Spring and fall are when landscapers, gardeners, and homeowners stock up on soil, mulch, and amendments—making these seasons crucial revenue windows for suppliers. Without the right operations in place, you'll lose orders, damage your reputation, and watch margins shrink under last-minute chaos. Here's how to run peak season like a pro.
Forecast Demand Early
Start planning inventory six to eight weeks before your peak. Pull sales data from the previous year and adjust for growth. If you moved 200 cubic yards of mulch last spring and expect 20% growth this year, you're targeting around 240 cubic yards—but add a 15–20% buffer for unexpected surges or longer-than-normal buying windows.
Contact your suppliers in late January (for spring) and July (for fall) to lock in pricing and delivery slots. Bulk soil and mulch suppliers often discount 8–10% for early commitments, and they're more likely to guarantee delivery timing when orders aren't piling up at the last minute. Check whether your current suppliers can handle increased volumes; if not, identify a backup supplier now.
Organize Your Yard Layout
Peak season inventory can triple overnight. Map out staging areas before stock arrives: assign zones for bagged mulch, bulk soil piles, compost, amendments, and finished goods ready for pickup or delivery. Use color-coded tarps or signage to separate product types—this cuts picking time in half and reduces order errors.
Invest in basic tracking. A simple spreadsheet updated daily works if you're managing under 10 stockpiles; beyond that, consider lightweight inventory software like Square Inventory or Toast. You need real-time visibility: "Do we have triple-shredded hardwood left?" answered in seconds, not guesses.
Staffing and Scheduling
Hire seasonal labor by early March (spring) or August (fall)—good workers get snatched up fast. Plan for at least 30–50% more labor hours during peak weeks. A typical soil and mulch business sees 2–3x normal order volume for 6–8 weeks; without added staff, delivery times slip and customers go elsewhere.
Cross-train existing employees on customer service, bagging, loading, and delivery logistics. During peak season, the person answering phones might also help load trucks at 4 p.m. Document processes clearly so temporary workers can jump in without slowing you down.
Set Realistic Delivery Windows
Communicate clearly: don't promise next-day delivery on every order if your trucks can handle only 8 stops per day. During peak season, offer a 3–5 day window and prioritize by order size and proximity. A $2,000 landscaper order outweighs five $150 homeowner orders from a logistics standpoint—price your delivery accordingly.
Create a simple online ordering form or embed one on your website (or list your services on Mercoly to reach more customers and manage inquiries centrally). Include a delivery date selector with only available slots. This sets expectations upfront and cuts back-and-forth emails.
Pricing Strategy for Peak Season
Demand is high; margins improve if you adjust strategically. Many suppliers increase prices 5–15% during peak season—customers expect this and budgets are allocated. Test a 10% bump on premium products (screened topsoil, cedar mulch) while holding steady on commodity items (utility bark). Track margins weekly; if costs spike due to fuel or supply shortages, adjust faster than your slower competitors.
Monitor Cash Flow
Peak season is cash-intensive: you buy inventory upfront but may wait 30 days for customer payment. Keep a 6–week operating buffer ($15,000–$50,000 depending on scale) in reserve for payroll, supplier invoices, and fuel. If you're tight, negotiate net-15 terms with suppliers instead of net-30, or require deposits on bulk orders over a certain threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much extra inventory should I hold for peak season? Add 20–30% to your normal stock levels, keeping faster-moving items (bagged mulch, screened soil) better stocked than slower niche products. Monitor sell-through weekly and adjust restocks mid-peak if one product runs hot.
Q: What's a realistic delivery radius during peak season? Stay within 30–40 miles of your yard to maximize truck stops per day (typically 8–10 for bulk delivery). Beyond that, mileage eats margins; charge accordingly or refer distant orders to local competitors.
Q: Should I raise prices during spring and fall? Yes—a 5–10% increase on premium products and specialty items is standard and expected by the market during high-demand windows.
List your soil, mulch, and delivery services on Mercoly to capture peak-season leads in your area and streamline order management.