Calculate mulch volume, bags needed, and total cost for your garden beds and landscaping projects.
Mulch Calculations:
Total Area: 80.0 sq ft
Total Volume: 0.74 cubic yards | 20.0 cubic feet
Bagged Mulch Option:
Bags Needed: 10 bags (2 cu ft each)
Bagged Cost: $35.00
Bulk Mulch Option:
Cubic Yards: 0.74 yards
Bulk Cost: $18.50
Recommendation:
Bulk mulch saves $16.50 - Recommended for larger projects
Coverage Information:
Weight: 445 lbs (estimated)
Coverage Period: 12-18 months
Annual Refresh: 25% additional mulch needed
Mulch Coverage & Sustainability Planning Guide
Volume Math
- ft³ = Area(ft²) × (Depth in ÷ 12)
- Yards = ft³ ÷ 27
- Bags Needed = ft³ ÷ BagVolume (2 ft³ typical)
Depth Targets
- Perennial beds: 2–3"
- Weed suppression heavy: 3–3.5" (avoid stem contact)
- Tree rings: 2" tapering, keep 3" clear around trunk (no mulch volcano)
Material Selection Drivers
- Bark / Shredded hardwood: Balanced moisture + breakdown (annual top‑off)
- Compost: Soil amendment layer (thin 1" + cover with bark)
- Stone / Rubber: Zero nutrient cycle, use where permanence outweighs soil health
Cost Mode Switch
- Bag threshold: Above ~10 yd³ project = bulk cost inflection
- Transport: Delivery fee amortized by volume—batch seasonal installs
Moisture & Soil Impact
- Reduces evap loss 25–40%
- Buffers soil temp swing (summer & winter)
- Organic decomposition → incremental organic matter gain (improves structure)
Annual Maintenance Cycle
- Rake / fluff compaction zones early spring
- Top‑off only to restore design depth (usually 20–30% of original)
- Spot weed pre‑emergent before top layer added
Common Pitfalls
- Over‑mulching (>4") → root suffocation / pest harbor
- Trunk contact → bark rot & girdling risk
- Mixing fresh chips with nitrogen‑hungry annual beds → temporary N tie‑up
Quick FAQ
- Dye safety? Most colorants are iron oxide / carbon based—allow curing before heavy rain runoff.
- Termites? Keep mulch pulled back from foundation sill plate exposure line.
- Fabric under mulch? Avoid over plant beds—restricts soil biology; use edge containment instead.
Tip: Layer coarse base + finer top for visual quality + aeration.