Home Depot sales follow an incredibly predictable pattern. That means you can plan your entire year of projects around them and save hundreds—sometimes thousands—just by knowing when to show up.
Ever wondered when that famous 5 for $10 mulch sale happens? Or whether Home Depot actually does Black Friday? (Spoiler: they absolutely do.) This is your strategic shopping calendar—the insider's guide to timing every major purchase so you never pay full price again.
We'll walk you through the month-by-month sales schedule, show you exactly when to buy lawn mowers and Christmas trees, and teach you the clearance-hunting tricks most shoppers walk right past. Think of this as the cheat sheet that pays for your next project.
GROUPON DEAL ALERT: Get a Free $25 Gift Card with Home Depot Orders Over $360
In this guide:
Quick-Reference Sales Calendar
Before we dive into the details, here's your at-a-glance calendar for 2026. Bookmark this section—it's the quick version you'll reference all year long.
| Season | Sale Event | What Goes on Sale | Typical Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Spring Black Friday (April) | Mulch, plants, grills, patio furniture, flooring, paint, appliances | 5 bags mulch for $10, up to $15 off plants, up to $1,000 off appliances |
| 🌸 Spring | Memorial Day (May) | Appliances, patio furniture, lawn care | Up to 30% off appliances, $50+ off grills |
| 🌞 Summer | Red, White & Blue Sale (July 4) | Appliances, grills, patio, lawn & garden | Up to 40% off bath, up to 60% off patio furniture, $850 off laundry pairs |
| 🌞 Summer | Labor Day (Sept.) | Grills, patio furniture, appliances, lawn mowers | Up to 40% off appliances, $30+ off grills, clearance patio sets |
| 🍂 Fall | Black Friday (Nov.) | Appliances, tools, smart home, gifts | 30-50% off select tools, $60+ off small appliances |
| ❄️ Winter | Cyber Monday (Dec.) | Tools, smart tech, giftable items | Up to 40% off tools, 30% off smart home tech |
| ❄️ Winter | Green Monday (Dec.) | Appliances, tools, kitchen appliances | Up to 45% off appliances, extra 10% with code |
| ❄️ Winter | After Christmas (Dec. 26) | Holiday décor, lights, artificial trees | 50-75% off, deeper discounts in clearance |
| ❄️ Winter | Presidents Day (Feb.) | Appliances, bath, storage, cleaning tools | Up to 40% off appliances and storage solutions |
Looking for even more ways to save beyond the sales calendar? Check out our Home Depot Clearance Guide for hidden hacks, discount stacking tips, and the yellow tag system most shoppers miss.
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Home Depot's Biggest Sales
Let's break down each major sale event so you know exactly what to expect, what to buy, and what to skip.
Home Depot Spring Sales
Spring Black Friday (April): The Mulch Sale Everyone Waits For
This is the big one for outdoor projects. Based on previous years, Spring Black Friday typically runs from early to late April (in 2025, it was April 4-28). This is when Home Depot rolls out some of the best deals of the year on everything you need to get your yard and garden in shape.
What goes on sale:
- Mulch: The famous 5 bags for $10 deal (that's $2 per bag when mulch typically costs $4-5)
- Gardening supplies and plants (up to $15 off select outdoor plants)
- Outdoor power tools (mowers, trimmers, blowers)
- Grills and outdoor cooking equipment
- Flooring and paint
- Appliances (up to $1,000 off washer & dryer sets)
The math on mulch: If you need 20 bags of mulch for your landscaping (pretty typical for a medium-sized yard), you're looking at $40 during this sale versus $80-100 at regular price. That's real money back in your pocket.
What to buy: Stock up on mulch for the entire year—seriously, buy everything you'll need through fall. Also grab any outdoor power tools you've been eyeing. This is Home Depot's biggest spring savings event, perfect for kickstarting home and garden projects.
What to skip: Indoor appliances and tools usually aren't part of this sale. Wait for Memorial Day or Labor Day for those.
