| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Mulch Cost Per Yard: $15 – $65 |
| Mulch Cost Per Yard (With Delivery + Install): $35 – $70 |
| Average Mulch Installation Cost: $175 |
| Where to Buy Mulch? Walmart, Menards, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc. |
Mulch Cost
Mulch costs can vary widely based on several factors such as type, quantity, and location. Here’s a detailed breakdown of different mulch costs:
Mulch Costs Installed
| Project | Square Feet | Average Cost Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Garden with Hardwood Mulch | 100 SF | $70 – $120 |
| Play Area with Playground Mulch | 250 SF | $175 – $300 |
| Flowerbed with Colored Mulch | 300 SF | $150 – $250 |
| Landscaping area with Wood Chips | 1,000 SF | $350 – $600 |
Average Mulch Costs
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| National Average Cost | $175 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $500 |
| Average Range | $140 to $290 |
Bulk Mulch Prices
Bulk mulch purchases can be more cost-effective, especially for larger projects. Prices decrease with larger quantities.
Bulk Mulch Prices
| Number of Yards | Price Per Yard |
|---|---|
| 1 Cubic Yard | $60 |
| 1.5 Cubic Yards | $50 |
| 2 – 5 Cubic Yards | $40 |
| 6 – 11 Cubic Yards | $25 |
| 11+ Cubic Yards | $15 |
Mulch Prices Per Yard
| Type of Mulch | Price Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Economy Mulch | $15 – $30 |
| Colored or Hardwood Mulch | $30 – $40 |
| High-end Mulch | $40 – $60 |
Mulch Prices By Type
Different types of mulch have varying costs depending on their properties and sources.
| Type | Per Foot | Per Bag | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Chips | $0.89 | $1.78 | $24.00 |
| Colored Mulch | $1.30 | $2.60 | $35.00 |
| Rubber Mulch | $4.00 | $7.00 | $150.00 |
| Cedar Mulch | $3.70 | $7.40 | $100.00 |
| Cypress Mulch | $4.07 | $8.14 | $110.00 |
| Hemlock Mulch | $1.67 | $3.34 | $45.00 |
| Shredded Hardwood Mulch | $1.50 | $3.00 | $40 |
| Double Shredded | $1.60 | $3.20 | $43.00 |
| Triple Shredded | $0.96 | $1.92 | $26.00 |
| Redwood or Gorilla Hair Mulch | $2.22 | $4.44 | $60.00 |
| Bark Mulch | $3.44 | $6.88 | $93.00 |
| Pine Bark | $0.96 | $1.92 | $26.00 |
| Pine Straw | $1.50 | $3.00 | $40.00 |
| Playground Mulch | $3.26 | $6.52 | $88.00 |
| Tea Tree Mulch | $1.58 | $3.16 | $42.00 |
Cost to Deliver a Truck Load of Mulch
Delivery costs can vary substantially depending on the size of the project.
| Project Size | Cubic Yards | Delivery Type | Average Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 Sqft. | 2.31 | Bags | $75 – $150 |
| 500 Sqft. | 4.63 | Bags or Pallet | $120 – $250 |
| 1,000 Sqft. | 9.26 | Pallets or loose load | $150 – $350 |
| 2,000 Sqft. | 18.52 | Pallets or loose load | $350 – $600 |
| 3,000 Sqft. | 27.77 | Pallets or loose load | $420 – $750 |
Bag of Mulch Costs
| Type | Cost Per Bag |
|---|---|
| Red Mulch | $3 – $10 per bag |
| Black Mulch | $3 – $6 per bag |
| Dark Brown Mulch | $2 – $10 per bag |
| Cedar Mulch | $3 – $10 per bag |
| Pine Mulch | $2 – $5 per bag |
| Rubber Mulch | $7 – $15 per bag |
| Purple Mulch | $4 – $10 per bag |
How Much Mulch Do I Need?
Mulch Cost Calculator
Calculating the amount of mulch needed depends on the area size and the depth of the mulch layer. For accurate measurement, use a mulch cost calculator.
Bag Mulch vs. Bulk
When choosing between bagged or bulk mulch, costs and convenience are factors to consider.
Bag Mulch vs. Bulk
| Type | Average Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Bags | $50 – $60 |
| Bulk Load | $15 – $25 |
Mulch Installation Costs
Mulch Installation Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Mulch & Delivery | $15 – $65 |
| Install Labor | $20 – $45 |
| Total Cost | $35 – $110 per yard |
Mulch Installation Costs By Size
| Project Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 250 SF | $120 – $260 |
| 400 SF | $160 – $400 |
| 700 SF | $220 – $700 |
| 1,000 SF | $320 – $1,000 |
| 2,000 SF | $640 – $2,000 |
Mulch-Blowing Cost
Mulch-blowing is a professional installation method where mulch is sprayed evenly over the desired area. This service is often more expensive but ensures a uniform spread.
