How to work it out
- Measure each bed. Use a circle for tree rings, and enter a known area for odd shapes.
- Choose a depth. If you are topping up old mulch, enter only the depth you are adding.
- Enter the bag size you are looking at. 2 cubic foot bags are common in the US.
- Enter a price per yard and a price per bag to see which is cheaper.
How deep to go
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Most garden beds | 2 to 3 in |
| Beds with weed problems | 3 to 4 in |
| Topping up last year's mulch | 1 to 2 in |
| Around trees, kept clear of the trunk | 2 to 4 in |
These are common starting points. Your site, climate and supplier may call for something different.
What one cubic yard covers
| Depth | Area covered |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
Bulk or bags?
A cubic yard equals 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet, or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet. Bulk usually costs less per yard on bigger jobs, but delivery fees can change that on small ones. Enter both prices above to compare.
Keep it off the trunk
Pile mulch against a tree trunk or plant stems and it holds moisture where it can cause rot. Leave a small gap.
Common questions
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches and 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet, 9 bags of 3 cubic feet, or 18 bags of 1.5 cubic feet.
How deep should mulch be?
2 to 3 inches suits most beds. Going much deeper can keep water and air from reaching the roots.
How do I measure an irregular bed?
Split it into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each as its own area. Close enough is fine, since you are buying in bags or yards anyway.
Doing this job for a customer? Turn your numbers into a free written estimate on QuoteToPaid.