Pro Tip: Stock up now—this price won't come back until next spring. If you have storage space, buying a year's worth of mulch during this sale literally pays for itself. Don't skip the in-store event—there's usually a one-day deal worth the trip.
Need something just for a weekend project? Learn how to stretch your budget with our Tool Rental Savings Guide.
Memorial Day (Late May): Appliances and Outdoor Gear
Memorial Day is when appliance deals start heating up. Historically, these sales run the week leading up to and through Memorial Day weekend.
What goes on sale:
- Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers)
- Patio furniture
- Grills and outdoor cooking equipment
- Garden supplies and lawn care tools
- Some power tools
Typical discounts: Up to 30% off select appliances, with additional savings on package deals. Last year's sale included up to 20% off small kitchen appliances and $50+ off Weber Grills with free delivery.
What to buy: If you need a new appliance and can't wait until Labor Day, Memorial Day offers solid deals. Patio furniture is also a good buy here. This is a great time to get your yard summer-ready—for less.
What to skip: If you can wait, Labor Day typically offers slightly better appliance deals because retailers are clearing inventory for new models. For grills, July 4th often beats Memorial Day pricing.
Late spring and early summer are when Home Depot's Garden Center spills outdoors with colorful rows of flowers, plants, and bushes—and the Memorial Day Sale is when you can save on them. Get a season-by-season breakdown in our Garden Sales Calendar.
Home Depot Summer Sales
Red, White & Blue Sale (July 4): Summer Project Blowout
This is your mid-summer refresh sale. Also known as the 4th of July Sale, it's one of Home Depot's biggest summer events. Sales typically run the week of July 4th.
What goes on sale:
- Power tools and hand tools
- Outdoor equipment and pressure washers
- Grills (often better deals than Memorial Day)
- Paint and deck supplies
- Appliances (up to $850 off select washers & dryers)
- Patio furniture (up to 60% off)
- Bath products (up to 40% off)
- Lawn care and gardening supplies
What to buy: This is the sweet spot for grills—retailers are trying to move inventory mid-season. Also great for paint if you're tackling a summer project. It's a great time to stock up on plants, shrubs, and perennials—especially since Home Depot backs many with a one-year guarantee.
What to skip: Lawn mowers and outdoor furniture. You'll get better clearance prices in late August during Labor Day sales.
Pro Tip: If you miss this sale, check out the Labor Day Sale for similar end-of-season savings. But for grills specifically, July 4th is usually your best bet.
Labor Day (Late August-Early September): End-of-Season Goldmine
Labor Day is the clearance event you've been waiting for. Sales typically run from late August through the first week of September (over Labor Day weekend, which lands on the first Monday in September), and this is when the yellow clearance tags start appearing everywhere.
Why appliance deals are so good: Manufacturers release new models in the fall, so retailers are clearing out current inventory to make room. You're getting this year's model at next year's clearance price.
| Category | Typical Labor Day Discount | Why It's a Good Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances | Up to 35-40% off select models | New models arriving, current inventory must go |
| Patio Furniture | Up to 50% off (clearance) | End of outdoor season, stores need floor space |
| Lawn Mowers | Up to 30-40% off | Mowing season ending, clearance pricing kicks in |
| Grills | Up to 40-50% off select models | Final markdowns before winter storage |
What to buy: Appliances, hands down. Also patio furniture if you're planning ahead for next year, and lawn mowers if you don't need the latest model. Last year's sale included $30+ off Nexgrill 5-Burner Gas Grills.
What to skip: Indoor tools and holiday items—wait for Black Friday for those.
If you can hold off all summer, the Labor Day Sale is when you'll typically find the steepest discounts on outdoor living essentials. Why? It's when stores clear out end-of-season inventory to make room for fall merchandise. This is one of your best chances for end-of-summer savings.
⚠️ Post-Sale Clearance Tip:
The real clearance gold happens 2-4 weeks AFTER Labor Day when leftover inventory gets marked down even further with yellow tags yellow tags ending in .03 (final markdown—grab it now).
