When you’re gearing up to tackle a landscaping project, one of the biggest questions you’ll likely face is: how much mulch do you need? Mulch is sold by the cubic yard, but if you’re like most people, translating that into cubic feet can feel like a math puzzle. So how many cubic feet in a yard of mulch?
A cubic yard of mulch contains 27 cubic feet. To break it down, a cubic yard measures 3 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep. A cubic yard will cover about 108 square feet. Understanding the right amount is key—not just for budgeting but also for achieving a healthy, beautiful landscape.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how many cubic feet make up a yard of mulch and what that means for your space. With the right calculations and a bit of planning, you’ll have the perfect mulch coverage to protect your plants, enrich your soil, and boost curb appeal. Let’s dive in!
What Kind of Work Can I Do With 1 Cubic Yard of Mulch
With a single cubic yard of mulch, you have a surprising amount of coverage potential, enough to take on several landscaping tasks around your property.
Whether you’re refreshing flower beds, mulching around trees, or enhancing a garden, knowing what you can accomplish with one cubic yard helps you plan efficiently.
Let’s look at some practical ways to put this quantity of mulch to work.
Flower Beds and Garden Beds
One cubic yard of mulch can give your flower beds and garden beds a fresh look while keeping the soil moist and protected.
For example, if you’re laying mulch at a recommended depth of 3 inches, a cubic yard will cover about 108 square feet. That’s enough to mulch a few small to medium beds or refresh an established garden.
Organic mulches like shredded wood or bark add nutrients to the soil as they break down, enhancing your garden’s health over time.
Ready to improve the look and health of your landscape with professional mulch installation? Southern State Landscape is here to help. Call us today at (919) 673-3956 for your FREE quote and get your project started!
Mulching Around Trees
Mulching around trees helps retain soil moisture, prevents weeds, and protects the roots. A cubic yard of mulch can comfortably cover the base of multiple trees if you keep the mulch layer between 2 and 4 inches deep and extend it to the drip line of each tree.
With a cubic yard, you can mulch several small to medium-sized trees or one large tree with a broad canopy. For trees, opt for wood chips or natural mulches that blend well with your landscape and provide ample ground coverage.
Creating or Updating Pathways
Mulch pathways offer an attractive, cost-effective way to add charm to your yard. Using one cubic yard, you could create a 3-foot wide pathway that extends roughly 36 feet, with a depth of 3 inches.
Mulch is easy to spread, low maintenance, and enhances the soil over time, making it ideal for walkways around garden beds or other focal points. Consider dyed mulches if you’re looking for a specific color to match your yard’s design.
Calculating Coverage for Bagged Mulch Equivalent
Wondering how many bags of mulch equal one cubic yard?
Most bagged mulch from big box stores comes in 2 cubic foot bags, meaning you’d need about 13 to 14 bags to match the coverage of a single cubic yard.
While buying in bulk can save you money, bags offer convenience for smaller projects or touch-ups. This comparison helps you decide whether to buy in bulk or by the bag depending on your project size and budget.
Enhancing Moisture Retention and Weed Prevention
One cubic yard of mulch can do wonders for moisture retention and weed control in your landscape. By applying a layer of mulch to your garden beds or around trees, you’re reducing water evaporation and keeping weeds at bay.
A consistent 2- to 4-inch depth across your beds or borders is effective in blocking sunlight from weed seeds, helping you achieve a low-maintenance yard. Plus, organic mulches slowly release nutrients into the soil, supporting plant health as they decompose.
Bottom Line: Maximizing One Cubic Yard
With the versatility of a cubic yard of mulch, you can handle multiple projects, whether covering large areas or refreshing specific spots in your landscape. From flower beds and trees to pathways and weed prevention, this quantity goes further than many people expect.
Whether you choose bagged mulch for ease or buy in bulk per cubic yard, mulch adds beauty and function to your landscape, creating a space that’s easy to maintain and enjoyable to spend time in.
Need a Bit of Help With That Mulch?
At Southern State Landscape, we understand that choosing and installing mulch can feel overwhelming. From selecting the right type to ensuring proper application, there’s a lot that goes into making sure your mulch truly benefits your landscape.
We’re here to make that process simple, reliable, and effective.
Why Professional Mulch Installation Matters
When you install mulch yourself, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Things like layering too thickly or spreading unevenly can limit the benefits mulch offers. With our professional mulch installation, we handle all the details, ensuring your mulch looks fantastic and performs well.
Our team has the expertise to select and apply the right mulch type, so your plants get the maximum moisture, temperature control, and weed protection they need.
Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Landscape
Every yard has unique needs, and choosing the correct mulch plays a big part in the overall look and health of your landscape. At Southern State Landscape, we guide you through the selection process, helping you pick a mulch that enhances both the aesthetic and functional needs of your space.
Whether you’re interested in the clean look of natural wood chips or the color pop of dyed mulch, we have options to suit every preference.
Enjoy a Healthier, Low-Maintenance Yard
One of the best parts about our professional mulch services is the reduced maintenance you’ll enjoy.
By applying mulch correctly, we help your soil retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and protect roots from temperature extremes. This translates into less watering, fewer weeds, and healthier plants—leaving you more time to enjoy your landscape and less time maintaining it.
Let’s Get Your Mulch Installation Started Today
Ready to improve the look and health of your landscape with professional mulch installation? Southern State Landscape is here to help. Call us today at (919) 673-3956 for your FREE quote and get your project started!