Mulching Sheet Prices
Mulching sheets help in preserving soil moisture and are a more structured approach to garden mulching, often adding another layer of cost.
Forestry Mulching Prices
Forestry mulching involves using machinery to shred vegetation and cover large areas, typically more costly due to the machinery and labor involved.
Types of Mulch
Mulch types come in various materials, colors, and costs, each suited to different landscaping needs.
Mulch Types & Prices
| Color | Cost Per Cubic Foot | Cost Per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Mulch (Walnut) | $1.11 | $29.97 |
| Red Mulch (Color Scape) | $1.29 | $34.95 |
| Black Mulch (Hardwood) | $1.48 | $39.95 |
| Black Mulch (Rubber) | $4.81 | $129.80 |
| Brown Mulch (Rubber) | $4.81 | $129.80 |
| Red Mulch (Rubber) | $5.18 | $139.80 |
Colored Mulch Prices
Colored mulches are often chosen for aesthetic purposes and generally cost more than regular mulch.
Cost of Wood Chips
Wood chips are an economical mulch option and are best for covering large areas.
Bark Mulch Prices
Bark mulch is durable and effective in retaining soil moisture but can be pricier than other wood-based mulch types.
Shredded Hardwood Mulch Costs
Shredded hardwood mulch is popular for garden beds and often comes in single, double, or triple shred varieties.
Cedar Mulch Prices
Cedar mulch is valued for its pest-repelling properties and longer lifespan, though it comes at a higher cost.
Cypress Mulch Prices
Cypress mulch is durable and has a pleasant aroma, suitable for various landscaping needs.
Pine Straw & Pine Bark Mulch Costs
Pine straw and pine bark are affordable mulch options, widely used for landscaping purposes.
Rubber Mulch Prices
Rubber mulch, made from recycled tires, lasts longer but is one of the more expensive mulch types available.
Redwood or Gorilla Hair Mulch Prices
Redwood or Gorilla Hair mulch is a premium mulch type with a unique texture and aesthetic appeal.
Hemlock Mulch Prices
Hemlock mulch is another aesthetic mulch option, made from hemlock tree bark.
Additional Types
There are several other mulch types such as tea tree mulch, nutshell mulch, and straw mulch, each with its own cost range and benefits.
Where is Mulch Typically Used?
Mulch is versatile and used in various applications including:
- Garden beds
- Play areas
- Pathways
- Around trees and shrubs
- Erosion control
DIY Mulching Tips
For those who prefer handling landscaping tasks themselves, here are some tips:
- Calculate the right amount of mulch
- Remove weeds before applying mulch
- Create a mulch barrier to prevent spreading
- Water the area after mulching
Mulch Safety Issues
Be aware of potential mulch safety issues such as:
- Mulch fires
- Toxicity to pets in certain types of mulch
- Mold growth in overly thick mulch layers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Tip For Mulch Delivery?
Tipping for mulch delivery is optional, but appreciated for good service.
How Many Bags of Mulch Are in a Yard?
Typically, 13.5 bags (2 cubic feet each) are equivalent to one cubic yard.
How Much Does a Bag of Mulch Weigh?
A bag of mulch can weigh around 20 to 50 pounds, depending on the type.
How Many Cubic Feet Are in a Yard of Mulch?
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard of mulch.
Should I Remove Old Mulch?
It’s generally recommended to remove old mulch to avoid excessive buildup and potential mold issues.
How Do You Get Rid of Old Mulch?
Old mulch can be composted or used as garden soil amendment after ensuring it’s free of diseases.
Does Wood Mulch Attract Termites?
Wood mulch can attract termites, but certain types like cedar have natural repellents.
Can You Mulch After Rain?
Yes, mulching after rain can help retain soil moisture.
Can You Put Mulch Down in Fall or Winter?
Mulching in fall or winter helps protect plants from temperature extremes.
Can I Use Sawdust as Mulch or a Soil Amendment?
Sawdust can be used as mulch if it doesn’t come from treated wood, but may draw nitrogen from soil.
Can I Use Newspaper as Mulch?
Yes, a layer of newspaper can act as a weed barrier before applying traditional mulch.
Where to Buy Mulch?
Mulch can be purchased from various retail and specialty stores.
Where to Buy Mulch?
| Stores | Lowest Price Per Bag |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $1.97 |
| Menards | $1.99 |
| Lowe’s | $1.99 |
| Home Depot | $2.50 |
| Tractor Supply | $3.99 |
