Updated for the 2026 spring season.

This spring planting guide gives you a practical planting schedule for Southwest Ohio — and keeps it simple. Planting too early is one of the easiest ways to lose time and money in spring. Southwest Ohio can swing from 70 degrees back to frost in a week, and clay soil warms more slowly than the air.

This spring planting guide gives you a practical planting schedule for our area, whether you’re near Dayton, Englewood, the Moraine/Kettering area, or West Chester. In this spring planting guide you’ll also find what to plant in March, April, and May, and how to prep your beds so plants actually take off rather than sit and struggle.

If you want a printable version to keep in the garage, download the Southwest Ohio Spring Yard Checklist and use it alongside this calendar. For the full spring picture including cleanup and fertilization, start with the Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio.

The window for cool-season planting opens in March. Soil temperature and frost dates matter more than the date on the calendar.

Know Your Zone and Frost Dates

Most of Southwest Ohio sits in USDA Zone 6a or 6b. That means a few things worth knowing before you plan your beds.

• Average last frost in Dayton usually falls between April 11 and 20.
• Communities like Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek, and Cincinnati commonly land between April 21 and 30.
• Growing season runs roughly mid-April through mid-October.

Those are averages, not guarantees. Always check a 10-day forecast before you plant anything that can’t handle a frost. A late cold snap in early May is not unusual here, and it only takes one night below 32°F to wipe out tender annuals or tomato transplants.

Even after the average last frost date has passed, keep an eye on the 10-day forecast before putting frost-tender plants in the ground. Average means half the years are later than that date. Seed packets don’t know what year it is.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Annuals, Perennials, and Bulbs: Quick Definitions

It helps to know what you’re working with before you plan your beds.

Annuals complete their life in one growing season. They offer big color and long bloom windows, and they’re great for containers and front beds. Common examples include petunias, marigolds, zinnias, impatiens, geraniums, begonias, and calibrachoa. Annuals are frost-tender, so plant them after your local last frost date.

Perennials come back year after year from the same root system. They may take a season or two to fully establish, but once they do, they’re some of the most reliable plants in the yard. Examples include coneflower, black-eyed Susan, daylily, salvia, coral bells, hostas, and peonies. Perennials can be planted in early spring or early fall. Spring planting gives roots a full season to settle in before winter.

Bulbs fall into two groups. Spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are planted in fall, not spring. Summer-blooming bulbs like dahlias, gladiolus, cannas, and caladiums go in the ground in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

March–Early April: Cool-Season Planting

Once the soil can be worked without sticking heavily to your shovel, cool-season planting can begin. You don’t need warm weather for this group. Most of these plants handle light frost without any trouble.

Cool-Season Vegetables

These can go in before the last frost:

• Lettuce and spinach
• Kale and other leafy greens
• Peas
• Radishes, carrots, and beets
• Onion sets
• Potatoes

Plant seeds or sets according to the spacing on the packet. A light mulch layer helps hold moisture and keeps soil temperatures more even through the chilly nights.

Hardy Flowers and Perennials

• Pansies and violas are cold-tolerant and can go in early, often as soon as late February in a mild year.
• Snapdragons and dusty miller handle cooler weather better than most annuals.
• Divide and replant established perennials that have gotten overcrowded. Early spring, before significant new growth, is a good window.
• Hardy perennials like hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers can be planted now so they have time to root in before the heat arrives.

Spring planting goes smoother with fresh topsoil or compost mixed into your raised bed before the first seedlings go in.

Mid-April: The Transition Window

Mid-April is a pivot point. Cool-season planting is still happening, but you’re getting ready for warmer plants. Two things to focus on during this window.

Harden off seedlings. If you started seeds indoors, this step matters more than most people realize. Move trays outside for a few hours each day in a sheltered spot, increasing the time and sun exposure over 7 to 10 days. Bring them in if frost or high wind is coming. Plants that go straight from a basement grow light to full outdoor sun and wind tend to collapse — the hardening-off process bridges that gap.

Don’t rush seedlings from a grow light straight into the yard. The difference in wind, temperature swings, and UV is dramatic. Give them a week of gradual exposure before you commit them to the ground.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Finish cool-season planting. Get the last of your cool-season vegetables and hardy flowers in early to mid-month. You’re building out your early harvest and establishing a layer of color before the warm-season plants go in.

Late April–May: Warm-Season Planting

Once frost danger has passed and the 10-day forecast looks stable, warm-season plants can go in. Soil temperature matters here as much as air temperature. Most warm-season crops want soil in the low 60s before planting — cold ground slows root development even when the air feels warm.

Warm-Season Annual Flowers

After your last local frost:

• Petunias
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Impatiens
• Geraniums
• Calibrachoa
• Vinca
• Coleus (a good choice for shade and containers)

Check plant tags for sun and shade preferences and match them to the right spots. A shade plant in full sun will burn. A sun-lover stuck under a tree overhang will stretch and fade. The tag information takes 10 seconds to read and saves a summer of frustration.

Warm-Season Vegetables and Herbs

Wait for nights consistently above 50°F and soil temps in the low 60s before planting:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers and eggplant
• Cucumbers, squash, and beans
• Melons
• Warm-season herbs: basil, dill, cilantro

Plant deep enough, water in thoroughly after transplanting, and add a light mulch layer around the base to hold moisture. Consistent watering through the first two weeks makes a bigger difference than almost everything else you can do at planting time.

Watch soil temperature and the 10-day forecast instead of chasing dates on seed packets alone. A seed packet printed for a national audience doesn’t know whether your garden is in a frost pocket or a south-facing raised bed. Your thermometer does.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Summer-Blooming Bulbs

Once frost danger has passed and soil has warmed, plant your summer-blooming bulbs:

• Dahlias
• Gladiolus
• Cannas
• Caladiums

Follow the depth and spacing on the package. For gladiolus, planting a new batch every week or two through May gives you a staggered bloom window that lasts most of the summer rather than all at once.

Quick Planting Chart for Southwest Ohio (Zone 6)

This spring planting guide includes a quick reference chart so you don’t need a giant wall calendar to get planting right. If you know your frost window and think in rough blocks by month, most of the guesswork goes away.

Soil Preparation for Better Planting

Plants struggle in straight clay. Southwest Ohio soil is workable, but it benefits from organic material every season. Preparing beds before planting gives roots a better start and pays off through the whole growing season.

• Add 2–3 inches of compost or quality topsoil over the bed and work it into the top 6–8 inches where you can.
• If water sits for days after a rain, raise the bed slightly to improve drainage.
• After planting, add 2–3 inches of mulch to hold moisture and keep soil temperatures more even through spring temperature swings.
• Keep mulch pulled back a couple of inches from stems so plants do not rot at the base.

Champion keeps bulk topsoil, compost, and mulch at our stores in Dayton, Englewood, Moraine, and West Chester, with delivery available within roughly 20 miles of each yard.

Working organic material into the top layer before planting gives roots a better start in Southwest Ohio’s clay-heavy soil.

Container Gardening in Southwest Ohio

Containers are a good option when soil is poor, space is tight, or you want more flexibility with placement. A few things worth knowing.

• Use a quality potting mix, not straight garden soil. Garden soil in a container compacts quickly and drains poorly.
• Containers warm up faster than ground soil, so you can often plant 1–2 weeks earlier if you can move pots inside or cover them on cold nights.
• Water more often. Containers dry out significantly faster than in-ground beds, especially in warm weather.
• Feed container plants every few weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer once they’re established. Nutrients wash out with frequent watering, so containers need more regular feeding than beds.

Good container choices for Southwest Ohio include petunias, calibrachoa, geraniums, impatiens, coleus, and trailing plants like sweet potato vine. Mix upright and trailing varieties in larger containers for a fuller look through the season.

Common Planting Mistakes in Southwest Ohio

Planting too early. Every spring planting guide worth following starts here: don’t plant too early. A late frost in April can wipe out tender annuals and vegetables planted on the first warm weekend. The average last frost date is an average, not a deadline. Check the forecast.

Ignoring soil prep. Planting straight into heavy, unamended clay leads to poor drainage and shallow rooting. Two hours of soil work before planting is worth more than extra watering all summer.

Skipping the hardening-off step. Moving seedlings directly from indoors to full sun and wind can shock them into dormancy or cause them to collapse. A week of gradual transition makes a real difference.

Overcrowding. Squeezing too many plants into a bed or container makes it look full at first, but invites disease, poor airflow, and competition for water and nutrients. Follow spacing recommendations even when it feels sparse at planting time.

Planting spring-blooming bulbs in spring. Tulips and daffodils go in the ground in the fall, not in April. If you want them next spring, put them on your list for October.

A well-timed planting season, with the right soil prep and frost-date awareness, shows through the whole summer.

Spring Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last frost date around Dayton and Cincinnati?

Dayton typically sees its last frost between April 11 and 20. Communities like Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek, and Cincinnati often land between April 21 and 30. Always cross-check a current 10-day forecast before planting frost-tender plants.

When can I plant tomatoes and peppers outside?

Wait until after your local last frost date and until nighttime temperatures are consistently staying above 50°F. In most years, late April into early May. Soil temperature matters too — aim for the low 60s before transplanting warm-season crops.

What flowers grow best in Zone 6 in Ohio?

Reliable perennial choices include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daylilies, hostas, salvias, and coral bells. For annuals, marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and impatiens perform well all season once the frost risk has passed.

When should I plant perennials in Southwest Ohio?

Early spring (April) or early fall (September through October). Spring planting gives perennials a full season to establish before winter. Either window works — fall planting tends to produce stronger root systems because cooler temps reduce transplant stress.

Can I plant in containers earlier than in the ground?

Often, yes. Containers warm faster than ground soil, and you can move them inside or cover them on cold nights. Just be ready to protect them if a late frost shows up, which is not uncommon here into early May.

Do I need to mulch right after planting?

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch after planting holds moisture and moderates soil temperatures through the spring weather swings. Keep it pulled back a couple of inches from stems and trunks. Mulch piled against plant bases holds moisture against wood and invites rot.

When should I plant spring-blooming bulbs?

Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are planted in fall, typically October. If you buy bulbs in spring and wonder why they’re sold out — that’s why. Add them to your fall list and they’ll be waiting for you when the time is right.

Where Planting Fits in Your Spring Plan

Planting is one piece of the spring picture. Cleanup and fertilization set the stage. Watering and mowing carry the work through summer.

If you haven’t done your spring cleanup or fertilization yet, start there first, then circle back here when your beds and soil are ready. The Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio ties all three phases together. The Spring Yard Cleanup Guide and the Spring Fertilizer Guide cover the other pieces of the season in detail.

When you’re ready to plant, Champion can help with bulk mulch, topsoil, and compost from each yard in Dayton, Englewood, the Moraine/Kettering area, and West Chester, with delivery within roughly 20 miles. Stop in and let our team help you size what you need for the beds, containers, and raised areas you’re working on.

The post Spring Planting Guide for Southwest Ohio appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

RMHC Dayton has been serving families for 46 years. In our previous post, we shared why Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply is partnering with RMHC Dayton for 2026. That story started with Matt’s niece Maddy, her treatment at St. Jude, and the two months her mom Julie spent living at a Ronald McDonald House in Memphis. It ended with a simple idea: go local.

Now we want to talk about the organization itself. Not the partnership mechanics or the yard sign discount. Those details are coming in our next post. Right now, we want to answer a more basic question: what does RMHC Dayton actually do, and why does it matter so much?

Most people have a general sense. It’s housing for families with ill or injured kids. That’s accurate, but it barely scratches the surface.

Picture a family driving into Dayton from two hours away. Their child was just referred to a specialist at Dayton Children’s Hospital. They don’t know how long treatment will take. Could be days. Could be weeks. Could be a lot longer. They’ve packed a bag, called out of work, and arranged for someone to watch their other kids. They’re exhausted and scared, and they haven’t even started yet.

Now picture them pulling up to 555 Valley Street. That’s where the Ronald McDonald House sits. Directly across the street from the hospital. And what happens next can change the entire shape of their experience.

More Than a Place to Sleep

The phrase “home away from home” gets used a lot. It can sound like marketing. In the case of the Ronald McDonald House, it’s closer to a literal description.

Families who stay at the house on Valley Street aren’t checking into a hotel. They’re moving into a temporary home during one of the hardest stretches of their lives. The House is set up to feel that way.

Each family gets a private guest suite. After the 2025 expansion, the House has 42 of them, designed to accommodate families of different sizes. Not tiny hospital rooms. Not cramped hotel doubles. Actual living space with room for parents and siblings. The architect, Chas Wiederhold from GBBN, described the approach as designing “through the eyes of a child,” making sure the spaces worked for the smallest people who’d be living in them.

A guest suite at RMHC Dayton.

There are communal kitchens where families store their own food and cook their favorite comfort meals. Volunteers and local businesses regularly sponsor hot meals for everyone. Home-cooked meals show up multiple times a week. There’s on-site laundry, so nobody has to figure out where the nearest laundromat is while their child is in treatment. Personal care items are provided. Play spaces give children, especially healthy siblings who’ve been uprooted from their routines, a place to just be kids for an hour.

The 2025 expansion added outdoor recreation areas for a breath of fresh air. For families spending their days inside hospital rooms and their nights worrying, having access to green space and fresh air isn’t a luxury. It’s a pressure valve.

And then there’s the part that’s hardest to put on a brochure. The community.

When Julie was living at the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis during Maddy’s treatment, she described it as a place where you didn’t have to explain yourself. Every family under that roof was dealing with something similar. The late-night conversations in the kitchen. The nod in the hallway from another parent who gets it. The absence of the question “so what’s going on with your kid?” because everyone already knows the answer is some version of “something terrible, and we’re getting through it.”

That kind of understanding doesn’t come from a building. It comes from the people inside it. But the building makes it possible.

Now consider the alternative. Without a Ronald McDonald House, that family from two hours away is looking at hotel bills they can’t afford, fast food from the hospital cafeteria, sleeping in waiting room chairs, driving back and forth until the gas money runs out. Some families face the impossible choice between being at their child’s bedside and going home to take care of their other children, keeping their job, or just sleeping in a real bed.

RMHC Dayton exists so that choice doesn’t have to be made.

Three Programs, One Mission

Most people think of Ronald McDonald House as a single building. In Dayton, it’s actually three separate programs serving families in different situations. All three are free. All three operate under the same principle: families are strongest when they’re together, and a child’s recovery depends on more than what happens in the treatment room.

The Ronald McDonald House — 555 Valley Street

The House itself is the flagship program. Open 365 days a year, it provides overnight lodging for families whose children are hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment at one of seven medical service partners in the region.

After the 2025 expansion, the house has 42 private guest rooms across three finished floors. Families pay nothing for their stay. No room charges. No fees for meals, laundry, or any of the support services. The House provides everything a family needs so they can focus entirely on their child.

Some families stay for a few nights while their child has a procedure. Others stay for weeks during a course of treatment. And some stay much longer. One family stayed for 373 consecutive nights. Another surpassed 394 nights while their child received complex care for craniofacial injuries. Those numbers represent months upon months of a family’s life spent inside the House, and every night was provided at no cost.

Families come from across Ohio and well beyond. Rural communities with no pediatric specialists nearby. Neighboring states. In some cases, families have traveled from other countries, including Bangladesh, Mexico, and Nigeria, to access the pediatric care available in Dayton.

Celebrating 10 years in Dayton Children’s Hospital.

Opened in 2016, the Family Room operates differently from the House. It’s located inside Dayton Children’s Hospital, steps from the pediatric ward.The Family Room exists for a specific situation: when a parent can’t leave the building. Maybe their child is in critical condition and the medical team could need them at any moment. Maybe they just finished a 14-hour day at their child’s bedside and they need somewhere to sit that isn’t a plastic chair in a fluorescent hallway.

The Family Room gives parents a place to shower, eat a meal, rest on an actual couch, and decompress without leaving the hospital. It’s not overnight lodging. It’s a space designed to keep parents functional and present during the hours when they need to be closest to their child.

For a parent whose kid is in the ICU, walking across the street to the Ronald McDonald House might feel like too far. The Family Room puts support within a few dozen steps of the bedside.

Emmett’s Place at Miami Valley Hospital

The third program opened in 2017 at Miami Valley Hospital, and it carries a name with a story behind it.

Emmett Mikael Sorensen was born prematurely. He passed away shortly after birth. His parents, Dr. Derek and Emily Sorensen, wanted Emmett’s brief life to leave a lasting mark. They partnered with RMHC Dayton and the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation to create a Family Room specifically for NICU families and high-risk pregnant women.

