Most landscaping projects use 2-4 inches of mulch
Bed 1
Area: 80 sq ft
Mulch Estimate
Estimated Total Cost
$72 – $133
0.74 cubic yards of hardwood mulch
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Mulch Types & Coverage Guide
Application depths, cost comparisons, and coverage calculations for every mulch type.
How Much Mulch Do I Need?
Apply mulch 2–4 inches deep for weed suppression and moisture retention. The formula: Length × Width × Depth(in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards needed.
- Flower beds/gardens: 2–3 inches deep (annual refresh)
- Trees and shrubs: 3–4 inches deep, keep 3–6 inches away from trunk
- Playground areas: 6–12 inches deep (fall safety requirement)
- Pathways: 3–4 inches deep
One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep or 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
Key Takeaways
- Standard depth: 2–4 inches
- 1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3" deep
- Keep mulch 3–6" away from tree trunks
Mulch Costs by Type in 2026
Bulk mulch costs $25–$80 per cubic yard delivered, with bagged mulch at big-box stores running $4–$7 per 2 cu ft bag.
- Hardwood mulch (bulk): $25–$45/cubic yard
- Cedar mulch (bulk): $35–$55/cubic yard
- Dyed mulch (black/red/brown): $30–$50/cubic yard
- Pine bark nuggets: $30–$55/cubic yard
- Rubber mulch (playgrounds): $80–$160/cubic yard
- Delivery fee: $50–$100 per trip (most suppliers)
Bulk mulch is 40–60% cheaper than bagged mulch per cubic yard. Buy bulk for projects over 3 cubic yards.
Key Takeaways
- Hardwood bulk: $25–$45/cubic yard
- Bagged mulch: $4–$7 per 2 cu ft bag
- Bulk is 40–60% cheaper for 3+ cubic yards
Mulch Types: Organic vs. Inorganic
Organic mulch (wood, bark, leaves) decomposes and improves soil, while inorganic mulch (rock, rubber) lasts longer but doesn't enrich soil.
- Hardwood mulch: Best all-purpose, decomposes in 1–2 years, adds nutrients
- Cedar mulch: Natural insect repellent, lasts 2–3 years, pleasant scent
- Pine straw: Acidifies soil (great for azaleas, blueberries), $4–$7/bale
- River rock: Permanent, no replacement needed, but doesn't improve soil
- Rubber mulch: Lasts 10+ years, best for playgrounds, doesn't attract insects
Key Takeaways
- Hardwood: best all-purpose, replace every 1–2 years
- Cedar: natural insect repellent, 2–3 year life
- Rock mulch: permanent but no soil benefit
How to Use This Calculator
Select your mulch type
Choose from hardwood, pine bark, cedar, rubber, or dyed mulch. Each type has different cost ranges and best-use applications for your landscaping project.
Set the desired depth
Enter mulch depth in inches. Most landscaping projects use 2-3 inches for garden beds, while playgrounds and pathways may need 4-6 inches.
Add your bed dimensions
Enter the length and width of each landscaping bed in feet. Add multiple beds to calculate total mulch needed for your entire property at once.
Review quantities and cost
See total cubic yards, number of bags, and estimated cost including optional delivery. Use cubic yards for bulk orders and bag count for small pickup loads.
Mulch Calculation Formulas
Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27
Bags (2 cu ft) = Cubic Yards x 13.5
Coverage at 3" deep: 1 cy = 108 sq ftWhere:
- Length, Width
- = Bed dimensions in feet
- Depth
- = Mulch depth in inches (convert to feet by dividing by 12)
- 27
- = Cubic feet per cubic yard (3 x 3 x 3)
- 13.5
- = Number of 2-cu-ft bags per cubic yard (27 / 2)
Free to Embed on Your Website
Add this calculator to your blog, resource page, or client portal — just copy one line of code. Your visitors get a useful tool, you get more engagement.
EstimationPro AI For Contractors, By Contractors From Material Quantities to Full Project Estimates
You have the numbers. Now generate a professional estimate with materials, labor, and markup included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of mulch do I need?
Use the formula: Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27. For example, a bed 20 ft long x 4 ft wide at 3 inches deep: (20 x 4 x 0.25) / 27 = 0.74 cubic yards. One cubic yard covers approximately 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
There are approximately 13.5 bags of 2-cubic-foot mulch per cubic yard. A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, and each standard bag holds 2 cu ft (27 / 2 = 13.5). For bulk projects over 3 cubic yards, buying in bulk is typically 40-60% cheaper than buying bags individually.
How deep should I apply mulch?
Apply mulch 2-3 inches deep for most garden beds and around trees and shrubs. Use 4-6 inches for playgrounds and pathways. Avoid piling mulch deeper than 4 inches in garden beds, as it can suffocate plant roots and create moisture problems. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
Which type of mulch is best?
Hardwood mulch ($30-45/cy) is the most popular all-purpose choice that decomposes slowly. Cedar mulch ($40-55/cy) naturally repels insects. Pine bark ($25-35/cy) is excellent for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. Rubber mulch ($80-120/cy) is most durable and ideal for playgrounds. Dyed mulch ($35-50/cy) maintains its color longer.
How often should I replace mulch?
Organic mulch should be topped off annually and fully replaced every 2-3 years. Hardwood and cedar mulch last 1-2 seasons before decomposing significantly. Pine bark nuggets last 2-3 years. Rubber mulch can last 10+ years without replacement. In spring, rake existing mulch to refresh it before adding new material on top.
Should I buy mulch in bulk or bags?
Buy bulk (by the cubic yard) for projects over 3 cubic yards. Bulk mulch costs $25-55 per cubic yard vs. $4-7 per 2-cu-ft bag ($54-94 per cubic yard equivalent). Bulk delivery typically costs $50-100. Buy bags for small projects under 2 cubic yards, tight access areas, or when you need precise amounts for multiple bed types.
Why Contractors Choose EstimationPro AI
Estimates in 60 Seconds
AI generates detailed, line-item estimates from basic project details. No more hours on spreadsheets.
Accurate Pricing Data
Built on real contractor pricing and industry cost databases, updated for 2026 market conditions.
Professional Proposals
Send polished PDF estimates with your branding. Clients see a professional contractor they can trust.
Get Paid Faster
Built-in invoicing and Stripe payments. Collect deposits and progress payments directly from estimates.
Related Free Tools
Drywall Calculator
Calculate drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, and screws needed for any room. Enter dimensions to get a complete materials list.
Fence Calculator
Calculate fence materials and costs. Enter linear feet and fence type to get posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and total cost estimates.
Concrete Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of concrete needed for slabs, footings, columns, and walls. Enter dimensions to get volume, bags, and cost estimates.
Roofing Calculator
Calculate roofing materials and costs. Enter roof dimensions and pitch to get shingles, underlayment, flashing, and total project cost.
Paint Calculator
Calculate how much paint you need for any room or surface. Enter dimensions and get gallons needed, with cost estimates for different paint grades.
Gravel Calculator
Calculate tons and cubic yards of gravel needed for driveways, paths, and landscaping. Enter area dimensions and depth for accurate estimates.
Sand Calculator
Calculate tons and cubic yards of sand needed for bedding, fill, masonry, and concrete projects. Enter area dimensions and depth for accurate estimates.
Tile Calculator
Calculate tiles needed for floors, walls, and backsplashes. Enter area and tile size to get quantity, grout, and cost estimates with waste factor.