Outputs. Recalculate. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. A cubic yard of mulch, which visually is 3 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall, weighs between 400 and 800 pounds. It is a non-organic material that decomposes slowly, taking hundreds of years. Next, determine the thickness of the mulch. Updated the Additional Considerations and Costs section with small changes to the text. Trees harvested for this purpose can have their bark used as mulch. The national average cost range is $150 to $400, with most homeowners spending around $275 for 3 cubic yards of bark mulch, delivered and installed. However, most organic mulches are spread out evenly over an area using shovels and rakes. Cedar is a dense mulch that does not break down quickly or migrate much. Typically, a cubic yard of mulch is good for nine bags of 3 cubic feet or eighteen bags of 1.5 cubic feet. Otherwise, fees range from $50 to $150, depending on the distance the mulch needs to travel and how much you purchase. Synthetic and non-organic mulches do not break down. Mulch Blowing Cost Mulch blowing costs $50 per cubic yard . Pine bark, pine needles and straw are also available to use as organic ground cover. These mulches can be gathered and laid by the homeowner, for no additional cost beyond the labor involved. Calculate project cost based on price per cubic foot, cubic yard or cubic … They cost around $125 to $150 a cubic yard on average. Should be kept several inches away from house foundations and wooden structures. However, the beautiful appearance of cedar mulch makes it a good choice for ornamental purposes. (For projects larger than 25 cu. If you live in an area where redwoods are plentiful, such as parts of the West Coast, it may cost less. One cubic yard of mulch covers 100 square feet at three inches deep. It improves the soil composition as it decomposes, making the area more fertile for plants. For example, oak leaves are highly acidic when they break down, so use them only in areas where you want to raise the acidity. This is the tree that is frequently processed to produce tea tree oil, an aromatic oil with anti-microbial properties. Gravel is a unique mulch material. They understand how to calculate the correct amount of mulch and determine the correct type for your soil and aesthetic needs. Use this cubic yards calculator to calculate the amount of materials you might need and how much your materials might cost. The lighter pieces migrate more with this mulch than others, so you may find yourself raking it more. Compost can be used as mulch for gardens. Some types like hay are placed down by hand using gloves for protection, or they may be broken up and raked into place. They tend to migrate because of their lightweight, which means you may need to replenish them often. With a two-person crew, one worker can prep the yard for the mulch by weeding while the other applies the mulch. It is something you use for function only. Wood mulch comes in different colors, so you can pick the one that works best with your landscape. Although bark mulch has a higher average cost, it lasts longer than shredded types. The only exception is for individuals who plan to produce compost and mulch on their premises, which varies by county. We’ll also help you understand the benefits to each, so you get the right product for your project. If you need less depth, it can spread farther. Doesn’t decompose — gives nothing back to the soil. It insulates well when on top, and you can break it up and churn it as it breaks down to feed the soil. yd. Check for dyes before choosing a mulch for your yard. This includes planning, application, and equipment handling. Mulch can add nutrients to the soil, but it may take time for it to break down. (For projects larger than 25 cu. Mulch is sold in large, heavy bags or loose in truck beds. 3. Compare the estimates and hire the contractor who best fits your needs. For smaller projects, … So, how many cubic feet in a yard of mulch? Think back to the example on … The amount varies depending on the use, area, how flat or sloped the ground is, and the mulch type. Rake and gather the shredded leaves, and add them to your garden. Added 1 question and answer to the FAQ section, and updated the costs throughout. For a lighter covering, you can make 1 cubic yard cover more are. You’ll most likely need to add soil amendments, like Miracle-Gro Soil, to create the ideal growing environment. Each one has a distinct appearance and provides different nutrients. Other types like plastic must be rolled out. Weed as necessary to prevent the weeds from spreading. Below are very general guidelines. Others are denser, requiring more to cover the same area. “How much for