Emmett’s Place serves a population with its own particular set of challenges. Premature births are sudden. There’s no time to plan, no time to pack. A mother who was expecting a routine appointment may find herself admitted for an emergency delivery and then watch her newborn fight for survival in an incubator. The father may be shuttling between the hospital and home, trying to manage work and other children while processing what just happened.

Emmett’s Place gives those families a space to breathe inside the hospital. A small sanctuary in the middle of a crisis they didn’t see coming. Every family who uses it benefits from a gift that started with grief and was transformed into something that helps others every single day.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room (Dayton Children’s Hospital)
A rest-and-regroup space inside the hospital for parents who can’t leave the building. Shower, eat, and decompress steps from your child’s bedside.

Emmett’s Place (Miami Valley Hospital)
A Family Room for NICU families and high-risk pregnant women. Named in memory of Emmett Mikael Sorensen.

The Families

Statistics tell part of the story. In 2021, RMHC Dayton served more than 15,000 guests. That same year, the organization saved families an estimated $1.15 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging, food, and transportation. Those are meaningful numbers.

But numbers don’t capture what it feels like to eat a meal with your spouse for the first time in four days because someone set up a Family Room down the hall from your child’s ICU bed.

The Sheehan family knows that feeling. Their son Logan faced a life-threatening battle with septic shock. During his treatment at Dayton Children’s, the Family Room became a lifeline. For the first time in days, Logan’s parents were able to sit down together, eat a meal, and take a breath. Not far from their son. Not at home while he was in the hospital. Just down the hall.

After Logan recovered, the Sheehans didn’t walk away. They became donors and volunteers. That pattern repeats itself often at RMHC Dayton. Families who were once guests come back to help the next family walking through the door. Volunteers cook the dinners. Former guests organize fundraisers. The cycle of gratitude, as RMHC describes it, is one of the things that keeps the organization running.

A volunteer-prepared meal at RMHC Dayton.

The long-term stays are perhaps the hardest to wrap your head around. A few nights is one thing. A few weeks is difficult. But some families have stayed at RMHC Dayton for over a year. Three hundred and seventy-three nights. Three hundred and ninety-four nights. Those stays represent children with cancer, craniofacial conditions, and other diagnoses that require months of treatment, surgery, recovery, and follow-up. For those families, the Ronald McDonald House isn’t temporary housing. It is, for all practical purposes, where they call home while their child fights to get better.

And the geographic range of families served says something important about Dayton’s role in pediatric medicine. The house has hosted families from rural Ohio communities with no nearby children’s hospitals. Families from Indiana, Kentucky, and other neighboring states. Families from Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Mexico, who traveled thousands of miles because a specialist in Dayton offered their child’s best chance.

For all of them, the cost of the room was the same: nothing.

Built Through the Eyes of a Child

For most of its history, RMHC Dayton operated out of a building that was too small for the demand. The original seven-bedroom house opened in 1980. A larger facility with 14 guest rooms replaced it in 1998. But the region’s growth as a pediatric medical hub outpaced the building.

By 2022, the House was turning away 63% of the families who came to them for housing. Think about that for a moment. For every family that got a room, nearly two families were told there was no space available. In 2024, while the new building was under construction, 906 families were turned away.

Those aren’t just numbers on a report. Each one represents a family with a sick child who needed a place to stay and was told the House was full.

That reality drove a major capital campaign. A $13 million contribution accelerated the construction timeline by six months. The result is the building that stands on Valley Street today: a 38,000-square-foot, purpose-built Ronald McDonald House with 42 guest rooms across three finished floors.

The new Ronald McDonald House Dayton, completed in 2025.

The design team at GBBN Architects approached the project with a philosophy they described as building “through the eyes of a child.” In practical terms, that meant thinking about how every space in the building would be experienced by kids at different ages and in different physical and emotional states.

Guest suites were “right-sized” to fit families, not just individuals. A mother with three kids needs a different room than a couple with one child. The new house accounts for that. Communal kitchens and dining spaces were designed to bring families together. Isolation is one of the biggest stressors for parents of hospitalized children, and shared meals create small moments of connection that matter more than most people would expect.

The outdoor play areas give families access to nature and fresh air. For children who spend their days in clinical environments, and for parents whose worlds have shrunk to the size of a hospital room, outdoor space isn’t a nice-to-have. It changes the texture of a day.

The expanded house now serves families connected to seven medical service partners in the region, including Dayton Children’s Hospital, Kettering Health Network, Premier Health/Miami Valley Hospital, Brigid’s Path, 4 Paws For Ability, Proton Therapy Center in Liberty Township, and Shriners Children’s Ohio. As Dayton continues to grow as a regional center for pediatric medicine, the need for family lodging grows with it. The merger of the Dayton and Cincinnati chapters into Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio, announced in early 2026, positions the organization to serve families across an even broader network in the region.

The new building was designed to change the turnaway number. Whether it’s enough will depend on how fast the region’s pediatric capacity continues to grow. But 42 rooms is a very different story from seven. Or 14.

Why Keeping Families Close Actually Works

There’s a tendency to think of the Ronald McDonald House as a nice thing that a community does for families in need. It is that. But it’s also something more specific, and there’s a growing body of research that supports it.

The academic term is Family-Centered Care. The core idea is straightforward: a child’s family is the most important constant in their life, and the family’s presence during treatment isn’t just comforting. It’s clinically meaningful.

A study published in Medical Care Research and Review surveyed more than 5,400 families and found that parents who stayed at a Ronald McDonald House reported higher involvement in their child’s daily care and a more positive overall hospital experience compared to families who stayed elsewhere. Those aren’t soft metrics. A parent who is rested, fed, and emotionally supported makes better decisions, asks better questions, catches things that overworked medical staff might miss, and provides the kind of steady presence that helps a child cope with treatment.

Sleep is a big part of it. Research has shown that parents who sleep at a Ronald McDonald House get meaningfully better rest than those who sleep in hospital chairs or at bedside. Anyone who has tried to sleep sitting up in a vinyl recliner under fluorescent lights while monitors beep every few minutes can tell you that’s not rest. It’s endurance. And it doesn’t take many nights of that before a parent’s ability to function starts breaking down.

The emotional side matters, too. A study of nearly 500 parents at Ronald McDonald House locations found that more than half experienced clinical anxiety during their child’s hospitalization, and about 20% experienced depression. The communal environment of the house, where families share meals, trade stories, and simply exist alongside others who understand what they’re going through, has been shown to help reduce that psychological burden.

None of this replaces medical treatment. A Ronald McDonald House doesn’t perform surgery or administer chemotherapy. But it creates the conditions that allow the people surrounding a sick child to show up as their best selves during the worst time of their lives. The doctors and nurses handle the medicine. The House handles everything else.

How You Can Support RMHC Dayton

In our next blog post, we’ll lay out the full details of Champion Mulch’s 2026 partnership with RMHC Dayton, including how the $0.50 per yard donation works, the yard sign discount program, the new social media initiative with rotating monthly sponsors, the add-on donation option at checkout, and our fall golf outing.

But you don’t have to wait for that post to get involved. Here are some ways to support RMHC Dayton right now:

Visit the RMHC Dayton website at rmhcdayton.org to learn more about their programs and upcoming events.

Make a direct donation through the RMHC Dayton donation page. Be sure to mention “Champion Mulch” in the comment section if you’d like your donation connected to our partnership.

Check the RMHC Dayton Wish List for items the house needs. Practical things like cleaning supplies, pantry staples, and personal care items make a real difference for the families staying there.

Volunteer your time. RMHC Dayton relies on volunteers for everything from preparing meals to organizing activities for families. Contact them through their website to learn about current opportunities.

If you’re a business owner, ask about sponsorship opportunities. Meal sponsorships, event support, and corporate giving all contribute to keeping the House running.

“RMHC Dayton supports families on their healthcare journey and empowers them to show up for their child, well-rested, well-nourished and able to thrive.”

— RMHC Dayton

The House on Valley Street has been taking care of families since 1980. The building is bigger now. The rooms are newer. The programs reach into two hospitals beyond the front door. But the mission hasn’t changed in 46 years. Keep families close. Remove the barriers. Let parents focus on their child.

When you buy mulch from Champion this year, you’re part of that. More on exactly how in our next post.

From January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, Champion Mulch, LLC will donate $0.50 of the purchase price for every retail yard of mulch purchased online at www.gotochampion.com or at participating locations to Ronald McDonald House Dayton to support its mission.

The 2026 Champion Mulch and RMHC Dayton yard sign.

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Next in the series: Mulch for a Cause — the full details of Champion Mulch’s 2026 partnership with RMHC Dayton, including every way you can participate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Ronald McDonald House?
A: Ronald McDonald House provides free temporary housing for families whose children are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. Families get a private room, access to meals and kitchens, laundry, and support services at no cost.

Q: Who can stay at the RMHC Dayton house?
A: Families of children being treated at one of RMHC Dayton’s seven medical service partners in the region. Families are referred through the hospitals’ social work teams.

Q: How long can families stay?
A: There’s no fixed limit. Some families stay for a few nights, others for weeks or months. The House has accommodated families for over a year when a child’s treatment required it.

Q: Is there a cost to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
A: No. Families never receive a bill for their room, meals, laundry, or any support services at RMHC Dayton.

Q: What is the Ronald McDonald Family Room?
A: A rest-and-regroup space located inside Dayton Children’s Hospital. It gives parents a place to shower, eat, and take a break without leaving the hospital building. It’s not overnight lodging but a daytime respite space.

Q: What is Emmett’s Place?
A: A Family Room inside Miami Valley Hospital specifically serving NICU families and high-risk pregnant women. It was created in memory of Emmett Mikael Sorensen and is operated by RMHC Dayton.

Q: How is RMHC Dayton funded?
A: Through a combination of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, grants, and support from local McDonald’s owner/operators who have been involved since the organization’s founding in 1980. Volunteers also provide significant in-kind support.

Q: Can I volunteer at RMHC Dayton?
A: Yes. Volunteers help with meal preparation, family activities, facility upkeep, and more. Visit rmhcdayton.org for information on current volunteer opportunities.

Q: How is RMHC Dayton connected to McDonald’s?
A: McDonald’s owner/operators have been founding partners and ongoing supporters of RMHC Dayton since 1978. While RMHC operates as an independent nonprofit, McDonald’s provides significant corporate support and local franchisees serve on the board of trustees and contribute to fundraising efforts.

Q: How does Champion Mulch’s partnership support RMHC Dayton?
A: Champion Mulch donates $0.50 from every retail yard of mulch sold in 2026 to RMHC Dayton. Customers can also participate through the $3 yard sign discount, add-on donations at checkout, and a social media program. You can also donate directly at rmhcdayton.org/donate (please mention “Champion Mulch” in the comment box so they know we sent you). Full details about all partnership programs are coming in our next blog post.

Q: Where is the Ronald McDonald House in Dayton?
A: 555 Valley Street, Dayton, Ohio, directly across from Dayton Children’s Hospital.

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Sources

• RMHC Dayton
• RMHC Dayton: Expansion
• Medical Care Research and Review: Ronald McDonald House Study
• Ronald McDonald House: Our History

The post Inside the House on Valley Street: What RMHC Dayton Does for Families with Ill or Injured Children appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

Updated for the 2026 spring season.

This spring fertilizer guide covers what Southwest Ohio lawns actually need — and keeps it simple. Most cool-season lawns here do well with two well-timed spring applications and a stronger focus on fall feeding. The key is getting the timing right for our weather, our clay soils, and your grass type.

If you’ve ever guessed, or worried you were too early or too late, this guide lays out a simple schedule you can follow each year. It covers Round 1, Round 2, and where each step fits into the broader spring plan.

For the full picture of what to do in spring, start with the Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio. The fertilizer plan covered here fits into that larger guide as one of the three main phases of spring work.

Timing fertilizer to soil temperature rather than the calendar makes a measurable difference in results.

Know Your Grass Before You Start

Most lawns in Southwest Ohio are cool-season grasses. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass all follow the same basic pattern: strong growth in spring and fall, slower in summer heat. If your lawn is a typical mix, the schedule in this guide fits. If you’ve installed a specialty turf or sod, check the seed label before you start.

The national “4-step” programs you see advertised are built around a calendar, not your lawn. Southwest Ohio has its own timing, its own clay soils, and its own frost windows. Match the plan to your grass and your ground — not a TV commercial.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

One other thing worth knowing before you buy: a soil test takes the guesswork out of the whole process. Heavy clay soils around Dayton and Cincinnati often have different needs than what’s printed on a national fertilizer bag. More on that below.

Round 1: Early Spring Fertilizer and Pre-Emergent

The first application does two jobs at once. It wakes the lawn up after winter and lays down a weed barrier to stop crabgrass before it starts. Get the timing right and you save a lot of work later in the season.

When to Apply Round 1

Soil temperature is more dependable than the calendar for this one.

• Target soil temps of 50–55°F for several days in a row before applying.
• In Southwest Ohio, that usually falls in early to mid-March, depending on how the winter has gone.
• A simple soil thermometer pushed 2–3 inches into the soil gives you a reliable reading. Local soil temperature maps are also available online if you want a quick reference.

Avoid putting fertilizer down when the ground is still frozen, saturated, or covered in snow. The product will sit on top or wash away before the lawn can use it.

What to Apply for Round 1

Champion carries Shaw’s professional turf fertilizers from Knox Fertilizer Company — an Indiana-based manufacturer with over 70 years supplying the professional turf industry. Shaw’s products use SurfCote polymer coating technology, which releases nitrogen more uniformly over time for steadier green-up and fewer application passes.

For Round 1, the product is Shaw’s 10-0-3 100% SurfCote Dimension (Step 1 of the Shaw’s 4-Step Program).

• Active ingredient: Dithiopyr (Dimension) 0.13% — one of the most trusted pre-emergent herbicides in professional turf care
• Fertilizer analysis: 10-0-3
• Slow release: 100% SurfCote — up to 4 months of controlled nitrogen release from a single application
• Coverage: approximately 14,000 sq ft per 42 lb bag

The 100% SurfCote nitrogen coating is the meaningful difference from products with partial slow release. Every granule is polymer-coated, so the lawn gets a consistent feed over the season rather than a quick flush followed by a hard stop. Apply at the labeled rate — more is not better here.

One important note: Dimension is a pre-emergent herbicide, which means it prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating. Do not overseed bare spots within 3–4 months of a Dimension application, as this will prevent new grass seed from establishing. Plan overseeding for fall, or address bare spots before Round 1 goes down.

How to Apply Round 1

• Use a broadcast or rotary spreader and set it to the labeled rate for the product you’re using. Each Shaw’s bag includes calibration guidance for common spreader models.
• Walk at a steady pace and overlap your wheel tracks slightly to avoid streaks or skipped areas.
• Keep the product off driveways and sidewalks. Sweep any that lands there back onto the lawn before it rains.
• Water lightly after application if rain isn’t expected within a day or two, to activate the pre-emergent barrier.



A steady pace and slight wheel-track overlap prevents the streaky pattern that shows up weeks later as alternating green and yellow stripes.








Round 2: Mid-Spring Fertilizer and Weed Control

Round 2 keeps the lawn moving through peak spring growth while addressing broadleaf weeds that are already visible in the turf. Dandelions, clover, chickweed — if they’re up and growing, this is the pass that handles them.

When to Apply Round 2

• Count roughly six weeks from your Round 1 date.
• In our area, that usually puts Round 2 between early April and mid-May.
• Apply when the lawn and weeds are actively growing — this is a post-emergent application, meaning it works on weeds that are already up, not seeds in the soil.
• Skip Round 2 if the lawn is under obvious stress from drought, disease, or heat.

What to Apply for Round 2

For Round 2, the product is Shaw’s 15-0-5 100% SurfCote SOP Weed and Feed (Step 2 of the Shaw’s 4-Step Program).

• Active ingredients: 2,4-D + MCPP + Dicamba — a proven broadleaf herbicide combination that handles dandelions, clover, chickweed, and other common broadleaf weeds
• Fertilizer analysis: 15-0-5
• Slow release: 100% SurfCote SOP — full polymer-coated nitrogen for consistent feeding
• Coverage: approximately 10,000 sq ft per 40 lb bag

The key distinction between Round 1 and Round 2 is the type of weed control. Round 1 (Dimension) is pre-emergent — it stops seeds before they sprout. Round 2 is post-emergent — it kills weeds that are already growing. They are not interchangeable by timing. Using a post-emergent product in early March before weeds have emerged won’t do much. Using a pre-emergent in late April after crabgrass is already up won’t stop what’s already growing. The two-round approach makes sure you’re covered in both windows.

Apply Round 2 when weeds are small and actively growing for the best result. Follow the bag rate for your spreader and water in lightly if rain isn’t expected.





Soil Testing: Stop Guessing, Start Knowing

A simple soil test keeps you from throwing money at the wrong problem.

