Mulch Quantity & Pricing Calculator

There are several types of mulch including organic options like wood chips, bark, straw, leaves, grass clippings, and compost, as well as inorganic options like rubber mulch, stones, and landscape fabric. Organic mulches decompose over time and improve soil quality, while inorganic mulches last longer but don’t enrich the soil.

Mulch provides numerous benefits including moisture retention (reducing water needs by up to 50%), weed suppression, soil temperature regulation (keeping roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter), prevention of soil erosion, and improved soil fertility as organic mulches decompose. It also gives your landscape a neat, finished appearance.

To properly apply mulch: 1) Clear the area of weeds, 2) Water the soil thoroughly, 3) Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks, 4) Avoid piling mulch against structures (volcano mulching), 5) Replenish organic mulch as it decomposes, typically once a year. Use our calculator to determine exactly how much you need.

The best mulches for vegetable gardens are organic materials that decompose quickly and add nutrients to the soil. Straw (not hay), compost, grass clippings (from untreated lawns), shredded leaves, and wood chips are excellent choices. Avoid colored mulches in vegetable gardens as they may contain dyes. Apply 2-3 inches after plants are established.