MULCH
MULCH
yd³ = ft² × depth ÷ 324
ft
ft
in
RESULT
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Recommended depth: 2–3 inches for shrub beds, 3 inches for trees, 1 inch for new gardens. Pine straw goes about 6 inches.
About this calculator
This mulch calculator tells you how many cubic yards of mulch to order based on the area of your beds and the depth of coverage. The standard rule is 1 cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch depth, or 108 ft² at 3 inches (the typical landscape depth). Bagged mulch is sold in 2 cubic foot bags; one cubic yard equals about 13.5 bags.
Common questions
How many bags of mulch in a yard?
About 13.5 bags of 2 cubic foot mulch = 1 cubic yard. Most home centers sell mulch in 2 ft³ bags ($3–5 each). Bulk delivery from a landscape supplier costs $25–45 per yard plus delivery — significantly cheaper if you need 3+ yards.
How deep should I lay mulch?
2–3 inches for established beds with shrubs and perennials. 3 inches around trees (but never piled against the trunk — keep a 3-inch gap). 1 inch for new gardens with annuals. Pine straw goes thicker — 4–6 inches.
When should I refresh mulch?
Once a year, typically spring before plants leaf out. You don't need to remove old mulch — just top up to maintain 2–3 inches total depth. If old mulch has matted into a crust, break it up with a rake first so water can penetrate.