• Test every few years, or before you change your fertilizer plan.
• OSU Extension and local labs can test for pH, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter.
• Heavy clay soils around Dayton and Cincinnati often have different needs than what’s on a national fertilizer bag label.

Once you have results, you’ll know whether you actually need phosphorus, whether potassium is low, and whether soil pH is working against you. Without that baseline, you’re guessing. And guessing leads to buying nutrients you don’t need or missing the one thing that’s holding the lawn back.





Pre-Emergent: Getting the Timing Right

Crabgrass prevention comes down to timing. Pre-emergent doesn’t kill visible plants. It stops seeds from sprouting, which means the barrier has to be in place before germination starts.

For Southwest Ohio:

• Apply when the soil reaches 50–55°F for several days, before crabgrass seeds germinate.
• In most years, that window falls in early to mid-March.
• The forsythia bloom is still a useful visual cue: when forsythia is in full bloom, it’s time.
• If you’re using Shaw’s Step 1, your pre-emergent and Round 1 fertilizer are the same pass. One trip across the lawn handles both.

If you miss the window and crabgrass is already coming up, look for a post-emergent crabgrass herbicide labeled for your grass type and treat while the plants are small. Then plan to apply pre-emergent earlier the following spring. One season with some crabgrass isn’t a disaster — the goal is steady improvement, not perfection in year one.

The pre-emergent window is the one you really can’t make up for later. Everything else has a workaround. Miss the crabgrass window in March and you’re managing it all summer instead.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply





How Fertilization Fits With Cleanup and Planting

Fertilizer isn’t the first thing you do in spring. It fits into a sequence.

• Before Round 1: Do basic cleanup so fertilizer and pre-emergent can hit the soil, not piles of debris.
• Around Round 1: Early in the season, you’re also pruning, inspecting hardscape, and prepping beds.
• After Round 2: You’re into mowing, planting, and watering routines for the rest of the season.

The Spring Yard Cleanup Guide covers the cleanup side of the season. The Spring Planting Guide handles timing for flowers and vegetables. Each piece feeds into the next.





Common Spring Fertilization Mistakes

You don’t have to make these to learn from them.

Fertilizing too early. Putting product down on frozen or very cold soil means the lawn can’t take it up yet. You risk runoff or wasted product before any root activity begins.

Stacking too much nitrogen in spring. Heavy spring feeding pushes lush, shallow growth that struggles once heat and drought arrive in summer. Steady release beats a quick flush every time.

Ignoring soil tests. Guessing leads to buying the wrong blend or adding nutrients you don’t need. A soil test from OSU Extension costs less than a bag of fertilizer and points you toward what actually matters.

Treating Ohio like a warm-season state. Cool-season grasses don’t want the same schedule as zoysia or Bermuda. A plan designed for Kentucky bluegrass in Ohio looks nothing like one for lawns in Georgia.

Chasing burned spots with more fertilizer. If a spot is already stressed or scorched, more product won’t fix it. Address water, disease, or compaction first. Fertilizer feeds healthy grass; it doesn’t repair damaged turf.



Stressed or yellowed turf needs water and root care before more fertilizer. Timing and soil health matter more than application volume.








Spring Fertilizer Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply spring fertilizer in Southwest Ohio?

Plan on two applications. Round 1 goes down when the soil is around 50–55°F and the lawn is starting to grow, often early to mid-March. Round 2 follows about six weeks later, somewhere between early April and mid-May.

Can I apply pre-emergent and fertilizer at the same time?

Yes. Shaw’s Step 1 combines both in one bag. Apply at the labeled rate, water in lightly, and one pass handles your early spring feeding and crabgrass prevention together.

Is spring or fall fertilizing more important here?

Fall is generally more important for cool-season lawns. Fall feeding builds root reserves for winter and sets the foundation for a strong spring. Spring feeding supports that growth and adds weed control. Both matter; fall just does more of the heavy lifting.

What happens if I fertilize too early?

If the soil is too cold, roots can’t take up nutrients. The product may leach away with rain or sit unused — wasting money and contributing to runoff. Wait for that 50–55°F soil temperature window.

How often should I fertilize in a year?

Most Southwest Ohio lawns do well with two spring applications and one or two fall applications, guided by a soil test and a steady plan. Chasing a strict four-pass schedule isn’t necessary if your timing and products are right.

What is SurfCote and why does it matter?

SurfCote is Knox Fertilizer’s polymer coating technology. Each granule is encapsulated so nitrogen releases gradually as soil moisture and temperature change — rather than all at once. The result is steadier green-up, less risk of burn or flush growth, and longer feeding from a single application. Shaw’s Step 1 uses 100% SurfCote, which means every granule in the bag is coated.

Do I need the full 4-Step program, or can I keep it simple?

The Shaw’s 4-Step Program is a structured, season-long approach that takes the guesswork out of timing. Steps 1 and 2 cover spring. Steps 3 and 4 carry you through summer and into fall. You can also keep things simple with a well-timed two-step spring plan and a focused fall application — especially if your lawn is in good shape and your soil test doesn’t reveal significant deficiencies.





Where to Go Next

If you’re standing in the yard working out what order to do things, start with cleanup, follow this fertilization plan, then move into planting and summer care. The Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio ties everything together. The Spring Yard Cleanup Guide and the Spring Planting Guide give you step-by-step help for the other pieces of the season.

When you’re ready to stock up, Champion keeps Shaw’s professional fertilizers in stock at our stores in Dayton, Englewood, the Moraine/Kettering area, and West Chester. The full Shaw’s 4-Step Program is available, along with bulk mulch, topsoil, and compost for the rest of your spring work. Delivery is available within about 20 miles of each location.

The post Spring Fertilizer Guide for Southwest Ohio appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> https://gotochampion.com/gotochampion-com-champion-mulch-ronald-mcdonald-house-dayton/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:55:27 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=6747 How Ronald McDonald House Dayton inspired Champion Mulch’s New Local Partnership in Southwest…

The post Closer to Home: Champion Mulch’s New Chapter with Ronald McDonald House Dayton appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> How Ronald McDonald House Dayton inspired Champion Mulch’s New Local Partnership in Southwest Ohio

In 2025, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to raise money for childhood cancer research. You showed up. You bought mulch. You put yard signs in your front lawns. You added donations at checkout. And together, we raised support for an organization that does extraordinary work for sick children and their families.

We are grateful for that year. St. Jude cared for Matt’s niece, Maddy, in ways we’ll never forget. Our customers stepped up too, and we’re grateful for every person who participated. We are proud of what we accomplished together. If you missed the story behind that partnership, you can read the full series here:

• Why St. Jude Matters to Us
• Mulch that Matters: How Champion Mulch is Supporting St. Jude
• Beyond Treatment: What Makes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Special
• Join Champion Mulch in Supporting St. Jude

Now, as we head into 2026, we’re bringing that same commitment closer to home. Champion Mulch is partnering with Ronald McDonald House Dayton to support families with sick children right here in Southwest Ohio.

The $0.50-per-retail-yard of mulch donation is back. The $3 yard sign discount is back. And we’ve added some new ways for customers and local businesses to get involved.

But before we get into the details of the partnership (that’s coming in a future post), we want to share the reason behind this move. Because, like the St. Jude partnership, it starts with family.

In This Article (Click to expand)
• The Part of the Story We Haven’t Told Yet
• What Ronald McDonald House Meant to Julie and Maddy
• What Matt Saw in Memphis
• Why Local Matters
• About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton
• What Ronald McDonald House Provides for Families
• What’s Coming in 2026
• Full Circle
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Part of the Story We Haven’t Told Yet

If you followed our St. Jude blog series, you know the story of Matt’s niece Maddy. Diagnosed with ependymoma, a type of brain cancer, at just nine months old. Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Proton radiation therapy at St. Jude in Memphis under the care of Dr. Merchant, one of the leading specialists in the country for her specific type of cancer.

What we haven’t talked about much is where Maddy and her mom, Julie, actually lived during those months of treatment.

They lived at the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis.

For roughly two months, that building was home. Not a hotel. Not a waiting room. Home. And the experience left a mark on Julie and on Matt that has a lot to do with why we’re here now.



Maddy and her brother Lucas during their stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis.

What Ronald McDonald House Meant to Julie and Maddy

Julie and Maddy moved into the Ronald McDonald House after an initial stretch in short-term housing near the St. Jude campus. The transition came at a point when the length of treatment became clearer and more permanent housing was needed. Ron, Julie’s husband, and their son, Lucas, who was in kindergarten at the time, stayed back in Ohio. While Julie and Maddy were in Memphis, Matt’s wife, Kasie, along with Matt and Julie’s mom and stepdad, helped support Ron by caring for Lucas as needed. Matt would later travel to Memphis to visit Julie and Maddy during their stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

When Treatment and Distance Collide

The separation was hard. Two months of Julie caring for a toddler going through daily radiation, mostly on her own, in a city far from everyone she knew. Maddy had a difficult time adjusting to the daily sedation required for her treatments, and sleep became a battle for both of them.

“It was a struggle emotionally having to care for her alone when we were both so tired and stressed all the time,” Julie recalls. “But we got through it. We were both homesick, but we got through it one day at a time.”

In the middle of all that, the Ronald McDonald House provided something that may be hard to appreciate unless you’ve been in a similar situation. It provided the ordinary things. The normal, everyday things that disappear when your child is being treated for cancer in a city 500 miles from home.

Everyday Things That Felt Like Home

Each family had their own room. There was a large shared kitchen with individual refrigerator sections so families could store their own food and cook meals they actually wanted to eat. A continental breakfast was available every weekday morning. There was even a pantry that stayed stocked with snacks and easy meals, free for the taking. Churches and local businesses sponsored dinners for everyone several times a week. Washers and dryers were available to anyone who needed them. A shuttle also ran to St. Jude, grocery stores, and nearby shopping centers so families without a car could still get where they needed to go.

For kids, the house had playrooms, craft rooms, and game rooms. There was a playground outside and bikes for the children to ride. When Lucas visited, he loved it. Julie says he still talks about wanting to go back.

Even the parents got small moments of relief. Volunteers would come in to offer quick massages. There were music activities and other events designed to give families a brief break from the weight of what they were carrying.

“They tried to make it as accommodating as they could,” Julie says. “Many families stayed at RMH for up to six months.”

None of it was flashy. There were no grand gestures or big announcements. It was laundry. It was pizza from Domino’s and a two-liter of soda delivered every day if you wanted it. It was a place where you didn’t have to explain to anyone why you were crying in the hallway at midnight, because every other family there understood without being told.




In Julie’s Words

“They really tried to make this as positive an experience as they could. There would be organizations that came in to throw parties for the kids or give away things to the families. There was a weekly farmers’ market. When it gets overwhelming, scream, cry when you need to, and then take it day by day, minute by minute.”

— Julie, Maddy’s mother

What Matt Saw in Memphis

Matt spent some time visiting Julie and Maddy at both St. Jude and the Ronald McDonald House during treatment. In his own words, the experience was life-changing.

“Spending time with both organizations in Memphis was life-changing for me,” Matt has said. “Watching the children function every day with the help of St. Jude and Ronald McDonald House was amazing. I feel some of those families wouldn’t be able to get the care they needed if it weren’t for those two organizations. I want to do everything I can to help those children and those organizations.”

“I want to do everything I can to help those children and those organizations.”

— Matt, Owner, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

That last sentence is worth reading again. Those organizations. Plural. From the beginning, Matt’s desire to give back wasn’t limited to St. Jude alone. The Ronald McDonald House was always part of the picture. St. Jude came first because of the direct connection to Maddy’s medical care. But the Ronald McDonald House sat right alongside it in Matt’s mind as an organization that made a real difference for his family.

When it came time to think about 2026 and what Champion’s next charitable partnership would look like, the conversation kept coming back to the same idea: go local.

Why Local Matters

The decision to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton came down to a few practical realities.

Champion Mulch operates four locations in Southwest Ohio. Our customers live in Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, West Chester, and the surrounding communities. RMHC Dayton is right down the street from our main Valley Street location in Dayton. Our delivery trucks run these roads every day. The families that RMHC Dayton serves are our neighbors. In some cases, they may be our customers.

What a Local Partnership Makes Possible

Supporting a local organization means the impact stays visible. For example, customers can drive past the Ronald McDonald House on Valley Street in Dayton and see the building that their mulch purchases help support. In addition, employees can volunteer there. Looking ahead, we’re planning a golf outing this fall, similar to the one we held for St. Jude in 2025, and being local makes events like that easier to organize and better attended.

There’s also something to be said for the simplicity of a local partnership. With a local relationship, there are fewer layers between Champion and the organization we’re supporting. That means more direct involvement. It also creates more opportunities for our team and our customers to see where the money goes and what it does.

“Champion is here to give good customer service, a good product, and an opportunity to help a great organization with a simple purchase,” Matt has said. That philosophy hasn’t changed. The organization has.

A Natural Fit for Southwest Ohio

And frankly, it’s a good fit. Champion is a Southwest Ohio company. RMHC Dayton is a Southwest Ohio organization. The families they serve come to Dayton for treatment at Dayton Children’s Hospital, Kettering Health Network, Premier Health/Miami Valley Hospital, Brigid’s Path, 4 Paws For Ability, Univ. Of Cincinnati Cancer Center, and Shriners’ Children’s Ohio.

When those families need a place to stay, they go to the Ronald McDonald House. Supporting that work just makes sense for who we are and where we operate.

About Ronald McDonald House Dayton

A lot of people have heard of Ronald McDonald House. Most people have a general sense that it provides housing for families with sick children. But the specifics of what the Dayton chapter does, and how much it’s grown, may surprise you.



The original 7-bedroom Ronald McDonald House Dayton at 741 Valley Street. Right: Ronald McDonald House Dayton at 555 Valley St. before the new building was built.

Ronald McDonald House Dayton has been serving families since 1980, when its first seven-room house opened at 741 Valley Street across from Dayton Children’s Hospital. It was the 14th Ronald McDonald House in the world. Local McDonald’s owner/operators provided key early support that helped make the House possible, and they’ve remained closely involved ever since.

For nearly two decades, that modest house served families traveling to Dayton for their children’s medical care. But as Dayton Children’s Hospital expanded its oncology, cardiology, and neonatal intensive care specialties, seven bedrooms weren’t enough.

In 1998, the organization moved to a new, purpose-built 14-room facility at 555 Valley Street. The original house on Valley Street was later purchased by Dayton Children’s Hospital and became the home of CARE House, Montgomery County’s children’s advocacy center, so the building continued to serve vulnerable children in a different way.

From One House to Three Programs

By the mid-2010s, the Dayton chapter had grown from a single house into three distinct programs.

The Ronald McDonald House at 555 Valley Street provides overnight lodging for families.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Dayton Children’s Hospital, opened in 2016, gives parents a place to eat, shower, and rest just steps from their child’s bedside.

Emmett’s Place at Miami Valley Hospital, opened in 2017, is a Family Room dedicated to NICU families and high-risk pregnant women, created in partnership with the family of Emmett Sorensen.

The Need for Expansion

Even with three programs, demand continued to outpace capacity. In fact, in one recent year, RMHC Dayton served more than 2,500 guests from dozens of counties, states, and countries, and still had to turn away hundreds of families due to a lack of available rooms.

That need drove a major expansion. As a result, a new, roughly 38,000-square-foot Ronald McDonald House has been built at 555 Valley Street, designed to increase capacity from 14 rooms to 42 private guest rooms across three finished floors and a partial basement. The facility was designed specifically for families with hospitalized children: guest suites that accommodate larger families, communal kitchens and dining areas where parents can connect with others going through similar experiences, and indoor and outdoor play spaces, including a sensory garden and a natural play area for children.

The expanded house is now fully open and serving families. It was built to reduce the number of families turned away for lack of space, and the need for community support hasn’t slowed down as Dayton continues to grow as a regional hub for pediatric medicine.



Inside Ronald McDonald House Dayton: A guest bedroom, a family gathering area, and the shared kitchen where families can cook and find pantry staples.

What Ronald McDonald House Provides for Families

Overall, the services RMHC Dayton provides aren’t complicated to explain. But they matter more than most people realize until they’re the ones who need them.

Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House do not pay for their room, meals, or onsite support services. No hotel bill. No charge for the pantry. No fee for laundry, family activities, or the other basics that make day-to-day life easier when a child is in the hospital.

For families traveling from rural Ohio, neighboring states, or, in some cases, other countries, the financial relief alone is significant. In one recent year, for example, RMHC Dayton estimated that it saved families roughly $1.22 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging, food, and transportation.



