Mulch Calculator | Construzione

Mulch is one of the most cost-effective landscaping materials you can buy. It suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and gives garden beds a clean finished appearance. This calculator tells you how many cubic yards to order based on your bed dimensions and desired depth. The recommended mulch depth is 2 to 4 inches for most applications. A 2-inch layer works for beds that already have mulch and just need a refresh. A 3-inch layer is the standard for new beds or beds that have been cleared to bare soil. Going deeper than 4 inches can actually harm plants by trapping too much moisture against stems and preventing air circulation to the root zone. Mulch is sold two ways. Bulk mulch is delivered by the cubic yard and dumped in your driveway or near the beds. This is the most economical option for anything over 2 to 3 cubic yards. Bagged mulch is sold in 2-cubic-foot bags at garden centers and home improvement stores. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you need about 13.5 bags to equal one cubic yard of bulk material. Bags are convenient for small jobs but cost significantly more per cubic yard than bulk delivery. Common mulch types include shredded hardwood bark, pine bark nuggets, cedar mulch, cypress mulch, and dyed mulch in red, black, or brown. Shredded hardwood is the most popular all-purpose choice because it stays in place on slopes, decomposes slowly, and enriches the soil as it breaks down. Pine bark nuggets look attractive but tend to float and wash away in heavy rain. Cedar and cypress are naturally insect-resistant. When calculating total mulch for a property, measure each bed separately and add them together. Beds along foundations are typically 3 to 4 feet wide. Tree rings are usually 3 to 6 feet in diameter. Island beds vary widely. Draw a simple sketch of your property and note the dimensions of each bed to make sure you account for every area. Order 5 to 10 percent extra to account for irregular bed shapes, uneven ground, and settling. Mulch compresses and decomposes over time, losing about an inch of depth per year. Most homeowners top off their beds with a fresh 1 to 2 inch layer annually.