Compost and manure help contribute valuable nutrients to the soil during the growing season, but it does break down quickly. You can also spread them around front walkways or foundations because they don't move around much.Ĭompost or manure: You can put this kind of mulch anywhere as long as you don't anticipate many weeds. Consider using the following organic mulches:īark/wood chips: Lay these around tree roots and shrubs or use them in garden beds where you don’t dig a lot. They’re also popular in parks and playgrounds because they don’t break down quickly and pad the ground, but you’ll still need to mix them with another kind of mulch if you want to nourish your plants. Inorganic mulches (particularly rubber mulch and plastic sheeting) are great for weed control. The best type of mulch to use depends on how and where you’re using it. Simply use a topsoil calculator rather than doing the math by hand. Certain softwoods are at the higher end of the spectrum, while materials like pine bark, straw, and shredded hardwood are less expensive.įAQs How do I calculate how much mulch I need? You can use your own yard waste as mulch for free, but most organic mulch on the market costs between $30 to $150 per cubic yard.

Most importantly, though, is that there’s an option for every budget. Most people reach for softwoods, whether shredded bark or wood chips. Inorganic mulches, like plastic or gravel, can cost well below the norm, while a material like seashell could cost way more. Most mulch ranges from $30 to $150 per cubic yard, but it depends on the material. Keep in mind, this doesn’t include delivery fees. Meanwhile, a truckload of mulch costs $550 for 20 cubic yards, which is enough mulch for 2,000 square feet at a depth of three inches. A scoop of mulch costs around $15 for 0.5 cubic yards and covers an area of about 50 square feet. For example, a bag of mulch costs $4 to $6 for two cubic feet, but only covers an area of eight square feet. The larger the quantity of mulch, the less you’ll pay. Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more.

Living earth mulch prices