Why These Services Matter So Much

But the value goes beyond money. Studies of Ronald McDonald House programs and similar family-centered lodging models consistently show that keeping families close to the hospital improves parents’ rest, involvement in care, and overall experience during treatment. Parents who sleep at a Ronald McDonald House tend to get more rest than those sleeping in hospital chairs, they’re more present for daily care decisions, and they report a more positive experience during what is often the hardest period of their lives.

Some families stay for a few nights. Others stay for months. In some cases, the Dayton house has had families stay for extended periods while their children received complex, long-term treatment. Throughout it all, the house provides a community of people who understand what you’re going through without needing it explained to them.

Julie experienced that firsthand in Memphis. The same model, the same mission, operates right here in Dayton. And now, Champion Mulch is part of supporting it.

What’s Coming in 2026

We’ll share the full details of our partnership with RMHC Dayton in an upcoming blog post, including exactly how the programs work and all the ways you can participate. For now, here’s a quick overview of what’s in store:

How the 2026 Program Will Work

A portion from every retail yard of mulch purchased at any Champion location or online at www.gotochampion.com will be donated to RMHC Dayton throughout 2026.

The yard sign discount returns. Display a Champion Mulch / RMHC Dayton yard sign in your front yard and receive $3 off per cubic yard of mulch.

Add-on donations will be available at checkout. Customers can contribute any amount directly to RMHC Dayton with any purchase.

A new social media program gives customers another way to get involved. Post a photo of your Champion yard sign, tag us, and a rotating monthly sponsor will donate $1 to RMHC Dayton for each post. Every post also earns you an entry into our July 4th Giveaway for a $300 Champion Gift Card.

A fall golf outing is in the works to bring the community together for RMHC Dayton.

Direct donations can be made at any time through the RMHC Dayton donation page. If you’d like your donation connected to Champion Mulch’s partnership, mention Champion Mulch in the comments.

More details on all of these programs are coming soon.




Partner With Us to Support RMHC Dayton

• Buy mulch: $0.50 from every retail yard purchased goes directly to RMHC Dayton
• Display a yard sign: Get $3 off per cubic yard of mulch and spread awareness in your neighborhood
• Add a donation: Contribute $1, $3, or $5 at checkout
• Post your sign on social media: Tag Champion Mulch and a monthly sponsor donates $1 to RMHC Dayton, plus you get an entry into our July 4th Giveaway
• Join us at the fall golf outing: Details coming soon
• Make a direct donation: Visit the RMHC Dayton donation page and mention Champion Mulch in the comments

Full Circle

Five years ago, Julie was warming up food in a shared kitchen at the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis while her 14-month-old daughter recovered from another round of radiation down the street. Ron was back in Ohio, trying to keep things together for Lucas. Matt ran the business and made a trip to Memphis when he could. The whole family was stretched thin and holding on.

Maddy is in first grade now. Cancer-free since January 2022. She’s making friends, hitting milestones, and doing the things kids are supposed to do.

Of Course, Ronald McDonald House didn’t treat Maddy’s cancer. Her medical teams at St. Jude and at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus did that. But the Ronald McDonald House gave Julie and Maddy a place to sleep, a kitchen to cook in, a community that understood, and a roof over their heads while the doctors did their work. It kept the family together when everything was trying to pull them apart.

That’s what RMHC Dayton does for families in Southwest Ohio every single day. And now, when you buy mulch from Champion, you’re part of keeping that going.

We didn’t choose RMHC Dayton because it looked good on a flyer. We chose it because our family lived it. Because the need is real, it’s local, and it’s growing. Even with a brand-new 42-room house on Valley Street, hundreds of families were turned away in the years before it opened, simply because there wasn’t enough space. The building is bigger now. The need for support isn’t smaller.

Every yard helps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Champion Mulch switch from St. Jude to RMHC Dayton?
A: We’re incredibly grateful for our 2025 partnership with St. Jude and everything it accomplished. For 2026, we wanted to bring our charitable efforts closer to home by supporting a local organization in Southwest Ohio. RMHC Dayton serves families right here in our community, and our family has a personal connection to Ronald McDonald House through Julie and Maddy’s stay at RMH Memphis during Maddy’s cancer treatment.

Q: How does the RMHC Dayton partnership work?
A: From January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, Champion Mulch will donate $0.50 from every retail yard of mulch purchased at any of our four locations or online at www.gotochampion.com. We’ll share the full details of all the ways to participate in an upcoming blog post.

Q: Is the yard sign discount still available?
A: Yes. Display a Champion Mulch / RMHC Dayton yard sign in your front yard and receive $3 off per cubic yard of mulch. Signs are available at all Champion locations, or we’ll bring one with your delivery.

Q: Can I still add a donation at checkout?
A: Yes. Customers can add $1, $3, or $5 to any purchase, and 100% of those add-on donations go directly to RMHC Dayton.

Q: What is the social media posting program?
A: New for 2026. Take a photo of your Champion yard sign in your yard, post it on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and tag Champion Mulch. A rotating monthly sponsor will donate $1 to RMHC Dayton for every post. Each post also earns you one entry into our July 4th Giveaway for a $300 Champion Gift Card. Details are on the flyer you’ll receive with your yard sign.

Q: Can I make a donation without buying mulch?
A: Absolutely.If you’d like to make a direct donation to RMHC Dayton, you can give online at
rmhcdayton.org/donate.
When you give, please mention “Champion Mulch” in the comment or notes section so their team can track gifts that came through this partnership.

Q: What does RMHC Dayton actually do?
A: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton provides free housing and support for families with children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals and other area partners, including Dayton Children’s Hospital, Kettering Health Network, Premier Health/Miami Valley Hospital, Brigid’s Path, 4 Paws For Ability, Univ. Of Cincinnati Cancer Center, and Shriners’ Children’s Ohio. Families pay nothing for their room, meals, or support services. The organization also operates Family Rooms inside Dayton Children’s Hospital and Miami Valley Hospital, where parents can rest and regroup without leaving the building.

Q: Where is the Ronald McDonald House in Dayton?
A: 555 Valley Street, directly across from Dayton Children’s Hospital. The facility recently completed a major expansion and now has 42 guest rooms.

Q: Is Champion Mulch planning any events for RMHC Dayton?
A: Yes. A fall golf outing is in the works, and we’ll share details as they come together. Follow us on social media for updates.

Q: Will there be more information about this partnership?
A: Yes. This is the first of three blog posts. The next post will take a closer look at RMHC Dayton’s programs and the families they serve. The third will cover all the details of how you can participate throughout 2026.

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From January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply will donate $0.50 of the purchase price for every retail yard of mulch purchased online at www.gotochampion.com or at participating locations to Ronald McDonald House Dayton to support its mission.



Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply is donating $0.50 from every retail yard of mulch sold in 2026 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton.

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Next in the series: Inside The House On Valley Street: What RMHC Dayton Does For Families With Ill Or Injured Children

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Sources (Click to expand)
• RMHC Dayton
• Centerville Noon Optimist: RMHC Dayton, Rita Cyr
• Dayton Daily News: Dayton Ronald McDonald House Celebrates Years of Caring
• Dayton Daily News: Ronald McDonald House Demolishes Old Building
• RMHC Dayton: Expansion
• Ronald McDonald House: Our History

The post Closer to Home: Champion Mulch’s New Chapter with Ronald McDonald House Dayton appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> https://gotochampion.com/spring-yard-cleanup/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:59:26 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=7092 A Month-by-Month Checklist for Southwest Ohio Lawns and Landscapes Updated for the 2026…

The post Spring Yard Cleanup for Southwest Ohio appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> A Month-by-Month Checklist for Southwest Ohio Lawns and Landscapes

Updated for the 2026 spring season.

In This Article

• How This Checklist Works
• Early Spring Cleanup: Late February–March
  • Lawn and Yard Debris
  • Hardscape and Drainage Check
  • Equipment and Tool Prep
  • Trees and Shrubs
• April Cleanup: Bed Prep, Mulch, and First Mows
  • Lawn Care and First Mows
  • Garden Bed Cleanup and Edging
  • Soil Prep and Mulch
  • Hardscape Cleaning
  • Irrigation System Startup
• May: Planting and Finishing Touches
  • Planting and Bed Finishing
  • Lawn Maintenance and Watering
  • Pests and General Checks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Where to Go from Here

How This Checklist Works

Spring cleanup sets the tone for your whole yard. Get the right things done in late winter and early spring, and mowing, mulching, and planting all get easier from there. Skip it, and you spend May playing catch-up.

This checklist is built for Southwest Ohio weather and clay soils, whether you’re near Dayton, Englewood, the Moraine/Kettering area, West Chester, or anywhere in between. It runs in three passes: early spring, April, and May. Each pass has its own focus, so you’re not trying to do everything in one weekend.

If you’d like a printable version with space for dates and notes, download the Southwest Ohio Spring Yard Cleanup Checklist and keep it on a clipboard in the garage. For the full spring picture, the Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio ties cleanup, fertilization, and planting together in one place.

Cleanup at a Glance: Three Passes

• Early Spring (Late February–March): Clear debris, inspect hardscape and drainage, prep tools, prune dormant trees and shrubs, and plan early lawn treatments.
• April: Start mowing, edge and clean beds, amend soil, apply mulch, power wash hardscape, and start up irrigation.
• May: Plant frost-tender annuals, finish tree and shrub planting, refresh mulch, fine-tune mowing and watering, and keep an eye on early pests.



Late February in Southwest Ohio. The ground is thawing, the beds are waiting, and the season is about to start.








Early Spring Cleanup: Late February–March

As soon as daytime temperatures stay above freezing and the ground isn’t frozen solid, you can start the first pass. You don’t need to wait for warm weather. The goal at this stage is clearing, inspecting, and prepping — not planting.

Lawn and Yard Debris

• Rake up matted leaves, dead grass, and winter debris so the turf can breathe and sunlight can reach the soil.
• Remove dead annuals and leftover vegetable plants from last fall.
• Pick up fallen branches and storm damage from lawns and beds.
• Note any areas that look damaged from plow contact, foot traffic, or standing water through winter.

Go easy if the ground is still thawing. A heavy rake pulled through soft turf can tear out live grass right along with the dead. Light passes are all you need at this stage — you’re clearing, not cultivating.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Hardscape and Drainage Check

Freeze-thaw cycles do real work on hardscape over winter. Walk everything before you start spring cleanup in earnest.

• Check all walkways, patios, and retaining walls for frost-heave damage or settling.
• Mark pavers that have lifted or sunk for repair in April before they become a trip hazard.
• Inspect retaining walls for leaning, bulging, or gaps where material has shifted.
• Make sure downspouts, swales, and drains are clear so water can move away from the house once the ground thaws.

Equipment and Tool Prep

There’s nothing worse than a mower that won’t start when the grass is four inches tall in April. Take care of this now.

• Sharpen mower blades, change oil and filters, and check belts and fuel lines.
• Test string trimmers, edgers, and blowers before you actually need them.
• Clean and sharpen pruning tools. Dull blades tear rather than cut, and torn cuts invite disease.

A little time here in March prevents lost weekends waiting on a repair shop when the grass is already growing.

Trees and Shrubs

Late winter, while trees are still dormant, is one of the better times to prune. You can see the structure clearly, and cuts heal before new growth begins.

• Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches on deciduous trees while they’re still dormant.
• Cut back ornamental grasses to the ground before new growth appears, usually late February or early March.
• Prune summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush and hydrangeas that flower on new wood.
• Prune roses once buds begin to swell, but not before.
• Hold off on spring-blooming shrubs like forsythia and lilac until after they flower. Prune them now, and you lose this season’s blooms.



Pruning while plants are dormant gives you a clear view of the structure and lets cuts heal before growth begins.








April Cleanup: Bed Prep, Mulch, and First Mows

April is the main cleanup month in Southwest Ohio. The soil is workable, the lawn is waking up, and beds are ready for serious attention. If you only have one major work weekend in the spring, this is the one.

Lawn Care and First Mows

• Start mowing when the grass reaches about 2.5 to 3 inches and soil temperatures are in the 50 to 55°F range.
• Set the mowing height around 3 inches and follow the one-third rule: never remove more than a third of the blade in a single cut.
• Core aerate compacted areas, especially where people or equipment travel most.
• Overseed bare or thin spots right after aeration so seed makes contact with loosened soil.

Spring is also when your fertilizer schedule starts. For timing, application rates, and product guidance specific to Southwest Ohio, see the Spring Fertilizer Guide for Southwest Ohio

Garden Bed Cleanup and Edging

• Pull weeds with their roots before they have a chance to set seed. Early is much easier than mid-May.
• Rake out any leftover leaves and debris from beds.
• Re-edge all garden beds with a spade or edging tool to create a clean line and a shallow trench.

A good edge holds mulch in place and keeps grass from creeping into your beds. Plastic edging works, but a clean spade cut in high-visibility beds tends to look sharper and last just as well.

A shallow trench edge in your front beds takes about 20 minutes and holds mulch better than most plastic products you’d buy. Cut straight down with a spade, angle slightly toward the bed, and clean out the loose material. Simple, and it looks clean all season.
— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Soil Prep and Mulch

Plants struggle in straight clay. A little soil prep before planting gives them a better start and pays off across the whole season.

• Spread 2 to 3 inches of compost or quality topsoil over the bed and work it into the top layer where you can.
• For areas with heavy clay or poor drainage, consider raising the bed slightly to improve water movement.
• Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch once the soil has started to warm. In most of Southwest Ohio, that means late April.
• Keep mulch pulled back a couple of inches from trunks and stems to prevent rot.

Champion manufactures its own mulch and keeps bulk topsoil and compost in stock at all four locations, with delivery available within about 20 miles of each yard in Dayton, Englewood, the Moraine/Kettering area, and West Chester. Popular bulk mulch options include Ultra Black, Ultra Brown, Cedar Mulch, and Brown (Black) Gold. See the full mulch inventory for pickup and delivery availability.



Two to three inches of mulch holds moisture, moderates soil temperature, and slows early weed germination all season long.




Hardscape Cleaning

• Power wash patios, walkways, and retaining walls after winter.
• Re-set sunken or tilted pavers while the ground is still workable.
• Fill cracks in concrete and mortar joints before water and roots make them worse throughout the season.
• Check outdoor lighting and replace any broken fixtures or bulbs.

Champion carries pavers from Unilock, Hessit Works, Oberfields, and Belgard, along with hardscape accessories from Alliance Designer Products, including Gator Base, Gator Cleaners and Sealers, and Gator Binding Agents. If you have a repair or install project in mind, stop into any of our locations and talk about it with our team.

Irrigation System Startup

April is the target window for bringing irrigation back online. Wait until the risk of a hard freeze has passed, then work through these steps:

• Open the main valve slowly to avoid hammering the lines.
• Run each zone one at a time and walk the yard to check for leaks or broken heads.
• Adjust sprays so water is landing on lawns and beds, not driveways and sidewalks.
• Set your controller for early morning watering with modest runtimes for cool spring weather.

Many homeowners have a professional handle startup, especially where backflow testing is required. Either way, set conservative runtimes at first and adjust once the season settles in.





May: Planting and Finishing Touches

By May, the heavy cleanup work is behind you. The focus shifts to planting, settling into mowing and watering routines, and staying ahead of a few early-season problems before they get out of hand.

Planting and Bed Finishing

• Plant frost-tender annuals like petunias, marigolds, impatiens, and calibrachoa after the last frost and once the 10-day forecast looks clear.
• Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and warm-season vegetables once nights are consistently above 50°F and soil temperatures are in the low 60s.
• Finish planting trees and shrubs so roots have time to establish before summer heat arrives.
• Refresh mulch in spots where it has settled or washed away.

For a full planting calendar with timing by crop and flower type, the Spring Planting Guide for Southwest Ohio covers Zone 6 timing in detail.

Lawn Maintenance and Watering

• Settle into a weekly mowing schedule at 3 to 3.5 inches.
• Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week combined from rain and irrigation.
• Check irrigation coverage and adjust zones running too wet or too dry.
• Confirm your spring fertilizer applications are on schedule.

Pests and General Checks

• Watch for early crabgrass breakthrough and problem weeds. If your pre-emergent window was missed, look for a post-emergent product labeled for your grass type and treat while the crabgrass is still small.
• Check evergreens for bagworm cases and note any pest activity before populations build.
• Eliminate standing water in low spots and containers to cut down on mosquito habitat.
• Make one more pass over pavers, walls, and beds before summer to catch anything from the April work.



Clean edges, fresh mulch, and the first plantings of the season. The cleanup work is done — the rest of the season can begin.








Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start spring cleanup in Southwest Ohio?

You can start light cleanup and inspections in late February or early March, as soon as daytime temperatures stay above freezing and the ground isn’t frozen solid. Heavy bed work, edging, and mulching are better held until April when the soil has started to warm.

Do I need to rake my lawn every spring?

