Buy enough, without buying a mountain
How much mulch do I actually need?
Tell us the size of the area and how deep you want the mulch. We’ll tell you how many bags or cubic yards to buy—even if you are adding to mulch you already have.
What area are you covering?
1160 square feet of ground will be covered.
How deep should the mulch be?
2How will you buy it?
3160 square feet · 3 inches deep
1.63cubic yards
Or buy 22 bags at 2 cubic feet each.
- Total to buy
- 44 cubic feet
- Before extra
- 40 cubic feet
- Extra included
- 10%
How to use the answer
A little mulch goes a long way.
Mulch helps soil stay moist and protects plant roots from heat and cold when it is spread evenly.
- Add only enough to replace what has broken down; do not pile on three new inches every year.
- Keep mulch away from the base of stems and trunks instead of piling it into a mound.
- For an unusual shape, measure a few smaller sections and add the amounts together.
Where the information comes from
- University of Florida IFAS Extension — Mulch — how deep to spread mulch and how to protect plants
Questions gardeners ask
How many square feet does one cubic yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, or 108 square feet at 3 inches.
Should I subtract the space taken up by plants?
Usually no. Mulch still covers the soil beneath and between plants. Measure the whole bed, then keep a few inches clear around stems and trunks.
How much extra mulch should I buy?
Adding 10% is a useful cushion for uneven ground, settling, and measurements that are not exact. You may need less for a simple bed and more for an irregular area.
How deep should mulch be?
Two to three inches works well around most established shrubs, trees, and flower beds. Young vegetable plants and finely shredded mulch often need a thinner layer.