How Much Will a Cubic Yard of Mulch Cover?

Coarse, textured shredded bark mulch

The amount of mulch needed to apply and cover an area depends on the texture and density of the mulch material. Over time, the mulch settles, compacts and decomposes. One cubic yard of mulch equals 27 cubic feet.

Expert Insight

Robert Black, Edward Gilman, Gary Knox and Kathleen Rupert, horticultural expert contributors to "Your Florida Landscape" mention that mulches are maintained between 2 to 4 inches in depth. Small/fine particle mulches need to be maintained between 2 to 3 inches in depth after settling, while coarse mulch materials are maintained up to 4 inches in depth.

Calculations

Based on mathematical explanations in "Your Florida Landscape," the depth of the mulch layer determines how much of 1 cubic yard of mulch covers in area on the ground. If applied in a 4-inch layer, 1 cubic yard covers 81 square feet. Scattered at a depth of 3 inches, 1 cubic yard of mulch covers 108 square feet; a 2-inch layer covers 135 square feet.

Considerations

Instead of buying mulch in a loose, cubic yard form from a landscape supply company, investigate the cost of bagged mulch. Bagged materials are sold in units 1 to 2 cubic feet in size. For small projects, bagged mulch is easier to handle, and excess bags usually are returnable for refund. Bulk, loose mulch sold by cubic yard is not returnable, and excess material warrants storage in a pile out of sight.

References

• "Your Florida Landscape"; Robert J. Black and Kathleen C. Ruppert, eds.; 1998
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Landscape Mulches

Resources

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Landscape Mulches
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service: Landscape Mulch