Light raking helps remove matted leaves and dead grass so the lawn can breathe. Go easy when the ground is still soft. A heavy rake pulled through thawing turf can tear out live grass right along with the debris. A light pass is usually all you need.

Should I aerate my lawn in spring or fall?

Fall is generally the better window for cool-season lawns in Southwest Ohio. Spring aeration in late March or April can help in areas with severe compaction or heavy clay, but avoid it when the soil is saturated or very wet.

Can I mulch before the last frost?

You can, but it pays to wait until the soil has started to warm. In most of Southwest Ohio, that means late April. Mulching too early over cold, wet soil can slow the warming process and create conditions that aren’t ideal for new root growth.

When should I start up my irrigation system?

April is the target window. Wait until the risk of a hard freeze has passed, then open the system slowly, walk each zone, and check for leaks or broken heads. Set conservative runtimes for cool spring weather and adjust from there.

Do I have to do all of this in one weekend?

Not at all. The three-pass approach is built specifically so you don’t have to. Each pass has a clear focus, and most of the tasks are sized for a weekend morning rather than a week off. The printable checklist keeps everything organized without trying to hold it all in your head.

What if I missed the pre-emergent window for crabgrass?

Look for a post-emergent crabgrass herbicide labeled for your grass type and treat while the crabgrass is still small and actively growing. For next year, plan to get pre-emergent down when soil temperatures hit 50 to 55°F, which typically lines up with early to mid-March in our area. One or two crabgrass plants in the first year isn’t a disaster — aim for steady improvement rather than perfection in a single season.





Where to Go from Here

Cleanup is the foundation, but it’s one part of the spring picture. Once beds are clear and hardscape is addressed, the next pieces are fertilization timing and planting. Both depend on cleanup being done first, which is why this checklist comes before the others.

The Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio ties all three phases together. The Spring Fertilizer Guide covers timing, products, and application rates. The Spring Planting Guide for Southwest Ohio walks through what to plant, when, and how to prep beds for each crop and flower type.

When you’re ready for materials, Champion keeps bulk mulch, topsoil, and compost at our yards in Dayton, Englewood, the Moraine/Kettering area, and West Chester, with delivery available within about 20 miles of each location. Stop in, call ahead, or order online. Our team can help you size what you need so you don’t have to make a second trip.

The post Spring Yard Cleanup for Southwest Ohio appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> https://gotochampion.com/spring-landscaping-guide-for-southwest-ohio/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:32:14 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=5403 Your Guide to a Beautiful Lawn and Landscape from Early Cleanup through Planting…

The post Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> Your Guide to a Beautiful Lawn and Landscape from Early Cleanup through Planting Season

Updated for the 2026 spring season.

In This Article
• Welcome to Spring in Southwest Ohio
• Getting Started: Early Spring Tasks
  • Lawn Care Essentials
  • Mulch Application
• Plant Selection for Southwest Ohio
  • Trees and Shrubs
  • Perennials
  • Spring Ephemerals
• Garden Bed Preparation
• Hardscape Projects
• Irrigation and Water Management
• Spring Lawn Renovation
• Working with Southwest Ohio’s Clay Soils
• Local Pest and Disease Management
• Enhance Your Outdoor Living Experience
• When to Call the Pros
• Partner with Champion for Spring Success
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Landscaping in Southwest Ohio Starts Here

Spring landscaping in Southwest Ohio requires careful timing, the right plants, and a plan that works with the region’s clay soils and unpredictable weather. At Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply, we’ve been supplying materials to professional landscapers and homeowners across Southwest Ohio for over 12 years. We know what our soils need, when the timing matters, and where people tend to run into trouble.

This guide covers the full spring season, from early cleanup tasks in late February through planting and final prep in May. Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing your beds or a landscape professional coordinating multiple jobs, the same principles apply: good materials, right timing, and a clear plan.

Avoid These Common Spring Mistakes

1. Planting Too Early — Wait until after your local last frost date, which in Dayton typically falls between April 11 and April 20, and in the Cincinnati area around April 19–21
2. Skipping Cleanup First — Leftover debris smothers grass and creates conditions for disease
3. Waiting on Weeds — Early pre-emergent application prevents a season of problems
4. Improper Mulching — Too much piled against stems and trunks causes rot, too little loses all the benefit
5. Ignoring Drainage — Spring rains expose problems that can get worse all season if left unaddressed

“A little planning and timely care can go a long way in keeping your outdoor space healthy and looking sharp through the season.”

— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Getting Started: Early Spring Tasks

The first pass through your yard doesn’t need to be complicated. Once daytime temperatures consistently hold above freezing, usually late February into early March in our area, you can start laying the groundwork.

For a month-by-month breakdown you can work through at your own pace, download our Spring Yard Cleanup Checklist. It covers late February through May with task categories, done-by dates, and space for notes.

Want more detail on the cleanup side? Our Spring Yard Cleanup Guide will walk through the full process.

Lawn Care Essentials

When soil temperatures reach about 50–55°F consistently, your lawn starts its active growth cycle. That’s your cue.

“A healthy lawn provides a strong foundation for the entire outdoor space. Begin by cleaning up — rake up leaves, branches, and debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Once the ground is thawed, fertilize and reseed areas that need a little extra attention.”

— Jesse Weidner, Weidner Landscape Solutions

Here’s what to work through in early spring:

• Remove fallen branches, leftover leaves, and debris that can smother grass or create disease conditions
• Use a plug aerator to loosen our region’s often compacted clay soil
• Test your soil through OSU Extension before fertilizing — Southwest Ohio clay soils often have different needs than what a national fertilizer bag assumes
• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to stop crabgrass before it germinates, targeting that 50–55°F soil temperature window
• Begin your spring fertilizer program once the lawn is actively growing
• Fill in winter-damaged bare patches with quality grass seed after aerating

For fertilization, Champion now carries Shaw’s professional turf products from Knox Fertilizer, a manufacturer with over 70 years supplying the professional turf industry. Shaw’s uses SurfCote polymer coating technology, which releases nitrogen more uniformly over time for steadier green-up without the flush growth.

Shaw’s 4-Step Program for Southwest Ohio cool-season lawns:

• Step 1 — Early Spring: Shaw’s 10-0-3 with Dimension (Dithiopyr 0.13%) — pre-emergent and fertilizer in one application, 100% SurfCote for up to 4 months of nitrogen release. Apply when the soil hits 50–55°F.
• Step 2 — Mid-Spring, approx. 6 weeks after Step 1: Shaw’s 15-0-5 with 15.8% VIP — broadleaf weed control post-emergent combined with fertilizer. Apply to actively growing weeds.
• Step 3 — Summer: Shaw’s 24-0-5 with Iron — fertilizer plus 2% iron for color, 30% SurfCote.
• Step 4 — Late Summer/Fall: Shaw’s 30-0-6 50% SurfCote — straight fertilizer with added potassium for drought tolerance going into fall.

For best results, apply fertilizer when the ground is moist but the grass is dry, preferably in the morning. Keep mowing height at 3 inches through spring, gradually moving to 3.5–4 inches in summer to encourage deeper roots. For a deeper dive on fertilizer timing and application, see our Spring Fertilizer Guide.



Mulch Application

Fresh mulch does more than improve appearance. It holds soil moisture during dry stretches, moderates soil temperature, slows weed germination, and adds nutrients as it breaks down over the season.

“Applying a pre-emergent weed preventer as soon as temperatures begin to rise helps slow weeds before they germinate. Refreshing mulch early in the season helps regulate soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and keep your landscape looking clean. It’s a simple step that pays off all the way through summer.”

— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

For Southwest Ohio gardens, a few of our most popular bulk mulch varieties:

• Ultra Black or Ultra Brown — strong color contrast against plants and shrubs, holds up well through the season
• Cedar Mulch — natural insect resistance and a pleasant aroma
• Brown (Black) Gold — natural appearance with good moisture retention

Additional premium options include Black Platinum, Brown Platinum, Champion Special, Gardener’s Choice, Ultra Red, and Kid’s Carpet. Our full mulch inventory is available for both pickup and bulk delivery, with fast turnaround to keep your projects on schedule.

Apply 2–3 inches of fresh mulch early in the season. Leave a small gap around the base of tree trunks and plant stems. Mulch piled directly against wood holds moisture and encourages rot. For most of Southwest Ohio, late April is a good target once the soil has begun to warm.

Plant Selection for Southwest Ohio

Most of Southwest Ohio sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 6b, which supports a wide variety of plants. But Zone 6 doesn’t mean frost-free in March. A late cold snap well into April is common here, and jumping the season costs time and money.

“Some homeowners rush to plant tender annuals or vegetables too soon, not realizing that frost can still hit in Dayton well into April. Check your local frost dates and wait until the danger has passed. Planting too early risks losing plants to one bad night.”

— Jesse Weidner, Weidner Landscape Solutions

Understanding Frost Dates in Our Region

Average last frost dates for reference:

• Dayton: April 11–20
• Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek: April 21–30
• Cincinnati: approximately April 19–21

Always cross-check a 10-day forecast before putting anything frost-tender in the ground.



For a full planting calendar with timing by crop and flower type, see our Spring Planting Guide. Here are the varieties that perform well in our climate:

Trees and Shrubs

• Dogwood
• Redbud
• Serviceberry
• Viburnum
• Hydrangea

Perennials

• Coneflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Daylily
• Salvia
• Coral Bells

Spring Ephemerals (Native to Our Region)

• Virginia Bluebells
• Trillium
• Bloodroot
• Spring Beauty

Plant on a cloudy day or in the evening when possible to reduce transplant shock. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch to hold moisture and moderate soil temperature. On pruning — hold off on spring-blooming shrubs like forsythia, lilac, and azalea until after they finish flowering. Summer-blooming shrubs that flower on new wood, like butterfly bush, can be cut back in early spring.

Garden Bed Preparation

Soil quality shapes everything that grows in it. Southwest Ohio clay soils are workable, but they benefit from organic material every season. Champion carries several options to amend and improve bed performance:

• Processed Topsoil — screened for consistency, good for new beds and raised areas
• Organic Processed Topsoil — blended with organic material for better plant growth and drainage
• Champion Leaf Compost — adds nutrients and improves soil structure over time

When preparing beds:

1. Remove weeds completely, including roots
2. Add 2–3 inches of quality topsoil or compost across the bed
3. Till or work it into the top 6–8 inches for new beds
4. Level and rake smooth before planting

Champion Leaf Compost is a practical choice for beds that have been planted for several seasons and need organic material worked back into the soil.

Hardscape Projects

Spring is the right time to inspect and address hardscape. Freeze-thaw cycles through winter shift pavers, open gaps in retaining walls, and crack mortar joints. Catching these early keeps repairs manageable.

Projects worth tackling before summer:

• Patios and walkways
• Retaining walls — check for shifting or gaps
• Re-leveling sunken or tilted pavers
• Fire pits
• Water features

Champion carries pavers from Unilock, Hessit Works, Oberfields, and Belgard, along with hardscape accessories from Alliance Designer Products, including Gator Base, Gator Cleaners and Sealers, and Gator Binding Agents. Stop into any of our locations and work directly with our team to plan your project with confidence.

Irrigation and Water Management

Overwatering in spring is one of the more common mistakes homeowners make, and it’s easy to understand why. Plants can look stressed after winter and the instinct is to water. But many plants are still partly dormant in early spring and don’t need extra water yet.

“Be mindful of rainfall and check soil moisture before watering. Too much water in cooler, wet spring conditions leads to root rot and fungal issues. If the soil is still damp 2 inches down, skip the watering.”

— Jesse Weidner, Weidner Landscape Solutions

Practical guidelines for spring irrigation:

• Water deeply but infrequently — once or twice per week — to promote deep root development
• Target 1–1.5 inches of water per week for established lawns, combined with natural rainfall
• Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and discourage fungal disease
• For beds, soaker hoses or drip irrigation put water where roots are without soaking foliage

If you have an in-ground irrigation system, bring it back online zone by zone in April, check heads for winter damage or misalignment, and set conservative runtimes for spring before adjusting later in the season.



Spring Lawn Renovation

If your lawn came through winter with damage or thin spots, spring is the time to address it before those areas turn into larger problems later.

1. Rake affected areas to remove dead grass and matted debris
2. Apply a thin layer of topsoil over bare spots
3. Spread quality grass seed appropriate for your sun and shade conditions
4. Lightly rake to ensure good seed-to-soil contact
5. Apply a thin layer of straw or Penn mulch to hold moisture and protect the seed
6. Water lightly and frequently until the seed establishes

In Southwest Ohio, a cool-season mix of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues works well in most situations.

Shadier areas do better with a mix that leans toward fine fescues. High-traffic areas benefit from more bluegrass and perennial ryegrass for durability.

Working with Southwest Ohio’s Clay Soils

Clay soils are common throughout Dayton and Cincinnati. They hold nutrients reasonably well but compact easily, drain slowly, and can stay cold later into spring than sandier soils.

Consistent improvement over several seasons makes the most difference:

• Add organic matter like Champion Leaf Compost regularly — the clay structure improves gradually with annual additions
• Core aerate in spring to reduce compaction, particularly in high-traffic areas
• Grade problem spots to prevent water pooling near beds, foundations, or walkways
• Consider raised beds in areas with persistent drainage issues

“Failing to check for proper drainage in garden beds, patios, and lawn areas leads to standing water and potential damage. Make sure key areas drain away from structures. If water pools persistently, install gutters or drainage solutions to direct it away.”

— Jesse Weidner, Weidner Landscape Solutions

After a heavy spring rain, walk your property and note where water sits. Those spots need attention before planting season begins in earnest.

Local Pest and Disease Management

Getting ahead of pests in spring is easier than dealing with them mid-season. Most local experts recommend preventative steps early rather than reactive treatment later.

Watch for these common Southwest Ohio issues:

• Japanese beetles — typically emerge in June, but preventive grub control can be applied in spring
• Bagworms on evergreens — look for egg cases now and treat before populations build
• Mosquitoes and ticks — especially in damp, low-lying areas; eliminate standing water early
• Powdery mildew — more likely during humid stretches
• Fire blight on apples and pears — watch for wilted shoot tips in late spring

Regular inspection of plants through the season catches problems when they’re small. Ask our team at any location about effective solutions for our region.

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Experience

Spring is also a good time to think about outdoor living features that extend how you use your yard into the evenings and into fall.

“Install outdoor lighting to create an inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings. Solar-powered options are easy to install and don’t require running lines. Longer daylight hours mean more time outside, but good lighting keeps things going after dark.”

— Jesse Weidner, Weidner Landscape Solutions

A few additions worth considering:

• Outdoor Lighting — low-voltage path lights, uplighting on trees, string lights over patios
• Fire Pits — one of the highest-use additions in this climate, extending outdoor time well into October
• Paver Patios — spring is the right season to plan and install before summer heat sets in
• Water Features — add sound and visual interest, and they tend to work well in Dayton’s moderate summer climate



A beautiful job done by Jesse Weidner and his team at Weidner Landscape Solutions.

When to Call the Pros

Many spring tasks are well within reach for a capable homeowner. Others benefit from professional help — not because the work is impossible, but because getting it wrong is expensive and professional tools produce better results.

“While many homeowners cut back plants and bushes before winter, we recommend waiting until spring. Pruning in spring allows plants to remain stronger and more resilient through the cold months. When the weather breaks, removing dead or damaged branches promotes healthy growth, proper size control, and a cleaner shape.”

— Ryan Dunham, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply

Projects that hold up better with professional execution:

Complex Landscape Design — Cohesive outdoor space design that balances aesthetics and function across different areas of a property is harder than it looks from a distance.

Drainage Solutions — Our region’s clay soils create drainage problems that need proper engineering. French drains, dry creek beds, and regrading are worth doing correctly the first time.

Tree Care — Certified arborists handle large pruning and removal safely, and can diagnose disease issues that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.

Irrigation System Installation — Professional installation ensures proper zone coverage, water efficiency, and accurate head placement for your specific layout.

Comprehensive Lawn Renovation — Lawns with significant damage or persistent issues benefit from a professional assessment and a combined approach of aeration, overseeding, fertilization, and weed control.

Hardscape Installation — Proper base preparation, drainage planning, and leveling are the difference between pavers that last decades and ones that start shifting after the first winter.

Champion works closely with landscape professionals throughout the Dayton and Cincinnati area. Ask our team for recommendations if you’re looking for a contractor for your project.

Partner with Champion for Spring Success

Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply delivers to commercial landscapers and homeowners throughout the Dayton and Cincinnati regions. Our four locations in Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, and West Chester carry everything you need for the full spring season.

