While using The Landscape Calculator can help you order the right amount of materials for your projects, you might still end up with leftovers from time to time.
Whether it's excess mulch, spare pavers, or surplus gravel, there are many creative and practical ways to put these materials to good use.
Here's your comprehensive guide to managing and repurposing common leftover landscaping materials.
Mulch and Organic Materials
Storage Solutions
Proper storage of leftover mulch can extend its usability for future projects:
Create a dedicated storage bin with proper drainage
Cover with a tarp to keep dry while allowing airflow
Store on a concrete pad or elevated platform
Turn the pile occasionally to prevent decomposition
Label with the date of purchase for rotation
Creative Uses for Leftover Mulch
Top-Dressing Gardens
Refresh thin spots in existing beds
Create temporary paths between garden rows
Mulch around newly planted trees or shrubs
Cover exposed roots that have surfaced
Composting
Mix with green materials for balanced compost
Use as brown material in compost layers
Create a dedicated leaf mold pile
Mix with grass clippings for quick decomposition
Soil Amendment
Work decomposed mulch into poor soil
Use as a soil conditioner for new planting areas
Mix with existing soil to improve structure
Create custom potting soil blends
Stone and Gravel
Storage Best Practices
Keep leftover stone and gravel usable with proper storage:
Sort by size and type
Store on level ground or pallets
Cover to prevent weed growth
Keep different materials separated
Document quantities and types for future reference
Practical Uses for Extra Stone
Drainage Solutions
Create French drains around problem areas
Improve drainage around downspouts
Line the bottom of planters
Build dry creek beds for water management
Garden Features
Edge garden beds
Create stepping stones
Build small retaining walls
Design rock gardens
Make plant markers
Functional Projects
Fill potholes in gravel driveways
Create pet areas
Build fire pit bases
Make garden stepping stones
Create temporary parking pads
Pavers and Hardscape Materials
Storage Tips
Preserve leftover pavers and hardscape materials:
Stack neatly on pallets
Keep different styles separated
Store in a covered area if possible
Document quantities and patterns
Keep matching materials together
Creative Reuse Ideas
Small Projects
Create garden borders
Build planter boxes
Make stepping stone paths
Design small seating areas
Construct compost bin enclosures
Functional Features
Build rain barrel platforms
Create tool storage areas
Make outdoor shower bases
Design pet feeding stations
Construct garden benches
Decorative Elements
Create mosaic designs
Build garden art
Make house number displays
Design garden sculptures
Construct bird bath bases
Soil and Sand
Storage Considerations
Proper storage ensures soil and sand remain usable:
Cover with tarps to prevent erosion
Store on concrete or plastic sheeting
Keep different types separated
Label clearly for future use
Protect from contamination
Smart Uses for Extra Soil
Garden Improvements
Level low spots in the yard
Create raised planting areas
Fill garden boxes
Improve existing soil
Start a container garden
Practical Applications
Create potting soil mixes
Fill holes and depressions
Build up areas around foundations
Establish new garden beds
Create berms for interest
Sand Applications
Garden Uses
Improve soil drainage
Create succulent planting medium
Level pavers or flagstone
Amend clay soil
Make concrete repairs
Practical Projects
Create children's play areas
Fill gaps between pavers
Store for winter traction
Make soil amendments
Build sand boxes
Construction Materials
Storage Requirements
Keep construction materials usable:
Store lumber off the ground
Protect metal from moisture
Keep fasteners in sealed containers
Label materials clearly
Rotate stock regularly
Repurposing Ideas
Garden Structures
Build tool organizers
Create trellises
Make plant supports
Design garden gates
Construct cold frames
Practical Projects
Build storage solutions
Create compost bins
Make raised beds
Design garden markers
Construct rain barrels
Sharing and Trading
Community Resources
Connect with others to share materials:
Join local gardening groups
Use neighborhood apps
Contact community gardens
Connect with school gardens
Reach out to local farms
Trading Opportunities
Exchange materials with neighbors
Swap with other gardeners
Trade for tools or plants
Share with community projects
Barter for services
Environmental Considerations
Sustainable Practices
Minimize waste through proper planning
Reuse materials whenever possible
Recycle appropriately
Compost organic materials
Share excess with others
Environmental Impact
Consider the environmental benefits of reusing materials:
Reduced landfill waste
Lower transportation emissions
Conservation of resources
Smaller carbon footprint
Preservation of natural materials
Planning for Future Projects
Material Management
Develop a system for tracking materials:
Keep an inventory
Document quantities
Note potential uses
Track storage locations
Plan seasonal projects
Project Planning
Think ahead for material use:
List potential projects
Estimate material needs
Schedule seasonal work
Coordinate with neighbors
Plan community projects
Professional Tips
Industry Insights
Material Selection
Choose versatile materials
Select standard sizes
Opt for durable options
Consider multi-purpose uses
Pick weather-resistant materials
Storage Solutions
Invest in proper storage
Maintain organization systems
Protect from elements
Label everything clearly
Keep inventory updated
Project Management
Plan multiple phases
Coordinate timing
Share resources
Document usage
Track results
Conclusion
Smart management of leftover landscaping materials not only saves money but also promotes environmental sustainability.
By properly storing and creatively reusing materials, you can maximize their value and minimize waste. Remember to keep materials organized, document what you have, and plan future projects that can utilize your existing inventory.
With proper planning and creative thinking, leftover materials can become valuable resources for future landscaping projects.