How Much Mulch Do You Need?

Add each of your garden beds below. Mix and match shapes — rectangle, circle, or triangle. Enter depth in inches (or cm if you switch to metric). We'll calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, and the exact number of bags.

Units:
Bed 1

Mulch Calculator FAQ

How many bags of mulch do I need for a yard?
It depends on the depth. At 3 inches deep, 1 cubic yard covers 108 square feet. A 2-cubic-foot bag covers about 8 sq ft at 3 inches deep. Use the calculator above for your exact dimensions.
How deep should I apply mulch?
2 to 3 inches is the standard recommendation for most garden beds. Less than 1.5 inches doesn't suppress weeds effectively. More than 4 inches can suffocate roots and trap excess moisture against plant stems.
How much is a cubic yard of mulch?
Bulk mulch in the Richmond Hill area typically runs $30–$60 per cubic yard depending on type. Cedar and cypress are at the higher end; hardwood and basic bark mulch at the lower end. Delivery fees are usually extra.
How do I calculate mulch for irregular shaped beds?
For complex shapes, break them into simpler areas: a kidney-shaped bed can be approximated as a rectangle plus a half-circle. Add all the areas together, then multiply by depth. The calculator supports rectangles, circles, and triangles — combine multiple beds to handle complex shapes.
Should I remove old mulch before adding new?
Usually no. If the existing layer is less than 2 inches deep, top-dress with a 1–1.5 inch refresh to bring it back to 2–3 inches. If the existing mulch is compacted, matted, or more than 4 inches deep, remove excess before adding fresh material.

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