How much mulch do I need?

Measure bed length × width × depth. Standard depth: 2-3 inches for flower beds, 3-4 inches for trees/shrubs. Calculate cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards. One yard covers 100 sq ft at 3" deep.

How deep should mulch be?

Flower beds: 2-3 inches. Trees and shrubs: 3-4 inches. Slopes: 4 inches. Thicker mulch suppresses weeds better but too deep can suffocate plant roots. Refresh annually.

How much does mulch cost?

Bulk mulch: $30-50 per cubic yard. 2 cu ft bags: $3-5 each. 3 cu ft bags: $4-7 each. Bulk is cheaper for large areas (500+ sq ft). Colored mulch costs 20-30% more.

What type of mulch should I use?

Hardwood bark: long-lasting, weed control. Pine bark: acidic, good for azaleas. Cedar: insect-repellent, pleasant smell. Rubber mulch: permanent, playgrounds. Choose based on plants and aesthetics.

How many bags equal a cubic yard?

13-14 bags of 2 cu ft mulch = 1 cubic yard. 9 bags of 3 cu ft mulch = 1 cubic yard. Bulk delivery is more cost-effective for areas over 500 sq ft.

Mulch Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and bags of mulch needed

Mulch Calculator

Calculate mulch needed for garden beds and landscapes. Get cubic yards, bag counts, and cost estimates for your mulching project.

Bed Length *

Length of garden bed or area

Bed Width *

Width of garden bed or area

Mulch Depth *

2-3 inches standard, 3-4 inches for weed control

Mulch Depth Recommendations

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch for general landscaping and flower beds. Use 3-4 inches for better weed suppression and moisture retention. Never exceed 4 inches as too much mulch can suffocate plant roots and cause rot.

One cubic yard of mulch covers 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. Bulk mulch is more economical than bagged for large projects. Plan to replenish mulch annually as it decomposes and settles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this tool