Mulch calculator for Nebraska
Plan bed totals in yards or bags, with depth advice for plant growth.
Enter your project dimensions
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, the same volume as exactly 13.5 bags that hold 2 cubic feet each. Use the fields below for bed dimensions and depth. The calculator returns a bulk-order total in cubic yards and the matching bag count for comparison. Shredded hardwood weighs around 600 lb per yard, so mulch is sold by volume, and bulk delivery is not based on weight.
Calculate mulch for garden beds
- Add together the foot measurements for all beds. For circular beds, take the diameter, then select circle mode for the area.
- For existing mulch, apply 2 inches as a top-up. Start bare or new beds with 3 inches. Roots can lose air when mulch exceeds 4 inches.
- See the total in bulk cubic yards or as store bags, using 13.5 bags for each yard.
Bags (2 cu ft) = cubic yards × 13.5
Mulch coverage guide
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers | 10 bags (2 cu ft) cover |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | 240 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | 120 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | 80 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | 60 sq ft |
Common order amounts
| Project | Typical size | Depth | Cubic yards | ≈ Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation beds along the house | 40 x 3 ft | 3" | 1.1 yd³ | 15 bags |
| Four tree rings | 4 ft across each | 3" | 0.5 yd³ | 6 bags |
| All beds, average yard | ≈ 500 sq ft | 3" | 4.6 yd³ | 63 bags |
| Annual refresh of the same beds | ≈ 500 sq ft | 1.5" | 2.3 yd³ | 31 bags |
| Playground surface | 15 x 15 ft | 6" | 4.2 yd³ | 56 bags |
Bulk versus bags: cost comparison
Ten bags marks the point where bulk makes more sense. Bags suit smaller amounts. Past that point, bulk usually costs less, and free delivery takes truck rental out of the equation. After bringing home 15 bags, compare the totals before purchasing more. One delivered yard and a tarp over any remaining mulch finishes the job.
Mulch depths for plant care
- After loosening last year's mulch with a rake, add 2 inches over it.
- For uncovered ground, apply 3 inches. It limits weed sprouting and helps soil stay moist through July.
- Leave a bare 3-6 inches around each tree trunk. Mulch against the bark can cause rot and shelter rodents. Keep it in a flat donut shape, not a volcano.
- Do not go beyond 4 inches in any spot. Deep mulch that stays wet limits air around roots.
- Install no less than 6 inches for playground surfacing, using playground-certified chips instead of landscape shred.
Pick a mulch type
The calculator begins with shredded hardwood. Its pieces settle together, which helps it stay put on slight slopes. Chips and nuggets can remain intact a season or two longer, though heavy rain can float them away. Dyed mulch keeps its color while decomposing more slowly. Every option requires the same volume, so type changes appearance and renewal timing, not order quantity.
Preparing for delivery
Three yards creates a pile about as large as a small car. Open up a parking-spot-sized area of driveway and lay down a tarp before unloading, since shredded mulch can mark fresh concrete. Get it spread within a week or two. After a month in a large pile, the center can warm and sour. Allow 30-45 minutes of wheelbarrow time for every yard. Reserve the last half-yard for easy-to-miss beds behind the garage.
Common mulch math questions
How many mulch bags make a cubic yard?
How many cubic feet does a mulch yard contain?
How much mulch is required?
What area will a yard of mulch cover?
What does one yard of mulch weigh?
What is the cost of a mulch yard?
Will mulch bring in termites?
Can fresh mulch cover old mulch?
More calculators
Avoid the 27-bag cart.
Order shredded hardwood mulch by the yard for free driveway delivery.
