Mulch Calculator
Find out how much mulch you need for your garden or landscape beds.
About the Mulch Calculator
Mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and adds curb appeal. But buying too little leaves gaps where weeds thrive, while buying too much can suffocate plants and cost hundreds of unnecessary dollars. This Mulch Calculator gets your order right the first time.
Recommended Mulch Depth
Landscape beds: 2–4 inches | Tree rings: 3–4 inches (keep away from trunk) | Vegetable gardens: 1–2 inches | Paths and playgrounds: 4–6 inches
Types of Mulch
Shredded hardwood: Long-lasting, dense, good for slopes. Lasts 2–3 years. Pine bark nuggets: Floats in rain runoff. Better for flat beds. Lasts 1–2 years. Cedar mulch: Naturally pest-resistant aroma. Lasts 2–3 years. Straw: Best for vegetable gardens. Cheap and biodegrades to enrich soil. Rubber mulch: Made from recycled tires. Doesn't decompose. Ideal for playgrounds. Cocoa bean hulls: Beautiful chocolate aroma, but toxic to dogs.
Bags vs. Bulk
Mulch bags typically hold 2 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 13.5 bags. For projects needing more than 3–5 cubic yards, bulk delivery (by the yard) is cheaper and more convenient. Expect to pay $25–50 per cubic yard for bulk hardwood mulch vs. $5–7 per 2-cubic-foot bag.
Mulch Around Trees
Create a "mulch ring" 3–6 feet in diameter around trees, 3 inches deep. Keep mulch 3–6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and vole damage. Avoid "mulch volcanoes" (piling mulch against the trunk) — a common mistake that kills trees over time.
Topping Off Existing Mulch
If you already have 1 inch of settled mulch and want 3 inches total, calculate for only a 2-inch depth. Check existing depth with a ruler before ordering.