Mulch: Coverage, Types & Depth
Pick the right mulch for beds, trees, or playgrounds and order the right number of yards.
Calculate mulch for your project
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature. Bulk mulch is sold by the cubic yard; bagged mulch is typically 2 ft³ per bag, so 13.5 bags equal a yard.
Standard beds: 2–3 inches of mulch. Around trees: 3–4 inches, kept 3–6″ off the trunk. Playgrounds: 6–12 inches of engineered wood fiber over a proper base for fall attenuation.
Dyed mulches use vegetable- or iron-oxide-based colorants that are safe for plants. Avoid mulch made from CCA-treated wood (rare today but check the source).
Common uses
- Flower beds and shrub borders
- Around trees and specimen plants
- Vegetable gardens (straw, leaf)
- Playground safety surfacing
- Path covering
Types of mulch
Frequently asked
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches for beds, 3–4 inches around trees, kept off the trunk.
How many bags of mulch in a yard?
13.5 bags at 2 ft³ per bag.
How often should mulch be refreshed?
Top-dress every spring; fully replace every 2–3 years.