Order 5–10% extra. Beds are never perfect rectangles, and mulch settles. A spare bag is cheap; a bare patch all summer is not.
How much mulch or soil do you need?
2–3″ for established beds; new beds up to 4″. More than 4″ can suffocate roots.
Formula used: cubic yards = L × W × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27; bags = ceiling(cubic yards × bags-per-yard). Bulk usually wins above 2–3 yards.
Guides
FAQ
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
About 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags (27 ÷ 2), or 9 three-cubic-foot bags.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Usually, above 2–3 yards. Bulk runs a fraction of the bagged per-yard price, but watch delivery fees — the calculator shows both so you can compare your local numbers.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches for established beds. Deeper than 4 inches risks suffocating roots, and mulch piled against trunks ("volcano mulching") invites rot.
Tools for the job
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