Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone—but with a new property comes the responsibility of maintaining your landscape. Whether you’ve inherited a blank lawn or a yard with potential, choosing the right landscaping supplies from the start can save time, money, and effort. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-have materials and tools that every new homeowner should consider for a thriving, easy-to-manage outdoor space.
If you’re located in New Jersey, Kirk Allen Landscape Supply (📞 973-347-3117) offers all the essentials and expert advice to get your project off on the right foot.
🌱 1. Start with the Soil – Foundation of All Landscaping
Healthy soil is the secret to a beautiful landscape. Before planting or laying sod, check your soil quality. Most New Jersey yards benefit from the following:
- Topsoil: Ideal for leveling and preparing planting areas. Screened topsoil ensures better drainage and root development.
- Compost: Great for enriching nutrient-poor soil.
- Fill Dirt: Best used for grading and leveling land, especially around foundations and driveways.
Ask your local supplier about soil delivery services—it’ll save you heavy lifting.
🪵 2. Mulch – More Than Just a Pretty Covering
Mulch isn’t just for looks. It helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce weeds. As a new homeowner, mulching is one of the simplest ways to make your yard look well-kept.
Types of mulch to consider:
- Natural hardwood mulch: Long-lasting and environmentally friendly.
- Dyed mulch: Comes in black, brown, or red for added visual appeal.
- Cedar mulch: Offers a pleasant scent and natural insect-repelling properties.
Pro tip: Apply mulch 2-3 inches thick and refresh it once or twice a year for best results.
🪨 3. Decorative Rock and Gravel – Low-Maintenance Style
If you’re looking for a modern, low-maintenance landscape, decorative rock is your friend. New homeowners often opt for rocks in high-traffic areas, around walkways, or near foundations where plants may struggle.
Popular options in NJ:
- River stones: Smooth, colorful, and perfect for edging or dry creek beds.
- Crushed gravel: Great for driveways, walkways, and drainage areas.
- Pea gravel: Small and rounded—ideal for play areas and garden paths.
Rock gardens are trending in 2025—so consider mixing sizes and textures for a more natural look.
✂️ 4. Edging Materials – Define and Elevate Your Space
Creating clean lines in your landscape not only looks professional but also makes maintenance easier. Edging helps define:
- Flower beds
- Driveways
- Pathways
- Mulched areas
New homeowners often choose between:
- Metal edging – Durable and modern
- Plastic edging – Affordable and flexible
- Stone or brick – Natural and long-lasting
Installing edging early on sets the tone for a well-organized landscape.
🌾 5. Grass Seed, Sod, or Alternatives?
Lush green lawns are a goal for many homeowners, but not everyone has time for constant upkeep. Start with a realistic plan:
- Grass seed: Cheaper but takes longer to establish.
- Sod: Instant lawn but more expensive upfront.
- Groundcovers (like clover or creeping thyme): Require less mowing and watering.
If you’re starting from scratch, consider a soil test and proper grading before laying seed or sod.
🧰 6. Essential Tools to Keep on Hand
You don’t need a full contractor’s kit, but a few must-have tools can make your DIY landscaping projects much smoother:
- Garden rake
- Spade shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden hose with adjustable nozzle
- Leaf blower or rake
- Mulch fork (for bulk mulch delivery)
- Edger or string trimmer
Buying quality tools once is better than replacing cheap ones every year.
🪴 7. Plants and Shrubs – Go Native When Possible
Once your base (soil, mulch, edging) is ready, it’s time to add color and life. As a beginner, choose native plants—they’re adapted to NJ’s climate, require less watering, and tend to be more pest-resistant.
Some popular low-maintenance options include:
- Coneflowers
- Black-eyed Susans
- Hostas
- Boxwoods
- Ornamental grasses
Before heading to the nursery, sketch a simple layout and measure your available space.
📦 8. Bulk vs. Bagged – What’s Better for You?
Many new homeowners ask: Should I buy bagged mulch, soil, or stone from the hardware store, or go bulk from a landscape supplier?
The answer? Bulk is often cheaper, higher-quality, and eco-friendlier (less plastic waste). Local suppliers like Kirk Allen Landscape Supply deliver right to your driveway—saving multiple trips to the store.
If you’re unsure how much you need, use their material calculator or call for a custom quote.
🛒 9. When to Buy: Seasonal Timing for Landscaping Supplies
Timing your purchases can save money and effort.
- Spring: Best time to prep soil, apply mulch, and plant.
- Summer: Focus on watering systems, trimming, and gravel paths.
- Fall: Great for planting perennials and adding compost.
- Winter: Buy tools and materials during end-of-season clearance.
Set a seasonal checklist to stay on top of your landscaping goals throughout the year.
🧭 Final Tips for NJ Homeowners
Landscaping doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Start with the basics—soil, mulch, and some edging—then build out your garden one section at a time. If you’re in the New Jersey area, stop by Kirk Allen Landscape Supply or call 973-347-3117 for expert help and top-tier materials.
Your yard doesn’t need to be perfect overnight. With the right supplies and a little patience, your outdoor space will grow into something you’ll be proud of—one weekend project at a time.
