Mulch Calculator
Calculate how many cubic yards or bags of mulch you need to cover any garden area at a given depth.
Mulch area
Mulch needed
1.85 cubic yards
50 cubic feet over 200 sqft
2 cu ft bags
25
3 cu ft bags
17
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mulch Calculator
How deep should mulch be applied?
Apply 2 to 4 inches for established beds and 3 to 4 inches for new plantings to suppress weeds. Stay under 2 inches around tree trunks: deeper mulch holds moisture against the bark and causes rot.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, or 13.5 bags of 2 cuft mulch and 9 bags of 3 cuft mulch. Above 5 to 6 cubic yards, bulk delivery from a landscape supplier is usually cheaper than bagged mulch.
How much area does one cubic yard of mulch cover?
At 3 inches deep, 1 cubic yard covers about 108 sqft. At 2 inches deep, it covers 162 sqft. At 4 inches deep, only 81 sqft. Pick depth based on whether you are refreshing or starting a bed from scratch.
When is the best time to mulch?
Spring (April to May) is ideal after the soil warms but before weeds sprout. A second light top-up in fall helps insulate roots from frost. Avoid mulching wet, soggy soil: it traps moisture and chills the root zone.
Do different mulches have different densities?
Yes, but volume (cubic feet) is what bags and bulk yards are sold by, so this calculator works for any organic mulch. Shredded hardwood is heavier than pine bark or cypress, but coverage per cubic foot is the same.
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