This spring, your purchase supports something close to home. When you put out a Champion yard sign, you save $3 per cubic yard of mulch on your order. Post a photo of your sign on social media, tag Champion, and a $1 donation goes to RMHC Dayton from our monthly sponsor. You’ll also earn one entry into our July 4th Giveaway for a chance to win a $300 Champion Gift Card.



The 2026 Champion Mulch and RMHC Dayton yard sign.

 

How to participate:

1. Purchase mulch from any Champion location or online at www.gotochampion.com
2. Display a Champion yard sign in your front yard to receive the $3 per cubic yard discount
3. Snap a photo of your sign and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok — tag us so it counts
4. Or email your photo to social@gotochampion.com and we’ll post it on your behalf and still count your entry and donation

Tag us on social:

• Facebook: @ChampionMulchandLandscapeSupply
• Instagram: @ChampionMulchOH
• TikTok: @ChampionMulchOH

Donate directly: rmhcdayton.org/donate — be sure to mention Champion in the comment box.

Support RMHC Dayton Through Your Purchase

• Display a yard sign: Save $3 per cubic yard on mulch
• Post your sign on social: $1 donated to RMHC Dayton + one July 4th Giveaway entry
• Want to donate directly? Visit rmhcdayton.org/donate or use the QR code at any location

Our full product lineup for spring:

• Premium Mulch: Ultra Black, Ultra Brown, Ultra Red, Black Platinum, Brown Platinum, Brown Gold, and more — browse mulch
• Quality Soil: Processed Topsoil, Organic Processed Topsoil, Champion Leaf Compost
• Gravel & Stone: Limestone, River Rock, Decorative Stone — browse stone
• Lawn Care: Shaw’s professional fertilizer programs, grass seed, Earthway spreaders — browse fertilizer
• Professional Hand Tools: A.M. Leonard hand tools
• Hardscape Materials: Pavers from Unilock, Hessit Works, Oberfields, and Belgard

Call or visit any location to talk through your project needs. Bulk delivery is available throughout the Dayton and Cincinnati areas.

Conclusion

Spring landscaping in Southwest Ohio does not have to be overwhelming. With the right timing, the right materials, and a clear plan, you can get ahead of the season and keep your yard and landscape looking sharp all year long.

Quality products make a measurable difference. Our team is stocked and ready at all four locations — Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, and West Chester. Come in, call ahead, or place your order online at gotochampion.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to apply mulch in Southwest Ohio?

Mid to late spring is the right window for most of our area, typically after the soil has begun to warm but before summer heat sets in. Late April works for most of Southwest Ohio. Apply 2–3 inches thick, leaving a gap around trunks and stems to prevent rot.

How much mulch do I need for my landscape?

For a 2–3 inch application, you’ll need roughly 1 cubic yard of mulch to cover 100–150 square feet. Our team can help calculate the right amount for your beds, so you’re not short or sitting on extra. We carry bagged mulch for smaller projects and offer bulk delivery for larger areas.

What’s the difference between your mulch varieties?

Each variety has different color characteristics and some functional differences. Ultra Black and Brown hold color well and work across most planting situations. Cedar Mulch provides natural insect resistance. Brown Gold has a natural appearance with solid moisture retention. Black Platinum and Brown Platinum are premium-colored options for more formal settings. Stop into any location to see samples side by side before you order.

How do I address drainage issues in my yard?

Minor drainage problems often respond to working in organic matter like Champion Leaf Compost to improve soil structure over time. Persistent standing water typically needs a more direct solution — a dry creek bed to redirect flow, French drains in severe cases, or regrading to eliminate low spots. For significant drainage issues, a professional assessment is worth the investment.

What’s the best grass seed for Southwest Ohio lawns?

For most lawns here, a cool-season mix of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues performs well. Shaded areas do better with a blend heavier on fine fescues. High-traffic areas hold up better with more bluegrass and ryegrass for durability. We carry seed options suited to our regional conditions.

When should I fertilize my lawn in spring?

Plan for two spring applications. Round 1 goes down when soil temperatures reach around 55°F consistently — typically early to mid-March in Southwest Ohio — using a product with both fertilizer and pre-emergent. Round 2 follows about six weeks later, in April or early May. Shaw’s 4-Step Program is timed around how Ohio lawns actually grow. For full timing detail, see our upcoming Spring Fertilizer Guide.

Do you deliver to residential addresses?

Yes. Champion delivers bulk materials to residential properties throughout the Dayton and Cincinnati regions. Delivery fees start at $39, and we place materials directly on your property. Call any location to confirm delivery availability and scheduling.

What pavers do you recommend for DIY projects?

Products from Unilock and Belgard with interlocking designs are good starting points for DIY work — they don’t require mortar and are more forgiving than traditional wet-set installations. For specific recommendations based on your project size and location, come into one of our stores and get hands-on advice.

How does the yard sign program work with RMHC Dayton?

Put out a Champion yard sign and receive $3 off per cubic yard of mulch. Post a photo of your sign on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, tag Champion, and $1 is donated to RMHC Dayton from our monthly sponsor. You also receive one entry into the July 4th Giveaway for a $300 Champion Gift Card. If you’d rather not post yourself, email your photo to social@gotochampion.com and we’ll handle it.

Can I make a donation to RMHC Dayton without purchasing mulch?

Yes. You can donate directly at rmhcdayton.org/donate. Be sure to mention Champion in the comment box.

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From January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply will donate $0.50 of the purchase price for every retail yard of mulch purchased online at www.gotochampion.com or at participating locations to RMHC Dayton.

The post Spring Landscaping Guide for Southwest Ohio appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> https://gotochampion.com/securing-your-winter-operations-navigating-southwest-ohios-2025-2026-salt-supply-challenges/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:57:41 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=6336 Securing Your Winter Operations: Navigating Southwest Ohio’s 2025-2026 Salt Supply Challenges Table of…

The post Securing Your Winter Operations: Navigating Southwest Ohio’s 2025-2026 Salt Supply Challenges appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

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Securing Your Winter Operations: Navigating Southwest Ohio’s 2025-2026 Salt Supply Challenges

Table of Contents

1. The Challenge Overview
2. The 2025-2026 Salt Supply Challenge Explained
3. Why Professional Salt Suppliers Are Critical Now
4. Champion’s Three-Tier Availability Strategy
5. The Bagged Salt Shortage Reality
6. Champion’s Strategic Advantages
7. Taking Action Before October 15th
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Contact Information

TL;DR – Quick Summary

The Challenge: Southwest Ohio faces a major salt shortage this winter due to Cincinnati terminal closures (over 200,000+ tons lost), Cargill’s market exit, and Morton focusing on government contracts.

The Solution: Champion has secured supply and offers three bulk salt tiers plus preseason bagged salt pricing. Key deadlines to guarantee supply:

• Tier 1: Order & deliver by 10/31/25 → Lowest cost, guaranteed supply
• Tier 2: Commit by 9/30/25, deliver by 3/31/26 → Guaranteed supply
• Tier 3: Order as needed → No guarantee, highest cost & risk

Bottom Line: Act now to avoid paying 25-40% more mid-winter or risking empty lots and unhappy clients. Champion is your reliable partner for planning ahead.

Salt Shortage at a Glance

Picture this: It’s January 15th, 2026. A major storm is moving across Southwest Ohio, and your crews are ready to roll. But when you call your usual supplier, you find out they’re out of salt – again. Contractors who waited are scrambling, paying premium prices, or shutting down jobs.

This scenario isn’t hypothetical. The 2025-2026 winter season presents one of the most challenging salt supply situations Southwest Ohio has seen. From Dayton to Cincinnati, Columbus to Indianapolis, and everywhere within our 200-mile service radius, the traditional salt supply chain has been fundamentally disrupted. The window for securing reliable salt supplies at reasonable prices is rapidly closing, with critical decisions needed by October 15th.

The 2025-2026 Salt Supply Challenge Explained

The salt supply disruption isn’t the result of a single event. It’s the convergence of multiple market forces that have fundamentally altered the regional supply landscape.

Cincinnati Terminal Closures Create Massive Supply Gap

The Cincinnati area historically served as a critical salt distribution hub with multiple major terminals. This year, the largest terminal has ceased importing bulk salt entirely, removing over 200,000 tons of available material from the regional market. The remaining terminals cannot absorb this volume, meaning businesses relying on in-season restocking will find significantly reduced availability.

Cargill’s Complete Market Exit

Cargill has made two devastating decisions: they’ve completely discontinued their salt bagging division and stopped stocking bulk salt in Cincinnati. This double impact constrains both bulk and bagged salt supplies simultaneously – a situation that hasn’t occurred in recent memory.

Morton’s Government Commitment

Morton has committed the majority of their inventory to government contracts, effectively removing them as a viable option for commercial buyers this season.

Regional Impact Across 200 Miles

These disruptions affect salt availability throughout Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, Northern Kentucky, and parts of West Central Ohio, impacting cities like Dayton, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Louisville.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Secure your salt supply now before the October 15th deadline passes

Call: 937-228-2730

Visit Our Website

Why Professional Salt Suppliers Are Critical Now

Supply Reliability When Traditional Sources Fail

Professional suppliers like Champion maintain diversified supply relationships that provide stability during market disruptions. While individual terminals close or suppliers exit markets, established suppliers have the infrastructure and relationships necessary to secure materials from alternative sources.

Strategic Cost Management

The current crisis has created a two-tier pricing structure: premium rates for emergency procurement during storms, and reasonable rates for businesses that plan ahead through professional supplier relationships. Professional suppliers offer structured purchasing options that lock in pricing and availability before peak demand.

Expert Product Guidance and Quality Assurance

With traditional suppliers exiting the market, businesses may find themselves working with unfamiliar products. Professional suppliers maintain product knowledge across their inventory and quality standards that provide performance assurance.

Champion’s Three-Tier Bulk Availability Strategy

Tier 1: Pre-Season Guarantee (Order, Deliver, Pay by October 15th)

• Guaranteed material availability regardless of market conditions
• Lowest cost per ton for the 2025-2026 season
• Priority status for emergency needs
• Ideal for: Municipal operations, large landscape contractors, property management companies

Tier 2: Contract Tonnage (Haul/Pay by March 31st, 2026)

• Guaranteed tonnage throughout the season
• Mid-range pricing with payment flexibility (must be hauled out and paid for by March 31st, 2026, or storage rates apply)
• Protection against supply shortages
• Ideal for: Medium-sized contractors with good storage capabilities

Tier 3: In-Season Ordering (No Guarantees, Highest Risk)

• No guarantee of availability during storm events
• Highest cost per ton (25-40% higher than Tier 1)
• Limited product selection
• Recommended only for: Very small operations with minimal usage


[elementor-button link=”tel:937-228-2730″ text=”Discuss Your Tier Options” style=”solid” size=”lg” align=”left” color=”#FFFFFF” bg_color=”#ED1C24″]

The Bagged Salt Shortage Reality



Cargill’s bagging division closure eliminates a substantial portion of North America’s bagging capacity, creating nationwide shortages. Champion strongly recommends securing 125-150% of typical seasonal bagged salt needs during our pre-season window.

“Given the unprecedented supply constraints this season, I strongly recommend that all customers secure as much bagged salt as possible during our pre-season window to avoid shortages during critical winter periods,” says Matt Brun, owner of Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

Champion’s Pre-Season Bagged Salt Pricing (Order by October 15th, Pickup/Delivery by November 30th)

To help customers navigate the bagged salt shortage, Champion is offering pre-season pricing on essential ice melt products:

• Morton Safe-T-Salt (50 lb): $5.49 per bag (truckload) / $5.99 per bag (pallet)
• Champion Quad Effect -25° (50 lb): $7.79 per bag (truckload) / $8.29 per bag (pallet)
• Morton Pro Speed Purple (50 lb): $8.49 per bag (truckload) / $8.99 per bag (pallet)
• Calcium Chloride Pellets (50 lb): $18.99 per bag (truckload) / $19.49 per bag (pallet)

Champion’s Innovation Response: Quad Effect Ice Melt




Champion has developed our own premium ice melt product in response to supply disruptions. Champion Quad Effect combines organic derivatives with calcium and sodium chloride, featuring corrosion inhibitors and a -25°F rating with CMA formulation. It’s concrete-safe and environmentally friendly while addressing key customer concerns when traditional products become scarce. At $7.79 per bag (truckload pricing), it offers premium performance at competitive rates.

Champion’s Strategic Advantages

Direct Mine Relationships

Champion maintains authorized distributor status with the three largest salt mines, providing direct access and priority allocation during shortages.

Eight Distribution Locations

Our network spans Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, creating a 200-mile service radius with optimized logistics and faster response times.

Proprietary Fleet Operations

Champion operates its own trucking fleet, ensuring delivery commitments independent of third-party carriers.

Nearly 20 Years of Regional Expertise

Deep knowledge of Southwest Ohio weather patterns, municipal requirements, and customer needs enables better service and inventory planning.

Taking Action Before October 15th

Assess Your Needs

Review historical usage from the past three seasons and plan for 110-125% of typical requirements given supply constraints.

Contact Champion’s Sales Team

Our specialists understand current market conditions and can provide detailed proposals for each tier option, including pricing comparisons and delivery scheduling.

Decision Timeline:

• Next 7 Days: Gather usage data, assess storage capacity, contact Champion
• Next 14 Days: Review proposals, coordinate storage arrangements
• By October 15th: Execute contracts and finalize delivery logistics

Conclusion

The 2025-2026 winter season’s unprecedented challenges make proactive planning essential. Champion’s three-tier strategy provides options for different needs, but the October 15th deadline for guaranteed supply and optimal pricing is rapidly approaching.

Don’t let supply shortages compromise your operations or client commitments. The investment in early planning provides operational security, cost savings, and competitive advantage throughout this challenging season.

Secure Your Salt Supply Today

Don’t risk shortages and premium pricing this winter. Contact Champion now to lock in your supply.

Call: 937-228-2730

Visit Our Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the October 15th deadline so important?

A: This is the last date to secure Tier 1 guaranteed salt availability at the lowest pricing for the 2025-2026 season. After this date, customers move to higher-risk tiers with increased costs and no availability guarantees.

Q: What’s the difference between bulk and bagged salt availability?

A: Bulk salt follows our three-tier system with different pricing and guarantee levels. Bagged salt is available through our pre-season sale with orders by October 15th and pickup/delivery by November 30th.

Q: How much salt should I order for the season?

A: We recommend ordering 110-125% of your historical usage for bulk salt and 125-150% for bagged salt, given the unprecedented supply constraints this season.

Q: What makes Champion Quad Effect different from other ice melts?

A: Quad Effect combines organic derivatives with calcium and sodium chloride, features corrosion inhibitors, works to -25°F, and includes CMA formulation making it concrete-safe and environmentally friendly.

Q: Can Champion deliver to my location outside of Ohio?

A: Yes, Champion serves a 200-mile radius from Dayton, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan. Contact us to confirm delivery to your specific location.

Q: What happens if I don’t secure salt by October 15th?

A: You’ll be limited to Tier 2 or Tier 3 options for bulk salt, which offer less availability guarantee and higher pricing. For bagged salt, you’ll face limited in-season availability at premium rates.

Q: Does Champion offer storage solutions?

A: Champion can provide guidance on storage requirements for different tier options. Tier 1 requires adequate storage capacity, while Tier 2 allows more flexible pickup scheduling.

Q: How does the pricing compare between tiers?

A: Tier 1 offers the lowest cost per ton, Tier 2 is mid-range pricing, and Tier 3 can be 25-40% higher than Tier 1 rates, especially during peak demand periods.

Contact Champion Today to Secure Your Salt Supply

Phone: 937-228-2730

Website: GoToCHAMPION.com

Visit Our Locations: Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, or West Chester

Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply – Southwest Ohio’s trusted partner for nearly 20 years, serving your salt supply needs when you need us most.

 

The post Securing Your Winter Operations: Navigating Southwest Ohio’s 2025-2026 Salt Supply Challenges appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> https://gotochampion.com/join-champion-mulch-in-supporting-st-jude/ Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:09:18 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=5919 Join Champion Mulch in Supporting St. Jude: Ways to Make a Difference In…

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Join Champion Mulch in Supporting St. Jude: Ways to Make a Difference

In This Article
▼
• The Power of Community Support
• Primary Ways to Support Through Champion Mulch
• Beyond Mulch: Supporting Families Facing Childhood Cancer
• Real Impact: What Your Support Provides
• Why Every Contribution Matters
• Join Us in Supporting St. Jude
• Frequently Asked Questions

In our previous articles, we shared the personal story behind Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®—sparked by owner Matt Brun’s experience with his niece Maddy’s successful treatment for brain cancer. We also explored the details of our partnership and what makes St. Jude truly exceptional in providing comprehensive care for families facing childhood cancer.

