Big Earth Started As a Small Operation, With “Big” Dreams

Over forty years ago, Allan Rickert partnered with friend Raymond Warner to begin selling landscape materials in Manatee County, Florida. At the time no one was in the landscape supply business, so these two men decided to fill the void by selling mulch out of Raymond’s Ford Pickup Truck. With only a Ford F-150 truck and tractor, they signed on their first customer and Big Earth was born.

Since then, Big Earth delivers all over the United States and continues to provide five convenient locations in the Tampa Bay area; including Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Tampa and Lakewood Ranch.

While we are open to the public, it is important to understand that access to our premises or purchasing materials from Big Earth via pick up or delivery, is a privilege, not a right. We extend this privilege with the expectation that visitors will adhere to our guidelines and respect our property, operations and employees.

Visiting Our 5 Store Locations:

Please be advised that our premises operate heavy trucks and machinery regularly, prioritizing the safety of both our employees and visitors. By entering our gates, you acknowledge and accept any associated risks, including but not limited to potential injury or damage to personal belongings. Consequently, we reserve the right to request any member of the public to leave or decline business if their presence compromises safety or disrupts our operations. Additionally, for the safety and security of all visitors, we require everyone to check in with a Big Earth team member before exploring the yard, handling any materials, or loading materials into personal vehicles.

Regarding Deliveries:

For your safety and the safety of our delivery personnel, we kindly request that all individuals maintain a safe distance from delivery drivers and trucks during deliveries. Heavy trucks and machinery present inherent hazards, and approaching them during operations can pose significant risks. Prior to the commencement of delivery, a delivery waiver must be signed. It is required that a homeowner, property owner, or a representative selected by the homeowner, who is over the age of 18, be present to sign and accept the delivery. Please note that if no homeowner or representative is on site, material will not be delivered. We will make diligent attempts to contact the customer via phone, voicemail, and text. In the event of two unsuccessful contact attempts, the driver will be directed to return to the store. The customer will then be responsible for payment of the delivery fee for the failed delivery, along with any applicable fees for a retry. All deliveries will be made curbside. This includes placing materials in the road or on the apron of the driveway.  We will not operate machinery or trucks beyond the immediate property lines of the address to which we are delivering.

Regarding Materials:

We strive to accurately represent the current appearance of our products to the best of our ability. However, due to the nature of natural products, variations in size, color, or appearance may occur over time. These fluctuations are beyond our control, and it is the responsibility of the consumer to verify materials prior to acceptance upon pick-up or delivery. Furthermore, consumers have the right to refuse materials at the time of pick-up or delivery for a full refund, excluding the delivery fee if applicable. It is imperative that all customers thoroughly inspect materials and accept them without reservation or remorse at the time of purchase or delivery. Once materials are accepted, complaints, returns, or exchanges will not be accommodated without additional costs for disposal or removal. Please note that Big Earth does not provide guarantees or warranties for any materials post-purchase, including but not limited to sod, aggregates, mulch, seed, fertilizers, chemicals, and other materials

Backed into pallet of sod in the yard

Are you unsure whether you have a septic tank on your property or whether a dump truck can drive over it? We will find it for you, and we will fall in. Our locate fee comes in the form of a tow bill and chassis repair bill.