How deep should mulch be?
A layer of 2 to 3 inches suppresses weeds and holds moisture in most beds. Thinner layers let weeds through; much deeper layers can keep the soil too wet. Topping up an existing layer usually needs about 1 inch a year. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
Bags per cubic yard
| Bag size | Bags per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 2 ft³ | 13.5 |
| 3 ft³ | 9 |
Bulk mulch is sold by the cubic yard and is usually cheaper for larger areas.
Measuring round beds and trees
Choose Circle and enter the diameter of the bed. For a ring around a tree, work out the full circle and subtract a small circle for the bare area around the trunk.
Frequently asked questions
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
At 3 inches deep, about 108 square feet; at 2 inches, about 162 square feet.
How many bags of mulch do I need?
Enter your bed size above. As a guide, 100 square feet at 3 inches deep needs about 13 bags of 2 cubic feet.
How much does mulch weigh?
It varies widely with the material and how wet it is, so it is sold by volume, not by weight. That is why this calculator shows volume and bags only.