Today, in this fourth and final article of our series, we invite you to join us in this meaningful mission. There are multiple ways you can participate in supporting St. Jude through our partnership, making a real difference in the lives of children and families fighting life-threatening diseases.

Complete St. Jude Partnership Series:

1. Why St. Jude Matters to Us: A Champion Mulch Family Story
2. Mulch That Matters: How Champion is Supporting St. Jude
3. Beyond Treatment: What Makes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Special
4. Join Champion Mulch in Supporting St. Jude: Ways to Make a Difference (Current Article)

The Power of Community Support


[Rehab Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®]

When a family receives a childhood cancer diagnosis, they face overwhelming challenges that extend far beyond medical treatments. During Maddy’s treatment at St. Jude, her mother Julie experienced firsthand how critical community support becomes.

“Our family was very helpful, especially with Lucas [Maddy’s brother],” Julie recalls. “He would stay at my parents’ house, or my brother’s or my husband’s brother’s house, he would play with his cousins and have fun. That was the biggest help so we didn’t have to worry as much about him.”

Beyond family, their community stepped up in ways both practical and profound: “Our friends paid for our house to be cleaned 2x a month for 4 months… That was amazing. Some of our friends did our yardwork. Basically just doing the necessary stuff for us so we could focus our time on the important things.”

This circle of support allowed Julie and Ron to direct their attention to what mattered most—Maddy’s treatment and recovery. Through our partnership with St. Jude, we aim to create a similar circle of support for other families facing childhood cancer.

Primary Ways to Support Through Champion Mulch



[2025 Yard Sign at Champion’s Valley Street location]

Our partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® offers several straightforward ways for you to contribute:

1. Purchase Mulch to Generate Donations

From January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply will donate $0.50 to St. Jude for every yard of mulch purchased at any of our locations or through our website www.gotochampion.com. This applies to all mulch types, including:

• Black Platinum
• Brown Platinum
• Brown (Black) Gold
• Cedar Mulch
• Champion Special
• Gardener’s Choice
• Ultra Black
• Ultra Brown
• Ultra Red
• Kid’s Carpet

Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing garden beds or a professional landscaper ordering bulk materials, every yard contributes to St. Jude’s life-saving mission.

2. Display a Yard Sign & Save

Request a “Champion Mulch and Landscape Supply, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®” yard sign with your mulch purchase, place it in your front yard where it’s visible, and receive a $3.00 discount per cubic yard on your mulch.

This program serves two valuable purposes: it provides you with significant savings on your landscaping supplies while helping raise awareness about St. Jude throughout our community.

3. Add-On Donations at Checkout

During checkout at any Champion location or on our website, you can add a donation of $1, $3, or $5 to your purchase. One hundred percent of these additional donations go directly to St. Jude to support their mission of finding cures and saving children.

As Julie reminds us, “Every dollar counts.” These small donations collectively make a significant impact.

100% of donations will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

4. Enhance Your Coupon Savings While Supporting St. Jude

When you use any current Champion Mulch coupon from Clipp or Town Money Saver magazines AND agree to place a St. Jude/Champion Mulch yard sign in your yard, you’ll receive an additional $3 off your total order.

5. Share on Social Media

Help spread awareness about St. Jude’s mission by sharing your support on social media:

1. Take a photo of your Champion Mulch/St. Jude yard sign in your yard
2. Post it on your social media accounts
3. Tag Champion and St. Jude (@StJude) in your post

Facebook – @ChampionMulchandLandscapeSupply

Instagram – @ChampionMulchOH

X – @ChampionMulchOH

TikTok – @ChampionMulchOH

4. Use the hashtags #MulchThatMatters #ChampionMulchForStJudeKids

For every social media post that follows these guidelines, Champion Mulch will donate an additional $1 to St. Jude (up to $500 annually).

6. Options for Wholesale Customers

For our wholesale customers whose orders require semi-truck deliveries, we offer specialized giving opportunities. These customers can speak with their sales representative about various ways to participate in our St. Jude partnership, including direct donations through our dedicated St. Jude fundraising link at https://www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch.

7. Direct Donations Without Purchase

For those who wish to support St. Jude but aren’t currently planning to purchase mulch or other products, you can make a direct donation through our dedicated St. Jude fundraising page at https://www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch. This option allows anyone to join our mission of supporting St. Jude’s work, regardless of product needs.

Beyond Mulch: Supporting Families Facing Childhood Cancer

Julie’s experience offers valuable insights into how communities can support families facing childhood cancer. When asked what friends and family can do to help, she shared this wisdom:

“I think the biggest suggestion I have for friends and family is instead of asking what they can do or what we need, just do it. I know when people ask me how they can help I was not great at telling them or I couldn’t even think of anything they could do. I think the best way others helped us was just seeing something that needed to be done (like cutting grass) and doing it so we didn’t even have to think about it.”

This practical approach—identifying needs and meeting them without adding to the family’s mental load—makes an immense difference. Some ways communities can help families facing childhood cancer include:

• Organizing meal deliveries
• Offering childcare for siblings
• Helping with household maintenance and cleaning
• Providing transportation assistance
• Simply being present and available

Through our partnership with St. Jude, we extend this community support to families we may never meet, but whose burdens we can help lighten.

Real Impact: What Your Support Provides

Every dollar raised through our partnership helps ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Here’s what different donation amounts can provide:

• $3 can help provide pediatric isolation masks to protect patients with compromised immune systems
• $10 can help provide a new toy for hospital play areas
• $30 can help provide one meal card for a St. Jude family
• $100 can help provide a red wagon used for transportation
• $500 can help provide one hour of physical therapy

Julie emphasizes the critical importance of supporting St. Jude’s research mission: “The federal government only gives 4% of the cancer research budget to pediatric cancers, the rest goes to adult treatments that can’t be used on children. Children are not profitable to the government or big pharma. I think I read that Americans spend more money on Starbucks in 3 DAYS than the federal government spends in ONE YEAR on childhood cancer research.”

This stark reality makes St. Jude’s work—and the community support that enables it—all the more essential.

Why Every Contribution Matters



[Daisy, Donald & Maddy at Disneyworld for her trip thanks to Make a Wish. 10/2024]

When Maddy was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 9 months old, her family found hope and healing at St. Jude. After a relapse in 2021, Maddy is thriving in kindergarten, making friends, and living a normal life. She has been cancer-free since January 2022.

Stories like Maddy’s are possible because of St. Jude’s comprehensive approach to childhood cancer treatment, which in turn is made possible by community support.

“St. Jude shares their findings all over the world so it can help everyone, not just their patients,” Julie notes. This global impact multiplies the effect of every donation, helping children far beyond those who directly receive treatment at St. Jude.

JULIE’S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

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“I think the biggest suggestion I have for friends and family is instead of asking what they can do or what we need, just do it… I think the best way others helped us was just seeing something that needed to be done (like cutting grass) and doing it so we didn’t even have to think about it.”

Join Us in Supporting St. Jude

Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply has set an ambitious fundraising goal for 2025 through our partnership with St. Jude. With your help, we can reach and even exceed this goal, making a meaningful difference for children and families facing childhood cancer.

We invite you to join us in this important mission. Every yard of mulch, every yard sign, every add-on donation contributes to a cause that’s saving lives and giving hope to families in their darkest hours.

As Matt Brun shares, “After seeing what St. Jude did for our family, for Maddy, I wanted to find a way to give back in a significant way. By connecting our business to their mission, we’re creating an opportunity for our entire community to participate in something truly important.”

When you choose Champion Mulch in 2025, you’re not just enhancing your landscape—you’re helping ensure that families facing childhood cancer receive the extraordinary care that St. Jude can provide.

Because at Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply, we believe the most beautiful landscapes grow from purpose and compassion.

MADDY’S SUCCESS STORY

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Today, Maddy is thriving in kindergarten, making friends, and living a normal life—cancer-free since January 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the $0.50 donation apply to all types of mulch?

A: Yes, every yard of mulch purchased, regardless of type or color, generates a $0.50 donation to St. Jude.

Q: How do I get a yard sign to participate in the discount program?

A: Yard signs are available at all Champion Mulch locations. Simply ask for one when you make your purchase, or request one when placing your delivery order.

Q: Can I still get the $3 per yard discount if I’m ordering mulch for delivery?

A: Absolutely! Just let us know you’ll display the yard sign, and we’ll bring one with your delivery and apply the discount to your order.

Q: How does the social media donation work?

A: When you post a photo of your yard sign, tag @ChampionMulch and @StJude, and use our hashtags (#MulchThatMatters #ChampionMulchForStJudeKids), Champion Mulch will donate an additional $1 to St. Jude.

Q: Do commercial and wholesale accounts also support this partnership?

A: The $0.50 per yard donation applies to all retail mulch purchases. For wholesale orders that are delivered by semi, these customers will have the opportunity to support St. Jude through a dedicated donation link that will be provided once it’s available.

Q: Can I make a donation without purchasing mulch?

A: Yes! You can make a direct donation at any of our locations during checkout, or you can donate online through our designated St. Jude donation page at https://www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch.

Q: How will I know my purchase is making a difference?

A: We’ll maintain a fundraising tracker at all locations and on our website.

Q: Is my add-on donation tax-deductible?

A: Yes, add-on donations are tax-deductible. Keep your receipt for your records.

Q: How long do I need to keep the yard sign displayed?

A: We ask that you display the yard sign for at least a few weeks after your mulch purchase. This helps spread awareness about our partnership with St. Jude. Don’t forget to take a photo of your sign and share it on social media tagging Champion Mulch and St. Jude!

Q: Can I participate in both the yard sign program and use a coupon?

A: Absolutely! We’ve specifically designed the program so these benefits can be combined.

Q: How long will this partnership with St. Jude last?

A: We’ve committed to a three-year partnership with St. Jude, spanning from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.

Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply is the largest landscape supply company in Southwest Ohio, with locations in Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, and West Chester. For over 12 years, we’ve provided high-quality mulch, topsoil, stone, pavers, and other landscaping materials to both professional landscapers and homeowners. Learn more at www.gotochampion.com.

From January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, Champion Mulch, LLC will donate $0.50 of the purchase price for every yard of mulch purchased online at www.gotochampion.com or at participating locations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

100% of donations will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®




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]]> https://gotochampion.com/beyond-treatment-what-makes-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-special/ Thu, 22 May 2025 22:23:09 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=5848 Beyond Treatment: What Makes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Special Table of Contents…

The post Beyond Treatment: What Makes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Special appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> Beyond Treatment:

What Makes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Special

Table of Contents (Click to expand/collapse)
• The Founding Promise: No Family Receives a Bill
• Beyond Medical Treatment: The Whole Child Approach
• A Home Away From Home: The Ronald McDonald House Experience
• Global Impact Through Research and Knowledge Sharing
• The People Who Make the Difference
• Filling the Gaps in Childhood Cancer Funding
• A Beacon of Hope in the Darkest Times
• Why Your Support Matters
• Join Us in Supporting St. Jude

In our previous articles, we shared the personal story behind Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® – sparked by owner Matt Brun’s experience with his niece Maddy’s treatment for brain cancer – and outlined how our mulch purchases will support St. Jude’s mission throughout 2025.

Today, we want to take you deeper into what makes St. Jude truly exceptional. Through our family’s experience and the countless stories of others, we’ve discovered that St. Jude offers something far beyond world-class medical care. They’ve created a comprehensive approach to healing that considers every aspect of a child and family’s well-being during one of life’s most challenging journeys.

DID YOU KNOW?

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• Since St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer survival rates have increased from 20% to more than 80%
• Only 4% of the federal cancer research budget goes to pediatric cancers
• St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year
• 78% of St. Jude’s funding comes from public donations

The Founding Promise

No Family Receives a Bill

“St. Jude was absolutely awesome,” recalls Julie, Maddy’s mother. “They paid for our travel down to Memphis for two adults and Maddy. Which was huge.”

What many people don’t realize is just how comprehensive St. Jude’s financial commitment to families truly is. When founder Danny Thomas established St. Jude in 1962, he made a revolutionary promise: no family would ever receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

FAMILIES NEVER RECEIVE A BILL FROM ST. JUDE FOR:

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✓ Treatment

✓ Travel

✓ Housing

✓ Food

This isn’t merely about covering medical expenses. St. Jude understands that childhood cancer creates financial burdens far beyond hospital bills:

• Transportation costs: St. Jude covers travel expenses to Memphis for the patient and typically two family members
• Housing during treatment: Families are provided with on-campus housing or accommodations at places like the Ronald McDonald House
• Daily meals: Food allowances help families focus on their child’s health, not grocery shopping
• Ongoing care: Even follow-up appointments are covered

“When you are in short-term housing you receive a stipend to eat in their cafeteria and Dominos supplied a large pizza and a two-liter of soda every day if you wanted it,” Julie explains. “When we were moved to the Ronald McDonald House (more long-term housing) I think I received $100 a week for groceries and whatever we needed.”

This comprehensive support system allows parents to focus on what matters most—helping their child heal—rather than worrying about mounting medical bills or how to afford food and lodging during extended stays away from home.

Beyond Medical Treatment

The Whole Child Approach



When Maddy arrived at St. Jude, she wasn’t just a patient with ependymoma. She was a 14-month-old child whose development could be significantly impacted by both her condition and treatment. St. Jude recognized this and provided comprehensive support beyond her medical needs.

“Maddy also had speech, occupational and physical therapy while she was there,” Julie shares. “They have a school on campus so kids can try to keep up with their academics.”

This holistic approach addresses the reality that cancer treatment affects every aspect of a child’s development. St. Jude’s commitment to treating the whole child includes:

• Developmental therapies: Speech, occupational, and physical therapy to minimize developmental delays
• Educational support: On-campus schooling to help patients stay on track academically
• Psychological services: Support for the emotional aspects of childhood cancer
• Child Life specialists: Professionals who help children understand and cope with their medical experiences

For Maddy, these supplementary services were crucial in ensuring that while doctors fought her cancer, her developmental progress wasn’t unnecessarily impeded. These services, like all aspects of care at St. Jude, come at no cost to families.

A Home Away From Home

The Ronald McDonald House Experience

For many families like Julie and Maddy’s, treatment at St. Jude means spending months away from home. The Ronald McDonald House, which partners closely with St. Jude, becomes a sanctuary during this difficult time.



“Maddy and I stayed at RMH for about 2 months,” Julie recalls. “It was our home.”

What makes the Ronald McDonald House extraordinary is how it creates a sense of normalcy and community:

• Private rooms: Giving families personal space while away from home
• Communal kitchen facilities: “Each of us got a big section of a refrigerator and they had multiple stoves/ovens/microwaves that families could use”
• Shared meals: “Businesses and churches would sponsor dinners for everyone and that usually occurred a few times a week”
• Practical amenities: “We also had washers and dryers we could use… they also had a shuttle to St. Jude, grocery stores, shopping centers”
• Child-focused spaces: “There were multiple playrooms for the kids, craft rooms, game rooms. Lucas really liked this when he visited. To this day he still tells me he wants to go back”
• Community support: “They would have people come in to give parents a quick massage and have music and other activities for the kids”

These thoughtful touches transform what could be a sterile, temporary accommodation into a genuine home with a built-in support community of other families who understand exactly what you’re going through.

Global Impact Through Research and Knowledge Sharing

St. Jude’s mission extends far beyond the patients who walk through their doors. As a research institution, they’re committed to advancing treatments for childhood cancer and sharing their discoveries worldwide.

“Supporting St. Jude is so important,” Julie emphasizes. “Not only do they take a huge amount of worry away from families that are going through the unthinkable… They are also a research hospital, so their sole purpose is to find treatments and cures for pediatric cancer.”

“Supporting St. Jude is so important. Not only do they take a huge amount of worry away from families going through the unthinkable… They are also a research hospital, so their sole purpose is to find treatments and cures for pediatric cancer.”

St. Jude’s research efforts have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to more than 80% today. But what makes their approach truly special is their commitment to sharing:

• Research collaboration: St. Jude freely shares research findings and discoveries globally
• Treatment protocols: Their clinical treatments and best practices are available to doctors worldwide
• Global outreach: St. Jude works with partners in countries where childhood cancer survival rates remain low

As Julie points out, “St. Jude shares their findings all over the world so it can help everyone, not just their patients. Every dollar counts.”

This global perspective means that supporting St. Jude doesn’t just help the families who receive treatment in Memphis—it advances care for children with cancer everywhere.

The People Who Make the Difference

Behind every medical breakthrough and thoughtful accommodation is the exceptional team of people who make St. Jude what it is.

“Everyone that works there is so nice and helpful,” Julie recalls. “The doctors and nurses are top of the line. They make you feel seen and heard. If I had any concerns they always tried to help.”

