ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — ​Gardeners need not wait until the heat arrives to protect their plants from summer heat.

Because extreme heat stress can be very harmful to plants, mulch is one of the most valuable tools in any garden.

Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over the course of spring and summer. That means plants won’t have to fight weeds for water when the temperature warms up. It also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

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If you’re looking to purchase mulch in the Asheville area, here are several reputable suppliers offering a variety of products and services:​

Advanced Landscaping

  • 126 Lakeshore Drive, Asheville, 828-778-4272

Asheville Mulch Yard

  • North: 326 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, 828-484-8131
  • South: 1230 Glen Bridge Road, Arden, 828-273-1417
  • East: 2425 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, 828-707-1615

Carolina Mulch Plus

  • 5245 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 828-684-2942

French Broad Stone and Supply Co.

  • 321 Sweeten Creek Road, 828-575-9400

Hensons’ Inc. Mulch & More

  • 116 Pond Road, Asheville, 828-665-0200

Hipps Stone

  • 200 Smokey Park Hwy, Asheville, 828-252-8387
  • 17 Montgomery St., Asheville, 828-573-5962
  • 240 Charlotte Highway, Asheville, 828-712-1199
  • 6015 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, 828-650-9900
  • 2602 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, 828-686-7297

Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center

  • 570 Brevard Road, Asheville, 828-254-2671

The Mulch Lady (Riverside Stump Dump)

  • 620 Riverside Drive, Asheville, 828-251-5777 or 828-712-0481
  • 5055 Old Haywood Road, Mills River, 828-712-4758
  • 690 Riverside Drive, Asheville (main office), 828-258-7339

Smokey Park Nursery & Landscape Design Center

  • 2518 Smokey Park Highway, Candler, 828-633-2950

These suppliers offer a range of mulch types and additional landscaping products. Contact them directly or visit their websites for the most current information on products, pricing and delivery options.​

If you’re looking for an online source, ChipDrop matches people who want free wood chip mulch with arborists and tree companies who are trying to get rid of it.

Free Wood Chips For Gardeners | ChipDrop