Home Depot Fall Sales
Black Friday (November): Yes, Home Depot Goes Big
Let's answer this directly: Does Home Depot have Black Friday sales? Absolutely. Sales typically begin in early November and run through the end of the month, with the biggest deals dropping the week of Thanksgiving.
What goes on sale:
- Power tools and tool sets (often 30-50% off select items)
- Hand tools and tool storage
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Holiday decorations
- Select appliances (though Labor Day is usually better)
- Generators and outdoor equipment
- Smart home gadgets
- Small kitchen appliances ($60+ off Ninja Foodi pressure cookers in past years)
What to buy: Tools are the star of the show here. If you're buying an artificial Christmas tree for this year, Black Friday offers the best selection. Also great for generators and snow removal equipment. Keep an eye out for discounted multi-piece toolkits—they make excellent holiday gifts.
What to skip: If you're buying a tree for next year, wait until December 26th for better prices. Appliances are usually better on Labor Day.
Pro Tip: Do. Not. Miss. This. Sale. True-blue Home Depot shoppers know that the Black Friday Sale is anything but ordinary. You'll find deals in nearly every aisle.
Cyber Monday (December): Online-Only Deals
This online-only event features deep discounts across tools, smart tech, and giftable gadgets—all from the comfort of your couch. It runs annually on the Monday after Thanksgiving.
What goes on sale:
- Tools (up to 40% off in past years)
- Smart home devices (up to 30% off)
- Holiday gifts
- Power equipment
What to buy: Whether you're buying gifts or upgrading your toolbox, this event offers some of the steepest online deals of the year. Exclusively at homedepot.com.
Pro Tip: The best deals tend to sell out fast, so log on early to snag them.
Green Monday (December): Last-Chance Holiday Savings
This lesser-known but powerful online sale offers last-chance holiday savings—with enough time left for shipping. It runs annually on the second Monday of December.
What goes on sale:
- Large appliances (up to 45% off in past years)
- Power tools
- Small kitchen appliances
- Often includes extra promo codes (10% off in past years)
Pro Tip: This is your final shot at deep discounts before holiday shipping cutoffs. Shop any later, and you risk your items arriving after the holidays—making this a must-hit event for last-minute deal hunters.
Home Depot Winter Sales
After-Christmas Clearance (December 26): Holiday Decor for Pennies
This is the "buy for next year" sale. Clearance typically starts December 26th and runs through January, with steep discounts on holiday décor as Home Depot clears out seasonal inventory.
What goes on sale:
- Artificial Christmas trees (50-75% off)
- Christmas lights and lawn ornaments (50-75% off)
- Indoor holiday decor
- Winter seasonal items
- Gift items and tool sets
What to buy: Everything you'll need for next Christmas. A $300-400 artificial tree drops to $75-150. Outdoor light displays that were $150 drop to $40-50. Check the clearance section (look for yellow tags) for even deeper markdowns.
The trade-off: You need storage space and the patience to wait a year, but the savings are absolutely worth it. No pine needles, and it'll last for years.
Pro Tip: Missed this sale? You'll get another shot during Black Friday next year. Once Christmas and Hanukkah wind down, the After Christmas Sale kicks off with major markdowns on festive décor.
Presidents Day (Mid-February): Spring Refresh Preview
This sale runs annually over Presidents Day weekend in mid-February. Expect discounts on appliances, bathroom upgrades, and home organization essentials.
What goes on sale:
- Appliances (up to 40% off in past years)
- Bathroom items and vanities
- Cleaning tools (iRobot mops, Shark vacuums)
- Storage solutions and garage cabinets
What to buy: The perfect time to refresh your home for spring with deals on cleaning tools and organization must-haves. Look out for markdowns on smart storage upgrades.
Pro Tip: Between major sales, check out our Appliances Sales Calendar for ongoing deals.
When to Buy the Stuff You're Actually Shopping For
Let's get specific. Here's when to buy the most-searched items at Home Depot.
Lawn Mowers: Two Perfect Windows
You've got two options, and which one you choose depends on what matters more: selection or price.
