How much does mulch cost?
How much does mulch cost?
$25 – $100 average cost per cubic yard (materials only)
$50 – $150 average cost per cubic yard (delivery + install)
Average mulch prices
Mulch prices are $2 to $8 per bag or $25 to $100 per cubic yard for materials alone. Including delivery and installation, mulch costs $50 to $150 per cubic yard. Actual prices vary depending on the color, volume, and labor rates. Mulch made of bark or wood costs less than rubber or stone mulch.
| Unit | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Mulch only (per bag) | $2 – $8 |
| Mulch only (per cubic yard) | $25 – $100 |
| Installed cost (per cubic yard) | $50 – $150 |
Mulch cost per yard
Mulch costs $25 to $100 per cubic yard for materials alone and $50 to $150 per cubic yard on average with installation. Most suppliers sell mulch by the cubic yard, sometimes offering better rates for larger quantities. Most mulch beds have a depth of 2 to 4 inches.
| Cubic yards* | Average price (materials only) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (108 square feet) | $25 – $100 | $50 – $150 |
| 2 (216 square feet) | $50 – $200 | $100 – $300 |
| 3 (324 square feet) | $75 – $300 | $150 – $450 |
| 4 (432 square feet) | $100 – $400 | $200 – $600 |
| 5 (540 square feet) | $125 – $500 | $250 – $750 |
| 6 (648 square feet) | $150 – $600 | $300 – $900 |
*Square footage with a depth of 3 inches
If your project requires less than one cubic yard, you can buy mulch by the bag instead. One bag usually contains 1 to 3 cubic feet, which will cover 4 to 12 square feet at a depth of 3 inches.
How much mulch do I need?
Type in the dimensions of your mulch project in the calculator below to find the number of cubic yards, bags required, and the estimated total cost.
///// NOTE: The old mulch cost guide has an embedded interactive calculator that we can reuse here.
Cost of mulch by type
There are two main types of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch made from plants or trees costs less on average than inorganic mulch made from rubber or rocks, as shown below:
| Mulch type | Average cost per cubic yard | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Organic | $25 – $100 | Pine straw, hay, bark, wood chips, tea tree, hemlock, redwood, cedar, cypress |
| Inorganic | $30 – $180 | Stone, gravel, rubber, lava rock, glass, synthetic pine straw |
Organic
Mulch made from organic materials costs $25 to $100 per cubic yard. The most popular options are cypress, pine bark, and hardwood mulch. These mulches are known for their durability, resistance to compaction, and ability to provide good drainage. They are usually dark brown or reddish in color.
Organic mulches decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients, making them ideal for vegetable garden beds. However, because they break down, they require more frequent replacement compared to inorganic mulches. Despite this, their soil-enhancing benefits often make them a preferred choice for gardeners.
Inorganic
Inorganic mulches, like rocks or rubber, cost $30 to $180 per cubic yard. They're more durable and longer lasting than organic mulches, as they don't decompose. Inorganic mulches come in a variety of colors, adding a decorative element to landscaping. They don't enrich the soil but help retain water and suppress weeds.
Mulch cost factors
After you've determined the type and amount of mulch you need, you'll have to factor in other variables, like labor fees, site preparation, and delivery costs, which impact your overall expense.
Factors that can influence the cost of mulch include:
Labor: Professional installation typically costs $25 to $50 per cubic yard of mulch, depending on the complexity of the job and regional labor rates.
Quantity: Bulk orders could qualify for a discount, potentially reducing the cost per cubic yard. Forestry mulching costs $400 to $800 per acre, depending on the area size and number of trees on the land.
Color: Dyed mulches tend to cost more. Available in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue, green, tan, and brown, colored mulches add flair and visual appeal to your landscaping. Keep in mind that darker colors absorb more heat and may break down faster than lighter-colored mulch.
Site prep: If the installers have to remove old mulch or regrade the area, they may charge more. Leveling or regrading costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Mulch sheets: Landscape fabric, or weed barrier, under the mulch costs $0.05 to $0.25 per square foot, not including labor costs.
Delivery: Some installers charge a separate fee for delivery, which ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the distance and order size.
Accessibility: Limited yard access or a sloped yard can sometimes increase labor costs.
Time of year: Prices for yard work are often lower during winter months when demand is low, and higher during the spring and summer months.
Ask your installer if they offer mulch glue or mulch anchor, which can keep mulch and gravel in place using an environmentally friendly, water-based acrylic polymer. It also helps prevent erosion and color fading.
What is mulch?
Mulch is a layer of material that protects plants, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and enhances the appearance of the landscaping. It is made from organic materials like leaves, bark, or wood chips, or inorganic materials such as rocks or gravel.
Mulch regulates soil temperature, improves soil fertility as it breaks down, and acts as a barrier against drying winds and direct sun. Gardeners and landscapers use mulch to improve soil health and aesthetics.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
Most mulch bags have 1 to 3 cubic feet in volume, so you would need 9 to 27 bags to get one cubic yard. To find out how many bags are in a yard, divide the number of cubic feet in a yard (27) by the cubic feet in the bag.
How much does a bag of mulch weigh?
A standard bag of mulch weighs 30 to 50 pounds, depending on the type of mulch and the moisture content.
Does mulch attract termites?
Unfortunately, some types of wood mulch can attract and shelter termites. You can minimize the risk of termites by choosing a termite-resistant mulch such as cedar, cypress, rubber, gravel, or rocks. You can also take the following steps:
Use thin layers of mulch instead of high piles.
Make sure the mulch beds have proper drainage to minimize moisture.
Clean debris and leaves regularly.
Keep an eye out for signs of termites like mud tubes or hollowed-out mulch.
What is mulch used for?
Homeowners and landscapers use mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Mulch also enhances the aesthetic appeal of a yard border, tree ring, or garden bed.
How deep should mulch be?
You should keep mulch at a depth of 2 to 4 inches for most areas. For fine mulch like pine needles, you may only need 1 to 2 inches, while coarse wood chunks may need to be 3 to 4 inches thick.
Avoid piling mulch too high around trees or near the truck, as this can suffocate roots and potentially promote fungal growth.
Getting estimates from mulch installers
When getting estimates from mulch services near you, follow these tips:
Confirm what type of mulch is best suited to your area.
Obtain 3+ quotes from different contractors to compare pricing and services.
Vet each company on reliable sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Request a detailed, written estimate that includes material costs, labor charges, and an estimated project timeline.
Avoid paying in full until after they finish the installation.
Questions to ask a landscaping company
Before hiring a mulch installation or landscaping company, ask these important questions:
How long have you been in the mulch installation business?
Do you have the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in my area?
Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
What types of mulch are available? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each type?
How do you calculate the amount of mulch required?
What is the ideal thickness for mulch in my area?
Do you offer services to edge beds and remove weeds? What is the cost?
Do you provide pre-emergent treatments to prevent weeds? What is the cost for this service?
Is there a warranty on the mulch or installation service?
When can you start the project?
How long does a typical installation take?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.