch. In my experience, a scoop shovel is the best choice. Its wide, flat blade helps you pick up a lot of mulch at once. A regular pointed shovel won’t hold as much mulch, and you’ll get frustrated fast.

I always go for a shovel with a fiberglass handle. These are sturdy but still lightweight. That’s important when you’re shoveling mulch for hours.

Step Four: Safely Load and Unload Mulch from a Truck

Unloading mulch from a truck can get messy if you don’t do it right. I’ve made the mistake of rushing, and it ends up making more work for you.

Here’s my method. I lay a tarp next to where I want the mulch. Then I shovel the mulch directly onto the tarp. If I have someone helping, they can smooth the mulch while I shovel.

When loading mulch into the wheelbarrow, I never overfill it. Trust me, it’s easier to take a few extra trips with lighter loads. A heavy wheelbarrow on uneven ground is a nightmare to push.

Step Five: Plan the Best Route for Moving Mulch

Before you start moving mulch, plan out your path. This is something I learned the hard way. Don’t just start moving back and forth without thinking about it first.

I like to find the shortest route from the mulch pile to where it needs to go. But it’s not just about distance. You also want to avoid bumps or uneven ground that could make you spill the mulch.

If I’m working on a slope, I always move downhill with the wheelbarrow. It’s easier and safer than trying to push it uphill.

Step Six: Use Tarps for Mulch Transport

Using a tarp is a game-changer when moving mulch. I’ve used this method, and it’s quick and easy. If the area I’m working on is close to the mulch pile, I skip the wheelbarrow and use a tarp.

Here’s how I do it. I shovel the mulch directly onto the tarp. When I have enough, I grab the corners and drag it to where I need the mulch. It’s faster than loading and unloading a wheelbarrow for short distances.

Plus, I can use the tarp to spread the mulch without making a big mess.

After spreading mulch, you’ll want to make sure your plants are protected from the heat. Check out how to keep plants from burning to ensure they stay healthy even in hot conditions.

How to Work with Mulch on Slopes or Uneven Ground?

Working with mulch on a slope can be tough, but it’s not impossible. I’ve had to do this a few times, and I learned a few tricks. First, always keep your load light if you’re using a wheelbarrow.

It’s much easier to control on a slope. If you’re going downhill, take it slow.

When spreading mulch on a slope, always start at the top. This way, gravity helps you spread the mulch as you go. It keeps things even and prevents the mulch from sliding down all at once.

How to Spread Mulch Efficiently Once It’s Delivered?

After moving all that mulch, it’s time to spread it. This can feel like a big job, but I’ve found a system that works. I always spread mulch in small sections.

Using a rake, I spread about 2 to 3 inches of mulch evenly across each area. Don’t pile it too thick, especially around plants or tree trunks. Keep the mulch a few inches away from plants to prevent them from rotting. Mulch holds moisture, but too much around stems can cause damage.

Spreading mulch is the part I enjoy most. When it’s all done, the yard looks neat and well-kept. And I know the mulch will help prevent weeds and keep the soil moist.

As you work on mulching your garden, be sure to keep an eye on any pests. If you notice damage, here’s how to find out what’s making holes in your Brussels sprout leaves and protect your plants.

7 Other Ways to Move 10 Yards of Mulch

Sometimes, you need different methods to move mulch, depending on the area or tools you have. While a wheelbarrow and shovel are common, there are other smart ways to move mulch.

Let me explain these methods step by step.

1. Tarp Dragging

This method works well for short distances. I do this when the area is too uneven for a wheelbarrow. Spread mulch on a tarp, gather the corners, and drag it to where you need the mulch. It’s simple and fast if the distance isn’t far.

2. ATV with Trailer

If you have an ATV or a lawn tractor, attach a small trailer to it. Load the mulch into the trailer, then drive it to the area. This method works best for longer distances or if the ground is rough and bumpy.

3. Hiring a Landscaping Service

Sometimes, it’s easier to let the pros handle it. When I’ve had larger areas to cover, I’ve hired a landscaping service. They have the tools and experience to move mulch quickly. It saves a lot of time and effort.

4. Front-End Loader

If you have access to a front-end loader or a tractor with a bucket, use it! This method is great for moving large piles of mulch with less work.

I’ve used this on bigger projects and it cuts the time in half. So, if you’ve got a lot of mulch, I suggest this method.

5. Mulch Blower Service

For really big jobs, hiring a company with a mulch blower is the easiest. These machines blow mulch directly onto the area. It’s fast and requires almost no effort from you. I used this when I had to cover a huge space in no time.

6. Buckets for Tight Spaces

When I’ve had to move mulch in small, tight areas, I’ve used 5-gallon buckets. It’s not the quickest method, but it allows you to place mulch exactly where you need it, especially in small garden beds or near plants.

7. Pallets and Forklift

If you have a forklift or a skid-steer loader, and the mulch is delivered on pallets, you can move a lot of mulch at once. This method works great if your mulch is bagged or stacked.

Follow any of these seven methods and the mulch will stay in top quality. You can then use it to help your plants whenever you want to.

Final Words

Moving 10 yards of mulch doesn’t have to be hard. Here are the key takeaways:

• Use a wheelbarrow and scoop shovel for efficiency.
• Tarps are great for dragging mulch over short distances.
• ATVs with trailers help cover larger areas quickly.
• For big jobs, consider hiring a landscaping service or using a mulch blower.
• Buckets are useful for tight spaces or precision work.

That’s all.