Spring sales (April-May): This is when you'll find the best selection of new models during Spring Black Friday and Memorial Day sales. Expect discounts of up to 20-30% off select models. Buy now if you want the latest features or a specific model.
End of season (August-September): Labor Day brings the deepest discounts—up to 30-40% off as stores clear inventory. The trade-off? You're choosing from what's left, not what's new.
The bottom line: Need it now and want the latest model? Spring. Can wait and want the best price? Late summer.
Mulch: Circle April on Your Calendar
The 5 for $10 mulch sale typically happens during Spring Black Friday in April. Based on previous years, expect this sale to run for 3-4 weeks in early to mid-April.
The math: Regular price for a 2 cubic foot bag of mulch runs $4-5. During the sale, you're paying $2 per bag. For a typical landscaping project needing 25 bags:
- Regular price: $100-125
- Sale price: $50
- Your savings: $50-75
Why buying in bulk makes sense: Mulch doesn't go bad if stored properly (keep it dry). Buy everything you'll need for spring, summer, and fall touch-ups. You're essentially getting half your landscaping budget back.
⚠️ Heads Up:
While the 5 for $10 mulch sale has happened every spring for years, exact 2026 dates haven't been announced yet. Check Home Depot's website in late March or sign up for their email list to get notified.
Christmas Trees: Buy the Day After Christmas
The strategy for artificial Christmas trees:
Best selection: Black Friday. You'll find the full range of sizes, styles, and features, typically at 20-30% off select trees.
Best price: December 26th. After-Christmas clearance brings 50-75% off. That $400 pre-lit tree? Now $100-150.
The play: If you need a tree for this year, buy on Black Friday. If you're planning ahead for next year, December 26th is your day. Set a reminder, show up early, and grab the tree you wanted at a fraction of the cost.
The Yellow Price Tag System—Your Clearance Decoder Ring
This is the insider knowledge that separates casual shoppers from savings pros. Home Depot uses a color-coded clearance system that most people walk right past.
How to Spot Clearance Items In-Store:
- Yellow price tags = clearance items. These are marked down and won't be restocked.
- Price ending in .06? This item will be marked down again in 6 weeks (30-50% off now). If you can wait, you'll save more.
- Price ending in .03? This is the final markdown (50-70% off). Buy now or it's gone in 3 weeks.
- Price ending in .01? Penny item—technically should be off the sales floor.
How to find clearance items online:
When you're browsing a product category on HomeDepot.com, add &NCNI-5 to the end of the URL.
Step-by-step:
- Go to the category you're interested in (like "Patio Furniture" or "Power Tools")
- Look at the URL in your browser
- Add &NCNI-5 to the very end
- Hit enter
- The page will reload showing only clearance items in that category
Example: If the URL is homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Patio-Furniture/N-5yc1v, change it to homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Patio-Furniture/N-5yc1v&NCNI-5
⚠️ Heads Up:
This URL trick works as a filter, but it won't show clearance items in every category—it depends on what's currently marked down. Also, clearance inventory varies by store, so what's available online might differ from what's in your local store.
For the complete guide to finding and decoding clearance at Home Depot, check out our full clearance hunting guide.
Beyond the Calendar: Daily Deals and Weekly Ads You're Missing
The big seasonal sales are great, but there are ongoing deals happening every single day that most shoppers never check.
Special Buy of the Day: Home Depot features a different deal every day on their Special Buy of the Day page. These are typically 20-40% off select items, and they change daily.
How to use it: Bookmark that page and check it every morning if you're in project-planning mode. If you see something you need, grab it—these deals are one day only.
Local Ad: Home Depot publishes a weekly ad (called the Local Ad) that highlights current promotions and sales. It updates regularly and often includes deals that aren't part of the major seasonal events.
Your strategy: Check the Local Ad before any shopping trip. Combine those deals with the seasonal sales calendar, and you're maximizing every dollar.
Stack Your Savings Like a Pro
You can often combine these seasonal sales with other discounts for even bigger savings.
- Home Depot Credit Card: The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card offers special financing on purchases over certain amounts. During major sales, you can get 0% financing plus the sale price—and you get an extended 365-day return window instead of the standard 90 days.
