Calculate how much mulch you need for your garden beds. Get volume in cubic yards, number of bags needed, and compare bulk vs bagged pricing for your landscaping project.
Volume
1.85
cubic yards
Bags (2 cu ft)
25
bags needed
$30/cubic yard (+ delivery)
$4/bag (2 cu ft bags)
Spring Mulching
Perfect time to mulch! Soil is warming up.
How much area 1 cubic yard of mulch covers:
162
sq ft at 2"
108
sq ft at 3"
81
sq ft at 4"
| Type | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | 1-2 years | General landscaping, enriches soil |
| Cedar | 2-3 years | Pest deterrent, aromatic |
| Pine Bark | 1-2 years | Acid-loving plants (azaleas, blueberries) |
| Rubber | 10+ years | Playgrounds, permanent beds |
| Pine Straw | 6-12 months | Slopes, erosion control |
Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot.
Water soil deeply before applying mulch to lock in moisture.
Consider fabric under mulch for extra weed control in problem areas.
Late spring after soil warms, or fall before winter freeze.
To calculate mulch: multiply area (length x width in feet) by depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards. Formula: (Length x Width x Depth) / 27 = Cubic Yards. For a 10x20 ft bed with 3 inches of mulch: (10 x 20 x 0.25) / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
Measure your bed's length and width in feet. Multiply to get square feet. For recommended 2-4 inch depth, divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 100-160 square feet depending on depth. Add 5-10% extra.
2-4 inches is ideal for most applications. Use 2 inches for fine mulches and around shallow-rooted plants. Use 3-4 inches for weed control and moisture retention. Never exceed 4 inches - too much mulch can suffocate roots and cause rot.
Usually no - old decomposed mulch adds organic matter to soil. Only remove if: it's matted and repelling water, diseased, or more than 4 inches deep. Fluff existing mulch with a rake, then add new mulch on top to reach 2-4 inches total.
Hardwood: general purpose, decomposes adding nutrients. Cedar/Cypress: pest-resistant, longer lasting. Pine bark: acidic, good for azaleas/rhododendrons. Rubber: playgrounds, permanent installations. Avoid dyed mulch near edibles.
Bulk is usually 40-60% cheaper per cubic yard but requires delivery ($50-100) and a way to move it. Bagged is convenient for small areas under 10 cubic feet. Break-even is typically around 3-5 cubic yards - above that, bulk saves money.
Organic mulch breaks down in 1-2 years and needs refreshing annually. Add 1-2 inches each spring to maintain 2-4 inch depth. Cedar and cypress last 2-3 years. Rubber mulch lasts 10+ years but doesn't improve soil.
Volume
1.85
cubic yards
Bags (2 cu ft)
25
bags needed
$30/cubic yard (+ delivery)
$4/bag (2 cu ft bags)