If you’re planning a landscaping project in New Jersey and are trying to figure out how much mulch you’ll need, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions customers ask is, “How much mulch fits in a cubic yard?” The answer can help you avoid over-ordering (and overspending) or, just as inconveniently, coming up short.
Whether you’re mulching flower beds, surrounding trees, or dressing up commercial landscapes, understanding mulch volume is key to a neat, efficient, and cost-effective job. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how mulch is measured, how far a cubic yard of mulch will go, and how to calculate your exact needs.
What Is a Cubic Yard of Mulch?
Let’s start with the basics.
A cubic yard is a unit of volume that equals:
- 3 feet wide x 3 feet long x 3 feet high
- That’s 27 cubic feet in total.
When it comes to mulch, one cubic yard of mulch typically weighs between 400 to 800 pounds, depending on the material’s moisture content and density. For instance, dyed mulch (like red or black) may be slightly heavier than natural mulch due to added colorants and moisture.
Common Types of Mulch in Cubic Yards:
- Shredded Hardwood Mulch
- Dyed Mulch (Brown, Red, Black)
- Cedar or Pine Bark Nuggets
- Playground Mulch or Wood Chips
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we carry a variety of high-quality mulch options in bulk for delivery across New Jersey, including Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Warren counties.
How Much Area Does a Cubic Yard of Mulch Cover?
This is the question most property owners and landscapers really care about. Here’s the general rule of thumb:
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~324 square feet |
| 2 inches | ~162 square feet |
| 3 inches (standard) | ~108 square feet |
| 4 inches | ~81 square feet |
So, if you’re applying a 3-inch layer of mulch—which is ideal for suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture—one cubic yard will cover about 100 to 110 square feet.
How to Calculate How Much Mulch You Need
To calculate how much mulch you’ll need for your project, follow this simple formula:
1. Measure the Area:
Length (feet) × Width (feet) = Square footage
2. Decide on the Depth:
Most flower beds and landscapes benefit from 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
3. Use a Mulch Calculator (or This Formula):
(Square feet × desired depth in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards needed
Example:
You want to mulch a 10-foot by 20-foot flower bed with 3 inches of mulch.
- 10 × 20 = 200 square feet
- (200 × 3) ÷ 324 = 1.85 cubic yards
We recommend rounding up, so you’d order 2 cubic yards of mulch.
Need help calculating? Call us at 973-347-3117, and one of our mulch experts can assist you.
Why It’s Better to Order in Bulk
Buying mulch in bags from a big box store might seem convenient, but bulk mulch offers several advantages:
✅ Cost Savings
One cubic yard of mulch equals about 13.5 bags (at 2 cu. ft. per bag). You’ll pay far less per cubic foot when you buy bulk.
✅ Convenience
Our team delivers bulk mulch straight to your driveway or job site, saving you multiple trips and heavy lifting.
✅ Environmentally Friendly
Fewer plastic bags means less waste. Bulk mulch is a greener choice for eco-conscious homeowners and contractors.
Tips for Mulching Effectively
🔹 Don’t Pile It Too High Around Plants
Keep mulch about 2-3 inches deep, but leave a few inches of breathing room around tree trunks and plant stems. Mulch piled against stems can cause rot.
🔹 Use a Rake to Spread Evenly
Dumped mulch should be spread with a rake to ensure a consistent thickness. Uneven mulch won’t provide even weed suppression or moisture retention.
🔹 Refresh Once a Year
Mulch fades over time—especially colored mulch like red or black. Refreshing it annually helps maintain curb appeal and plant health.
🔹 Weed Before You Mulch
Lay down landscape fabric or pull existing weeds before mulching. While mulch helps suppress new weed growth, it won’t kill what’s already thriving.
Delivery Available Throughout New Jersey
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we’ve been supplying homeowners, landscapers, and contractors across North Jersey with high-quality bulk mulch for over a decade.
We deliver to:
- Hunterdon County
- Warren County
- Sussex County
- Morris County
- And surrounding areas
Same-day or next-day delivery may be available depending on your location. Contact us early in the week during spring and summer—our busiest seasons.
Still Not Sure How Much You Need?
Give us a call at 973-347-3117 and tell us about your project. Whether you’re mulching a small garden bed or an entire commercial property, we’ll help you choose the right mulch and the right quantity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much mulch fits in a cubic yard—and how far that goes—can save you time, money, and frustration. With just a few quick measurements and a simple formula, you’ll be ready to order exactly what you need.
Bulk mulch is one of the best ways to elevate the look and health of your landscape. And when you’re ready, Kirk Allen Landscape Supply is here to help with fast, reliable delivery and premium-quality materials.
🌿 Ready to Order Bulk Mulch in NJ?
Call 973-347-3117 or visit KirkAllenLandscapeSupply.com to place your order today.