From world-renowned oncologists to the cafeteria staff, every person at St. Jude contributes to an atmosphere of compassionate care:

• Medical expertise: Specialists like Dr. Merchant, known as “the ependymoma guy,” represent the pinnacle of specialized knowledge
• Responsive care: “If I had any concerns they always tried to help”
• Holistic support team: Social workers who help coordinate services and support
• Dignity-preserving approach: Even in difficult circumstances, families are treated with respect

This culture of care extends beyond medical treatment. As Julie notes, “They try to make it as cheerful of a place as possible,” despite the serious nature of the conditions being treated.

Filling the Gaps in Childhood Cancer Funding

One of the most sobering realities Julie and Matt learned through their experience is how underfunded childhood cancer research remains nationally.

“The federal government only gives 4% of the cancer research budget to pediatric cancers, the rest goes to adult treatments that can’t be used on children,” Julie points out. “Children are not profitable to the government or big pharma. I think I read that Americans spend more money on Starbucks in 3 DAYS than the federal government spends in ONE YEAR on childhood cancer research.”

This stark reality makes institutions like St. Jude even more crucial. They step in to fill this substantial gap, focusing specifically on developing treatments for children when other funding sources fall short.

A Beacon of Hope in the Darkest Times

Perhaps what truly sets St. Jude apart is something less tangible but equally important—the atmosphere of possibility and hope they cultivate, even in the most difficult circumstances.

When families arrive at St. Jude, they’re often at their most vulnerable, having received devastating news about their child’s health. The hospital environment acknowledges this reality while refusing to surrender to it.

“It’s a beautiful campus and we definitely felt we were in the right place,” Julie remembers. “It’s a mixed bag of emotions because you are surrounded by staff that are so kind and gracious, but you are also surrounded by a lot of sick children… Even with a lot of illness around you, they still make it as cheerful of a place as possible.”

This balance—acknowledging the gravity of childhood cancer while maintaining an environment of possibility and hope—is what makes St. Jude truly special.

Why Your Support Matters

Every dollar donated to St. Jude contributes to this extraordinary ecosystem of care, research, and hope:

• $3 can help provide pediatric isolation masks to protect patients with compromised immune systems
• $10 can help provide a new toy for hospital play areas
• $30 can help provide one meal card for a St. Jude family
• $100 can help provide one red wagon for transportation
• $500 can help provide one hour of physical therapy

Through Champion Mulch’s partnership with St. Jude, every yard of mulch you purchase in 2025 helps support this comprehensive care system that goes so far beyond medical treatment.


Join Us in Supporting St. Jude

As we continue our year-long partnership with St. Jude, we invite you to be part of this mission by:

• Purchasing mulch from any Champion Mulch location or online at www.gotochampion.com
• Displaying a yard sign in your front yard to receive the $3 per cubic yard discount
• Adding a donation of $1, $3, or $5 at checkout
• Customers using our coupons from Clipp and Town Money Saver magazines who also agree to place a sign in their yards can receive an additional $3 off their total order

We invite you to help spread awareness about St. Jude’s mission by sharing your support on social media:

1. Take a photo of your Champion Mulch/St. Jude yard sign in your yard
2. Post it on your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn)
3. Tag Champion (see below) and St. Jude (@StJude) in your post:
   • Facebook – @ChampionMulchandLandscapeSupply
   • Instagram – @ChampionMulchOH
   • X – @ChampionMulchOH
   • TikTok – @ChampionMulchOH
4. Use the hashtags #MulchThatMatters #ChampionMulchForStJudeKids

Together, we can help ensure that St. Jude continues to provide this exceptional care to children and families facing childhood cancer.

Because at Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply, we believe the most beautiful landscapes grow from purpose and compassion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does St. Jude decide which patients to accept for treatment?
A: St. Jude treats children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. While they typically accept patients who are part of specific clinical trials, they also make exceptions for cases requiring specialized expertise, as they did for Maddy. Patients are accepted based on medical needs regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Q: If families don’t pay for treatment, how does St. Jude fund its operations?
A: St. Jude relies primarily on individual contributions. Public donations account for approximately 78% – 89% of the funds necessary to operate the hospital and conduct research. The remaining funding comes from grants and other sources. This funding model allows St. Jude to focus solely on providing the best care without financial considerations.

Q: Do families really never receive a bill for anything?
A: Correct. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. This comprehensive approach ensures that families can focus entirely on helping their child recover rather than worrying about how to pay for life-saving treatments or essential living expenses while away from home.

Q: How long do patients typically stay at St. Jude?
A: Treatment length varies widely depending on the disease and treatment protocol. Some families, like Maddy’s, stay for about two months for focused treatment like radiation therapy. Others may receive treatment at St. Jude for several years, with periods at home between treatment phases. St. Jude works with each family to create treatment plans that best serve the child’s medical needs.

Q: Does St. Jude only treat cancer patients?
A: While St. Jude is best known for treating childhood cancers, they also treat children with other life-threatening diseases, including blood disorders, infectious diseases that affect the immune system, and genetic disorders that increase cancer risk. Their research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying these diseases to develop better treatments.

Q: How does St. Jude’s research benefit children who aren’t treated there?
A: St. Jude freely shares its discoveries, treatment protocols, and research findings worldwide. This means that children being treated at hospitals around the globe benefit from St. Jude’s research without ever visiting Memphis. Their discoveries have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened in 1962.

Q: Are there specific ways my donation through Champion Mulch supports St. Jude?
A: Every dollar donated helps ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Donations also support cutting-edge research and the development of new treatments. When you purchase mulch from Champion in 2025, you’re contributing to all aspects of St. Jude’s life-saving mission.

Q: How does the yard sign program work with Champion Mulch’s partnership?
A: When you purchase mulch from any Champion location and agree to place a St. Jude/Champion yard sign in your yard, you’ll receive a $3 discount per cubic yard of mulch with code save3. This program helps spread awareness about St. Jude throughout our community while providing you with savings on your landscaping needs. The yard sign discount cannot be combined with any other coupons.

Q: Can commercial landscapers participate in this partnership too?
A: Absolutely! The $0.50 donation* applies to every yard of mulch purchased at our retail locations, whether by homeowners or landscaping professionals. Large commercial customers that require a semi for delivery will not be a part of this program. They can donate directly at our dedicated site https://www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch or speak with Matt, Jeff, Brittany or Nate for more details.**

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*From January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, Champion Mulch, LLC will donate $0.50 of the purchase price for every yard of mulch purchased online at www.gotochampion.com or at participating locations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

**100% of donations will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

 

The post Beyond Treatment: What Makes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Special appeared first on Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply.

]]> https://gotochampion.com/mulch-that-matters/ Wed, 07 May 2025 21:09:09 +0000 https://gotochampion.com/?p=5691 Mulch that Matters How Champion Mulch is Supporting St. Jude In our previous…

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]]> Mulch that Matters

How Champion Mulch is Supporting St. Jude

In our previous article, we shared the personal story behind Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®—a connection sparked by owner Matt Brun’s experience with his niece Maddy’s successful treatment for brain cancer at St. Jude.

Today, we’re excited to share the specific details of this partnership and how you—our valued customers—can participate in supporting St. Jude’s mission of “Finding cures. Saving children.”^®

In This Article (Click to expand/collapse)
• A Partnership with Purpose
• The Donation Program: Every Yard Makes a Difference
• The Yard Sign Program: Show Your Support & Save
• Add-On Donation Program: Every Dollar Counts
• Coupon Enhancement Program
• What Your Support Means for St. Jude Families
• How to Participate
• Beyond Fundraising: Growing Awareness
• Join Us in This Mission
• Frequently Asked Questions

A Partnership with Purpose

Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply’s connection with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® began informally in 2020, when we first introduced our yard sign discount program as a way to give back. Since then, we’ve been proud supporters of their mission, but we wanted to do more.

As of January 1, 2025, we’ve formalized and expanded this relationship by establishing an official three-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®. Now in its fourth month, this collaboration transforms every yard of mulch into an opportunity to support life-saving research and treatment for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.



“We’ve been supporting St. Jude through our yard sign program since 2020,” explains Matt Brun, owner of Champion Mulch. “But after seeing the impact of the work that St. Jude does firsthand through my niece Maddy’s treatment, we wanted to deepen our commitment and create multiple ways for our customers to participate. Your mulch purchase will directly support the incredible work at St. Jude.”

The Donation Program: Every Yard Makes a Difference

The heart of our partnership is straightforward but powerful:

For every yard of mulch purchased at any of our four retail locations or through our website (www.gotochampion.com) during our three-year partnership (January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027), we will donate $0.50 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®.

This applies to all retail sales and smaller wholesale orders at our locations in Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, and West Chester. For our larger wholesale customers whose orders require semi-truck deliveries, we’ve created specialized giving opportunities, including options to contribute through our dedicated St. Jude fundraising link at www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch.

This applies to all mulch types in our inventory, including:

• Black Platinum
• Brown Platinum
• Brown (Black) Gold
• Cedar Mulch
• Champion Special
• Gardener’s Choice
• Ultra Black
• Ultra Brown
• Ultra Red
• Kid’s Carpet

Whether you’re purchasing a single yard for a small garden project or placing a bulk order for a large commercial job, every yard purchased at one of our four locations contributes to this important cause.

The Yard Sign Program: Show Your Support & Save

We’ve created a special discount program that allows you to save money while helping us spread awareness about the mission of St. Jude throughout our community.

Here’s how it works:

1. When you purchase mulch from any Champion Mulch location, request a “Champion Mulch and Landscape Supply, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®” yard sign.
2. Place this sign in your front yard where it’s visible to passersby.
3. Receive a $3.00 discount per cubic yard on your mulch purchase.

“The yard sign program serves two important purposes,” Matt explains. “First, it provides our customers with substantial savings—especially for larger projects. Second, it helps raise awareness about St. Jude throughout our community. When people see these signs popping up across Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, and West Chester, it creates conversations about why supporting St. Jude matters.”

Add-On Donation Program: Every Dollar Counts

For customers who want to contribute beyond their mulch purchase, we’ve implemented an add-on donation program at all Champion Mulch locations and on our website.

During checkout, you’ll have the option to add a donation of $1, $3, or $5 to your purchase. One hundred percent of these additional donations will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® to support their mission of finding cures and saving children.

“Even small donations add up quickly,” notes Matt. “If every customer added just $1 to their purchase, the impact would be tremendous.”

ST. JUDE: BY THE NUMBERS

• Founded in 1962, when childhood cancer was largely considered incurable
• Has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%
• Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food
• Conducts groundbreaking research that benefits children worldwide
• Treats some of the world’s sickest children regardless of race, ethnicity, beliefs, or ability to pay
• In low-middle income countries, only 1 out of 5 children who develop cancer survive
• St. Jude shares its discoveries globally to help children everywhere

Coupon Enhancement Program

Many of our customers regularly use coupons from local publications like Clipp and Town Money Saver magazines. We’ve created a special enhancement to make these deals even better while supporting St. Jude.

Here’s how this works:

When you use any current Champion Mulch coupon from Clipp or Town Money Saver AND agree to place a St. Jude/Champion Mulch yard sign in your yard, you’ll receive an additional $3 off your total order (not per yard, but $3 off the entire purchase).

This enhancement is our way of saying thank you to our regular customers while encouraging participation in our St. Jude partnership.



What Your Support Means for St. Jude Families

Every dollar raised through this partnership helps ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food—allowing parents to focus solely on helping their child heal.

Here’s what your support can provide:

• $3 can help provide pediatric isolation masks to protect patients with compromised immune systems
• $10 can help provide a new toy for hospital play areas
• $30 can help provide one meal card for a St. Jude family
• $100 can help provide one red wagon for transportation
• $500 can help provide one hour of physical therapy

“When Maddy was receiving treatment at St. Jude, we experienced firsthand the comprehensive support they provide to families,” Matt recalls. “From covering travel expenses to ensuring Maddy received therapy services alongside her medical treatment—all without ever sending a bill—St. Jude allowed our family to focus entirely on Maddy’s recovery. That’s what this partnership is ultimately about: helping other families receive that same extraordinary care.”

How to Participate

There are multiple ways to support this partnership throughout our three-year commitment:

1. Purchase mulch from any Champion Mulch location or online at www.gotochampion.com
2. Display a yard sign in your front yard to receive the $3 per cubic yard discount
3. Add a donation of $1, $3, or $5 at checkout
4. Use our coupons from Clipp or Town Money Saver and enhance your savings by participating in the yard sign program
5. Donate directly to our dedicated St. Jude fundraising page at www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch
6. Spread the word by sharing information about this partnership with friends, family, and neighbors
7. Share on social media by posting a photo of your yard sign and tagging Champion Mulch and St. Jude (details below)
8. Follow our progress on social media and our website throughout the year

Beyond Fundraising: Growing Awareness

While raising funds for St. Jude is a primary goal of this partnership, we’re equally committed to raising awareness about childhood cancer and the critical work being done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Throughout our three-year partnership, Champion Mulch will share stories, statistics, and information about St. Jude’s mission through our website, social media channels, and in-store materials.

Share Your Support on Social Media

We invite you to help spread awareness about St. Jude’s mission by sharing your support on social media:

1. Take a photo of your Champion Mulch/St. Jude yard sign in your yard
2. Post it on your social media accounts and tag us on:
   • Facebook: @ChampionMulchandLandscapeSupply
   • Instagram: @ChampionMulchOH
   • X (Twitter): @ChampionMulchOH
   • TikTok: @ChampionMulchOH
3. Tag St. Jude (@StJude) in your post
4. Use the hashtags #MulchThatMatters #ChampionMulchForStJudeKids

“Many people know the St. Jude name but aren’t familiar with the full scope of their work,” Matt explains. “They not only provide world-class treatment to children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, they’re leading researchers who freely share their discoveries globally. When you support St. Jude, you’re helping children everywhere.”

Join Us in This Mission

What makes this partnership special is that it transforms everyday landscaping decisions into meaningful support for children dealing with childhood cancer. Every yard of mulch, every yard sign, every add-on donation contributes to a cause that’s saving lives and giving hope to families in their darkest hours.

“After seeing what St. Jude did for our family, for Maddy, I wanted to find a way to give back in a significant way,” Matt shares. “By connecting our business to their mission, we’re creating an opportunity for our entire community to participate in something truly important.”

We invite you to join us in this partnership. When you choose Champion Mulch in 2025, you’re not just enhancing your landscape—you’re helping ensure that families facing childhood cancer receive the extraordinary care that only St. Jude can provide.

Because at Champion Mulch, we believe the most beautiful landscapes grow from purpose and compassion.

“From January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027, Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply will donate $0.50 of the purchase price for every yard of mulch purchased online at www.gotochampion.com or at participating locations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the $0.50 donation apply to all types of mulch?
A: Yes, every yard of mulch purchased at one of our four locations, regardless of type or color, generates a $0.50 donation to St. Jude.

Q: How do I get a yard sign to participate in the discount program?
A: Yard signs are available at all Champion Mulch locations. Simply ask for one when you make your purchase, or request one when placing your delivery order.

Q: Can I still get the $3 per yard discount if I’m ordering mulch for delivery?
A: Absolutely! Just let us know you’ll display the yard sign, and we’ll bring one with your delivery and apply the discount to your order.

Q: Is this a new initiative for Champion Mulch?
A: While we’ve been supporting St. Jude informally since 2020 through our yard sign program, we formalized and expanded our partnership on January 1, 2025, with this comprehensive three-year commitment. The expanded program includes the $0.50 donation per yard of mulch, enhanced coupon offers, and the social media initiative.

Q: How does the donation program work for larger wholesale orders?
A: For our larger wholesale customers whose orders require semi-truck deliveries, we offer specialized giving opportunities, including options to contribute through our dedicated St. Jude fundraising link at www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch. These customers can speak with their sales representative about the various ways they can participate in our St. Jude partnership.

Q: Can I make a donation without purchasing mulch?
A: Yes! You can make a direct donation through our dedicated St. Jude fundraising page at www.stjude.org/ChampionMulch or at any of our locations.

Q: Is my add-on donation tax-deductible?
A: Yes, add-on donations are tax-deductible. Be sure to keep your receipt for your records.

Q: How long will the yard signs last outdoors?
A: The yard signs are made of durable materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions for the duration of the campaign.

Q: Can I participate in both the yard sign program and use a coupon?
A: Absolutely! We’ve specifically designed the program so these benefits can be combined.

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Champion Mulch & Landscape Supply is the largest landscape supply company in Southwest Ohio, with locations in Dayton, Moraine, Englewood, and West Chester. For over 12 years, we’ve provided high-quality mulch, topsoil, stone, pavers, and other landscaping materials to both professional landscapers and homeowners. Learn more at www.gotochampion.com.

 

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