Garden and Landscape Supplies FAQs
Landscape Supplies FAQs
Find answers about choosing and ordering soils, bark, mulch, aggregates, decorative stones and other landscaping supplies, including delivery, Click & Collect, free loan trailers and trade accounts.
What can we help with?
Jump to a topic below or browse all of our frequently asked questions about garden and landscape supplies.
Products, locations and ordering
Start with the basics: what we stock, where to find us and how to work out the quantity your project needs.
What landscaping supplies does Central Landscape Supplies sell?
Central Landscape Supplies stocks a wide range of garden and landscaping products, including topsoil, garden mix, lawn mixes, potting mix, compost, bark, mulch, sand, drainage metal, scoria, decorative pebbles, stones, landscape rocks and boulders, pavers, retaining products, fertilisers, weedmat and more. Products are available in bags or bulk quantities, depending on the product and local yard. Shop our range online and click & collect or get a delivery.
Where are Central Landscape Supplies yards located?
We have locally owned landscape supply yards across Auckland, Hamilton and surrounding areas. Our locations include Albany, Avondale, Drury, East Tamaki, Hamilton Eastside, Hamilton West, Silverdale, Swanson, Sylvia Park, Waiheke Island and Warkworth. Use our yard locator to find your nearest Central Landscape Supplies yard.
Can I order landscaping supplies online for Click & Collect?
Yes. You can shop online and get it delivered or Click & Collect from your local Central Landscape Supplies yard. Your yard will prepare the order and let you know when it is ready to collect or when a truck is on its way. Product ranges, stock and opening hours and vary between locations. Shop our range online
How do I know how much soil, mulch, sand or aggregate I need?
To accurately calculate how much soil, mulch, sand, aggregate or pebbles you need use our handy online Volume Calculator or ask your local yard for help to ensure you order the right amount.
Can I buy landscaping supplies in both bulk and bags?
Yes. Central Landscape Supplies offers a range of products available in bulk quantities for larger projects, while selected soils, composts, potting mixes, mulches, pebbles and other products are also sold in bags. Available formats and pack sizes vary by product and yard, so check your local yard online or contact the team before ordering.
Garden and lawn soils
Choose the right topsoil, garden mix, vegetable mix, lawn soil or potting mix for healthy plant and lawn growth.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden mix?
Topsoil is generally used for filling, building up ground levels and establishing a soil base. Garden Mix contains organic matter and added nutrients formulated to support plant growth, making it better suited to garden beds and planting areas. For deeper gardens, topsoil may be used as a base with quality garden mix placed over it.
What is the best soil for garden beds?
A quality garden mix is generally the best soil for new or existing garden beds because it provides a balance of nutrients, organic matter, drainage and moisture retention. Central Landscape Supplies offers a range of garden mixes for general planting, vegetable gardens and other specialised applications. The best choice will depend on what you plan to grow. Shop our range of garden mixes online
What soil should I use for a raised vegetable garden?
Use a nutrient-rich vegetable mix or premium garden mix designed for growing edible plants. For a deep raised garden, you can establish the lower level with suitable topsoil and finish with approximately 150–200mm of quality vegetable or garden mix. Adding compost over time will help maintain organic matter and soil health.
What is the best soil for reparing or laying a new lawn?
A screened lawn soil or lawn mix is best for establishing new grass because it is designed to provide good drainage, moisture retention and a suitable growing medium for grass roots. Prepare and level the site carefully before sowing grass seed or laying ready lawn. Explore our range of garden and lawn soils.
Can I use topsoil to level an existing lawn?
Yes, but the material and application depth matter. A screened lawn mix or suitable topsoil blend can be used to fill low areas and improve an uneven lawn. For light topdressing, apply a thin, even layer so the existing grass can continue growing through it rather than being smothered.
What is potting mix used for?
Potting mix is formulated for plants grown in pots, containers and planters. It is typically lighter and better draining than ordinary garden soil, while still retaining enough moisture and nutrients to support plant growth. Avoid filling pots with heavy topsoil, as it can compact and restrict drainage around plant roots.
Bark and mulch
Learn how bark and mulch can improve moisture retention, reduce weeds and give garden beds a finished appearance.
What is the difference between bark and mulch?
Bark is usually made from graded pieces of tree bark and is often chosen for its attractive, tidy appearance. Mulch may contain bark, wood fibre, composted material or other organic matter. Both can help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperature and protect garden beds.