- Price Matching: Home Depot will match competitor prices, even during sales. If you find a lower price elsewhere, you can get the sale discount plus the price match. Learn the full strategy in our complete price match guide.
- Pro Xtra: Free loyalty program that earns you rewards on purchases. You don't need to be a contractor—DIYers can join and benefit. Check out our guide on whether Home Depot Pro Xtra is worth it for DIYers.
- Military Discount: Active duty, veterans, and their families get an additional discount that can stack with sales.
For complete details on combining discounts (and which ones you can't stack), read our guide on how to stack savings at Home Depot without breaking the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Home Depot mulch sale 5 for $10 in 2026?
Based on historical patterns, the 5 for $10 mulch sale typically happens during Home Depot's Spring Black Friday event in April. In 2025, Spring Black Friday ran from April 4-28, and the mulch sale was included.
For 2026, expect the sale to run sometime in early to mid-April for 3-4 weeks. Home Depot hasn't announced exact dates yet, but checking their website in late March or signing up for email alerts will ensure you don't miss it.
Does Home Depot have Black Friday sales?
Yes, absolutely. Home Depot runs major Black Friday sales every year, typically starting in early November and running through the end of the month. The biggest deals drop the week of Thanksgiving.
Black Friday at Home Depot focuses heavily on power tools (often 30-50% off select items), tool sets, artificial Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and select appliances. It's one of the best times of year to buy tools and outdoor equipment like generators.
What's the best month to buy a lawn mower at Home Depot?
You've got two ideal windows depending on your priorities:
April-May (Spring sales): Best for selection and new models. You'll find discounts of up to 20-30% off during Spring Black Friday and Memorial Day sales, with the full range of current-year models available.
August-September (Labor Day): Best for price. End-of-season clearance brings discounts of up to 30-40% off as stores clear inventory for fall. The trade-off is limited selection—you're choosing from remaining stock, not the latest models.
If you need a specific model or the latest features, buy in spring. If you want the absolute best price and don't mind last year's model, wait for Labor Day.
How do I find clearance items on Home Depot's website?
Use the URL trick: When browsing any product category on HomeDepot.com, add &NCNI-5 to the end of the URL and hit enter. The page will reload showing only clearance items in that category.
Step-by-step:
- Navigate to the product category you want (like "Appliances" or "Outdoor Power Equipment")
- Look at the URL in your browser's address bar
- Add &NCNI-5 to the very end of the URL
- Press Enter
- Browse the filtered clearance results
Keep in mind this works as a filter for items currently on clearance, so not every category will show results at all times. Clearance inventory also varies by location.
When do Christmas trees go on sale at Home Depot?
For the best selection: Black Friday in November. You'll find the full range of artificial trees at 20-30% off select models.
For the best price: December 26th (the day after Christmas). After-Christmas clearance brings 50-75% off artificial trees and all holiday decorations.
If you need a tree for this year's holiday season, buy during Black Friday. If you're planning ahead for next year and have storage space, December 26th offers the deepest discounts—we're talking $300-400 trees dropping to $75-150.
Can I return items I bought during a sale?
Yes, sale items follow the same return policy as regular-priced merchandise: 90 days for most new, unopened items with proof of purchase. If you have a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, you get an extended 365-day return window—which is especially useful for seasonal purchases.
Some exceptions apply (furniture has a 30-day window), so check your receipt or ask at customer service if you're unsure.
The Bottom Line
Home Depot's sales are predictable, which means you can plan your entire year of projects around them. Mark your calendar for Spring Black Friday in April (especially for that mulch sale), Labor Day for appliances and end-of-season clearance, and Black Friday for tools.
Throw in the clearance-hunting tactics we covered, and you've got a strategy that'll save you hundreds—maybe thousands—on your home improvement projects this year.
Before you shop, check out the latest Home Depot coupons and promo codes on Groupon. You might find additional discounts you can stack with these seasonal sales for even bigger savings.
Now you know when to shop. Time to start planning those projects.