a ‘scoop’ of mulch?” a caller asks on the phone. FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheatsheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects. It does not break down over time, so it lasts longer than most organic mulches. It does not migrate as much as other bark mulch types, and it may repel some insects. This makes bulk more cost-effective in the long run. In most cases, a homeowner hires a landscaper for a mulching and weeding job. In most cases, you do not need permits or licenses for mulch application. please contact our team at 1-888-443-2855) Retains color and lasts longer than other mulch types. These are small pieces of tumbled glass in roughly the same size as organic mulch pieces. Updated the final costs with a new cost range. While a yard of stone weighs around 2,500 pounds (A ton and a quarter). © 2020 Fixr, all rights reserved. Taking this into consideration, a quick calculation can determine that in a ton of mulch there can be anything between 2.35 cubic yards and 4.4 cubic yards. It protects the soil underneath and aids in moisture retention. Each type has a price range, depending on the color and amount. Mulch delivery usually costs a flat fee of $50 to $150.​​. It will also not migrate as easily, although it requires some raking. Cost to use mulch varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). Both organic and synthetic mulches come in various colors and materials to enhance the appearance of your garden beds. Add disposal fees of around $50 to $100, depending on how much mulch is removed. One cubic yard of the material covers a 324-square-foot area an inch deep. There are many organic mulch types to choose from for your landscaping. This means it saves you money long term, even though synthetic mulches are usually more expensive than organic to purchase. Many tree types can be used for creating bark mulch. Have a big landscaping project on your to-do list that requires filling in natural areas with mulch or soil? One yard of mulch covers about 108 square feet at 3” deep. – 6 Ft. Divide this figure by 324 (56.52/324 = 0.2). You can go to your local big-box store or garden center and purchase bags to bring home and spread yourself. The cost to fertilize averages between $40 and $140, depending on the area. The mulch has much larger pieces that have texture. Examples of organic mulch include grass clippings, shredded leaves, bark mulch, chipped hardwoods, and even seashells. Mulch keeps moisture in the soil by preventing evaporation. To increase acidity, opt for shredded leaves. It costs between $2,000 and $3,000 on average. The amount of mulch needed to cover a garden area depends on the texture and density of the mulch … *Actual product quantities may vary depending on the mulch or soil brand and surface of the area being covered. The wood has a reputation for harming plants and being potentially toxic. Bark mulch is considered the best mulch type. Rubber is a good alternative to other types of mulch when you need a long-lasting material that protects the soil. This includes turning it over, breaking up clumps periodically, and maintaining the layer at 2 to 3 inches in thickness. On average, prices range from $150 to $400 for mulching a property. Get free estimates from landscapers in your city. Mulch applications are labor-intensive, with each bag exceeding 20 pounds. Also, the mulch is ready to spread and can be dumped right where it is needed. There are many types of organic mulch. Synthetic and non-organic mulches generally last longer than organic mulch. section. Landscape fabric prevents weed growth by blocking them from sprouting. By using Fixr you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, Get free estimates from landscapers near you. This has a cost of around $35 to $55 a cubic foot, so for 3 cubic feet, expect costs of around $105 to $165, making this comparable to other mulch installations. It is added on top of your soil to retain moisture and regulate the garden bed’s temperature. Landscape fabric is beneficial for placement under any stone or gravel. Mulch typically becomes less expensive per yard, the more you order at one time. Cubic Yards of Mulch: Number of 2 Cubic Foot Bags: Number of 3 Cubic Foot Bags: Basic (Free) Mulch … Bark mulch is one of the most common and recommended types. This adds nutrients to the soil. Some merely insulate and protect plants but do not enhance your landscaping appearance. But they can be sharp to walk on, so take care with children and pets. Link to Lowe's Home Improvement Home Page. Use our calculator to estimate how much mulch or soil you'll need for your garden and landscaping projects. #3. Worms and bugs help break down the compost and ready it for the soil. For