How deep should bark or mulch be in a garden?
For most garden beds, apply bark or mulch at a depth of approximately 50–100mm. A thicker layer generally provides better moisture retention and weed suppression. Keep mulch slightly away from plant stems and tree trunks to reduce the risk of excess moisture and decay around the base of plants.
What is the best mulch for suppressing weeds?
Coarser bark and wood mulches applied at a suitable depth are effective for suppressing weeds because they limit the light reaching the soil. For better results, remove existing weeds before application and install suitable weedmat where appropriate. Browse our range of bark and mulch.
Aggregates, sand and drainage
Find suitable materials for driveways, paths, paving bases, drainage and general landscaping projects.
What are aggregates used for in landscaping?
Landscaping aggregates include sand, GAP metal, drainage metal, scoria and other crushed or screened materials. Depending on the grade, they can be used for driveways, paths, drainage, retaining-wall backfill, paving preparation, concrete work and general site development. Ask your local yard which aggregate is appropriate for your project.
What is the best aggregate for drainage?
Drainage metal or scoria is commonly used where water needs to move freely, such as behind retaining walls, around drainage pipes and beneath certain landscaping structures. The correct material and grade depend on the application, soil conditions and drainage design. For critical drainage work, follow the project specifications or seek professional advice.
What base material should I use under pavers?
A compacted basecourse such as GAP aggregate is commonly used to create a stable foundation beneath paving. A layer of paving sand is then added to provide a level bedding surface. Required depths vary according to ground conditions, expected loads and whether the area is a patio, footpath or driveway.
Decorative pebbles and stones
Add colour, texture and practical ground cover to gardens, pathways and outdoor living spaces.
How do I choose decorative pebbles or stones for my garden?
Consider the colour, stone size, surrounding plants and how the area will be used. Smaller pebbles suit detailed garden areas and some paths, while larger pebbles and river stones can create bold features and are less likely to move. View our range of decorative pebbles and stones or visit a yard to see them in person.
Should I put weedmat under decorative pebbles or stones?
Weedmat is often installed beneath decorative pebbles or stones to separate them from the soil and help reduce weed growth. Clear and level the area first, overlap and secure the weedmat, then cut carefully around existing plants. Weedmat reduces maintenance but cannot prevent every weed, as seeds may later settle and germinate above it.
How deep should decorative pebbles be laid?
Decorative pebbles are commonly laid approximately 40–50mm deep for garden beds and low-traffic areas. Larger stones or frequently used pathways may require a greater depth and a properly prepared, compacted base. The ideal depth depends on the stone size, intended use and ground conditions, so calculate quantities using the depth suited to your project.
Delivery, free trailers and trade accounts
Choose the most convenient way to get your landscaping products home or onto the job site.
Do you deliver landscaping supplies?
Yes. Central Landscape Supplies delivers bulk and bagged landscaping products directly to homes, businesses and job sites. Delivery areas, charges and available delivery days vary by yard, product quantity and location. Select your local yard online or contact its team to confirm availability and arrange your landscape supply delivery.
How much does landscape supply delivery cost?
Delivery charges depend on your address, local yard, product type, quantity and the truck required. Heavy materials or orders containing products that cannot be transported together may require separate loads and delivery charges. Select your local yard and enter your delivery details online, or contact the yard for an accurate price.
Can different landscaping products be delivered in the same truck?
Some orders can be delivered as a split load, allowing more than one compatible landscaping product to travel in the same truck. This depends on the products, quantities, total weight and available truck compartments. Products that could cross-contaminate or exceed safe load limits may require separate deliveries, with a delivery charge applying to each trip.
Can I borrow a trailer to collect landscaping supplies?
Yes. Central Landscape Supplies offers free loan trailers for customers purchasing products from our yards. Trailers are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard trailers can usually carry up to 1m³ of lighter products or 0.5m³ of heavier products such as aggregates and decorative stones.
Can landscapers and other businesses open a trade account?
Yes. Central Landscape Supplies offers cash and credit trade accounts for eligible landscapers, builders, plumbers, drainlayers, gardeners, contractors, property-maintenance businesses and other organisations. Trade customers benefit from support through their local yard and convenient access to bulk landscaping supplies and delivery. Applications can be completed through our Trade Supply Hub.
Still need a hand?
Talk to the knowledgeable team at your local Central Landscape Supplies yard for help choosing products, calculating quantities or arranging delivery.
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