US Lawn & Garden Mulch

US Lawn & Garden Mulch

US demand for lawn and garden mulch is projected to increase less than 1.0% annually to $824 million in 2026. In the near term, demand will decline as the market recedes from an unusually high level (prompted by greater lawn and garden activity during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic). In the latter part of the forecast period, demand will grow at a more sustainable rate.

The Consumer Segment Will Decline, But Continue to Account for the Majority of Demand
The consumer segment accounts for the majority of demand for packaged lawn and garden mulch – roughly 70% in most years. That share swelled in 2020 and 2021 as the pandemic led more homeowners to garden and landscape their outdoor areas themselves. Going forward, these shares are expected to revert to pre-pandemic levels as consumers return to routines that involve work outside the home and other obligations, boosting demand for professional lawn care services. However, such services are also more likely to use bulk mulch rather than packaged mulch, which will restrain demand growth.

Alternative Products to Outpace Conventional Wood Mulch
Conventional wood mulch, including colored versions, is expected to continue its domination of the lawn and garden market due its low cost and suitability for most mulching uses. However, alternative mulches – such as plastic, rubber, and gravel products – are expected to register faster growth:

Plastic and rubber mulches are usually made from recovered materials that are then shredded, which appeals to environment-minded users.

• Gravel mulch will see gains due to its visual appeal in some landscape aesthetics, as well as its greater durability as users seek to achieve their lawn and garden objectives with less work, even if at greater initial expense.

Study Description
This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $809 million US packaged lawn and garden mulch industry. It presents historical demand data (2011, 2016, and 2021) and forecasts (2026 and 2031) by type (wood – including conventional and colored, and other type – including rubber and all other mulch and ground coverings), application (lawn and turf, gardens and borders, and other applications), market (residential, golf courses, government and institutional, and commercial and industrial), and end user (consumer, service firms, and other professional users). The study includes year-by-year annual data and consumer survey data. The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including CRH and Scotts Miracle-Gro.