Mulch Needed
1.85 cu yd
Bags (2 cu ft)
25
Est. Cost
$56–$102
Most popular landscape mulch. Stays in place well.
Recommended for Shredded Bark: 2–3 inches
Add 5–10% extra for uneven ground and settling. Bulk delivery usually $50–$100 extra.
| Type | Depth | Cost/yd | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Chips | 3–4" | $25–$45 | 1–2 years |
| Shredded Bark | 2–3" | $30–$55 | 1–2 years |
| Straw | 4–6" | $15–$30 | 6–12 months |
| Rubber Mulch | 2–3" | $80–$150 | 10+ years |
| Pea Gravel / Stone | 2–3" | $50–$100 | Permanent |
| Pine Straw / Needles | 3–4" | $25–$40 | 6–12 months |
Inputs
Result
Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Volume = 200 × (3/12) = 50 cu ft = 50/27 = 1.85 cu yd. Bags = ceil(50/2) = 25. Cost = 1.85 × $30–$55 = $56–$102.
Inputs
Result
Area = 150 sq ft. Volume = 150 × (4/12) = 50 cu ft = 1.85 cu yd. Cost = 1.85 × $15–$30 = $28–$56. Straw is lightweight (~150 lbs/yd) and settles to half its depth.
Inputs
Result
Area = 120 sq ft. Volume = 120 × (3/12) = 30 cu ft = 1.11 cu yd. Cost = 1.11 × $80–$150 = $89–$167. Rubber mulch is heavy (~1,200 lbs/yd) but lasts 10+ years.
Most garden beds need 2–3 inches of mulch for effective weed suppression and moisture retention. The ideal depth depends on mulch type: fine shredded bark works at 2 inches, wood chips need 3–4 inches, and straw requires 4–6 inches because it settles to half its depth.
| Mulch Type | Min Depth | Max Depth | Settles To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded Bark | 2" | 3" | ~80% after 1 year |
| Wood Chips | 3" | 4" | ~70% after 1 year |
| Straw | 4" | 6" | ~50% after settling |
| Pine Straw | 3" | 4" | ~60% after 6 months |
A standard 2 cu ft bag covers 12 sq ft at 2" deep, 8 sq ft at 3" deep, or 6 sq ft at 4" deep. For a 200 sq ft bed at 3" depth: 200 ÷ 8 = 25 bags. One cubic yard equals 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft mulch.
| Bed Size | Bags at 2" | Bags at 3" | Bags at 4" |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| 100 sq ft | 9 | 13 | 17 |
| 200 sq ft | 17 | 25 | 34 |
| 500 sq ft | 42 | 63 | 84 |
Mulch deeper than 4 inches can suffocate plant roots by blocking oxygen and water. Excess depth traps moisture against stems and trunks, causing rot and fungal disease. "Volcano mulching" around trees (piling mulch against the trunk) kills trees over time.
Bulk mulch saves 40–60% for projects over 2 cubic yards. Bagged mulch costs $4–$7 per 2 cu ft bag ($54–$95 per yard), while bulk runs $25–$100 per yard plus $50–$100 delivery. Breakeven is around 2 cubic yards.
| Amount | Bagged Cost | Bulk + Delivery | Better Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cu yd | $54–$95 | $75–$150 | Bags |
| 2 cu yd | $108–$190 | $100–$200 | About equal |
| 5 cu yd | $270–$475 | $175–$300 | Bulk |
| 10 cu yd | $540–$950 | $300–$500 | Bulk |
Stone and rubber mulch are permanent and never decompose. Among organic mulches, cedar lasts 2–3 years, hardwood bark 1–2 years, and straw 6–12 months. Longer-lasting mulch costs more upfront but saves money on annual replacement.
Apply mulch in late spring after soil has warmed and perennials have emerged, or in fall before the first frost. Spring mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds during the growing season. Fall mulch insulates roots for winter.
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Last Updated: Mar 13, 2026
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