NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone, been doing lawn care in Englewood for about 15 years now and I'm thinking about switching from my standard bagged compost to bulk from Whitheck in Alpine. I know they load it themselves and it's supposedly great stuff, but that's quite a drive from here. For those who have used it, is it really that much better than good quality bagged compost from the garden center? I'm mainly doing tall fescue and KBG renos this time of year. Just trying to figure out if the drive time and truck wear is worth it. Appreciate any local feedback!

Oh absolutely worth it! I've been getting Whitheck compost for my raised beds and veggie garden for going on 8 years now. The difference in texture and maturity is noticeable - it's fully hot-composted so you can put it down direct without burning. Yeah the drive from Englewood isn't nothing but I usually combine it with a run to the farmer's market in Ramsey. For turf applications I'd say go with their screened topsoil blend if they have it, smoother for topdressing. Quality-wise beats anything you'll find bagged at Home Depot or even the independent nurseries around here.

Sorry if this is a dumb question - I'm a first-time homeowner in Ridgewood and just got my first lawn last year (it's mostly fescue but honestly pretty patchy). What exactly is the benefit of using compost vs just using a good fertilizer? I've been browsing this forum and everyone seems really into composting but I'm not sure I understand why I'd need to add another step. Would appreciate anyone breaking it down for someone who's still learning!

Not a dumb question at all Natera - and welcome to the addiction that is lawn care! Compost does a few things fertilizer alone can't: it improves soil structure, increases microbial activity, and helps with water retention. For our clay soils in Bergen County it's honestly gold. That said, I've used both Whitheck and bagged products depending on job. For small residential jobs honestly the bagged ProMix or McGill compostables work fine - saves a ton of hassle. If you're doing a full property renovation or have poor drainage then yeah the bulk is worth the extra effort. Honestly depends on volume and how far you're trucking it.

This is exactly the kind of local insight I was looking for - thanks everyone. GreenThumb makes a good point about the volume factor. Most of my jobs are smaller resi patches, 2000-4000 sq ft, so maybe bagged makes more sense for those. @CompostQueen do you know if Whitheck delivers or is it just pick up? They've always been pick-up only when I've driven past but never stopped. Also curious - anyone tried the Alpine landscape supply place on Route 9? They're closer to me but I don't know anything about their product.

Unfortunately Whitheck is pickup only last I checked - they don't have a delivery setup. That Alpine place you're talking about is decent for mulch and stone but I'd skip their compost honestly, can't speak to their screening process. Honestly for your size jobs if you find a good bagged option that's consistent, might not be worth the pivot. Check around Demarest and Old Tappan - there are a few places that sell in bulk to landscapers if you establish an account. Probably cheaper per yard than Whitheck once you factor in gas!