Mulch Calculator

Enter the average length and average width in feet of the area you want to add mulch to, select the depth (2" or 3") and click submit. This handy calculator will tell you know how many cubic yards of mulch you will need.

Mulch to conserve water, suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and to lessen erosion

Mulch is an organic or inorganic layer of nonliving material covering the soil surface around plants. The benefits of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or pine are manifold:

1. Helps to hold soil in place and minimizes erosion.
2. Minimizes evaporation and retains moisture for plants, allowing considerable water savings and reduced maintenance, especially during dry spells.
3. Keeps soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter, maintaining a more uniform soil temperature, which can improve plant growth.
4. Provides protective cover until plants mature (be careful not to bury seedlings).
5. Decomposes naturally to add nutrients and organic matter to soil.
6. Helps suppress weed growth, which can significantly reduce maintenance.
7. Enhances the aesthetics of a landscape design–a great top dressing that provides instant impact.

Avoid the use of too much mulch. Because mulch has so many benefits, some folks imagine "if a little is good, then a lot must be better" and create mulch volcanoes around trees. This type of excessive mulching creates unhealthy conditions.