large jobs, buying in bulk may be more economical than buying bags. Organic simply means that it is a natural material, not man-made, and it will break down eventually. Mulch is sold in two different ways. Rather than shoveling and raking it by hand, the landscaper uses pressurized air to direct the mulch. This has a richer, redder color and is fairly dense once shredded. The material does not migrate as much as some bark mulches, and it can last for many years without breaking down too much, making it a good investment. The mulch has a more decorative appearance, and it comes in several colors from red and brown to black, depending on the bark used. Chocolate is made from beans from the cacao tree. Inorganic mulch like rocks and gravel require little maintenance. The pieces are fairly regular in size, making it look attractive as well. Create an edge around garden beds to stop mulch from being removed by wind and rain. Workers’ Compensation Small Pick-Ups (S10, Ranger, etc.) Fresh cedar, cypress and eucalyptus mulches have pleasant aromas and insect-repellent qualities. Pine needles are difficult to get in large quantities from the ground, so it is possible to purchase larger amounts to use as mulch. The cost to spread mulch generally ranges from $55 to $75 per hour for a 2-person crew. This is an easy-to-spread material that breaks down fairly quickly. Inputs. Delivery costs are a separate charge from the installation fees. Redwood mulch is made from another aromatic softwood. ft.) approximately 3 inches deep You can calculate the square footage by multiplying length x width Some mulches spread more, so you can use less. It maintains its color for a long time, resisting fading better than other mulches. There are two types of mulch to choose from: organic and inorganic. Leaves are easily shredded either with a leaf shredder or some lawnmowers. A landscaper may charge more for mulch than if you purchase it directly from a nursery or home improvement store. 1 Yard of Mulch 1/2 Ton of Stone 1/2 Yard Topsoil Mid-Sized Pick-Ups (F150, 1500, etc.) More difficult to apply because of its light weight. Mulch blowing is a newer mulch installation. They have a wide price range, from $40 to $400 a cubic yard, depending on the shell type. Pine needles are aromatic, repel pests, and make a unique-looking mulch. For example, to fill with mulch a box with a width of 10ft and a length of 22ft, to a depth of 1in, you need to multiply 0.083ft x 10ft x 22ft = 18.333ft 3 (cubic feet) of mulch. Most homeowners pull out the weeds and add in new rocks as needed. They cost around $275 to $300 on average. Good choice for insulating garden plants from temperature extremes. The bean’s hull is rich in essential nutrients that benefit some soils. For larger lawn projects, consider bulk mulch to save money and trips to the store. The denser material is better for allowing sunlight and water to reach the soil beneath the layer. Home improvement and landscaping stores transport bags of mulch on pallets. A regular size pick-up will hold three cubic yards of mulch (a full load). The cost of mulch is going to depend on the supplier, the amount of mulch, and the type you decide to buy. Some landscapers spread bulk mulch as part of the overall cost, while bagged mulch must be spread by the homeowner or have additional installation costs. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Synthetic mulches cost between $40 and $3,000 a cubic yard, depending on the mulch type. Standard-size bagged mulch typically blankets 6 square feet, so buying it in this format is good for smaller areas. Rewrote the Mulch Maintenance section to remove the bullet points. Added the How Much Mulch Do I Need? The bark has the unique scent of the tea tree, but not everyone finds this a pleasant aroma. Whether you want to improve your landscape appearance or protect the soil in your garden beds, mulch can be a great solution. Depending on the hardwood, it can be several different colors and have larger or smaller pieces. With the Lowe’s Mulch and Soil Calculator, figuring out exactly how much you need for the allotted space is easy. Area in Square Feet: Depth in Inches. Pine needles are the leaves of coniferous trees, such as pine, hemlock, and cedar. It works well in numerous areas, including with slopes, garden beds, and just for landscaping. It is lighter than hardwood mulch, so it is better for flat surfaces than slopes. Two cubic yards is about body level full. Mulch costs $15 to $65 per cubic yard for a bulk truckload delivery, and $35 to $110 per yard for delivery and installation. The result is a fairly dense mulch, with larger pieces mixed into a loamy surface texture. 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