Everything You Need to Know About Mulch: Benefits, Types, and How to Use It

1. What is Mulch?

Mulch is a layer of material placed on the surface of soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It can be made from a variety of organic and inorganic materials, such as wood chips, bark, straw, leaves, grass clippings, or even rubber. Mulch not only benefits plants but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of garden beds and landscapes.

2. How Many Cubic Feet in a Yard of Mulch?

When purchasing mulch, it’s important to understand how much you’re getting. One yard of mulch is equal to 27 cubic feet. This measurement is based on the volume of the mulch when it’s in loose form (not compacted). Knowing how much mulch is in a yard will help you determine how many bags or cubic feet you'll need for your project.

3. How Much Mulch Do I Need?

The amount of mulch you need depends on the size of the area you're covering and the desired depth of the mulch layer. A general rule is that a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch is ideal for most garden beds. To calculate how much mulch you need, measure the length and width of the area you plan to mulch, then multiply those numbers to get the square footage. Afterward, multiply that by the desired mulch depth (in inches), and divide by 324 to convert it to cubic feet.

For example, if you have a 10-foot by 10-foot garden bed and want a 2-inch layer of mulch:

• 10 x 10 = 100 square feet
• 100 x 2 = 200 (inches of mulch depth)
• 200 ÷ 324 = 0.62 cubic yards of mulch

So, for a 10x10 area with a 2-inch layer of mulch, you’ll need about 0.62 cubic yards of mulch.

4. How Many Bags of Mulch in a Yard?

How many bags of mulch in a yard depends on the size of the bags. Standard mulch bags typically contain 2 cubic feet of mulch. Since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, you would need 14 bags of mulch (27 ÷ 2 = 13.5, rounded up to 14 bags) to cover a full yard. This calculation is useful when buying mulch in smaller, bagged quantities rather than by the cubic yard.

5. How Much is a Yard of Mulch?

The price of mulch varies depending on the type and where you purchase it. On average, a yard of mulch can cost between $30 and $75. Organic mulches such as hardwood bark or cedar are generally on the higher end, while more basic options like wood chips or shredded leaves can be more affordable. Some garden centers may offer delivery fees, which could add to the overall cost.

6. What is Mulch Made Of?

Mulch can be made from a variety of materials. Some common types include:

• Wood Chips/Bark: Shredded or chipped wood, often from hardwood trees like pine, oak, or cedar.
• Grass Clippings: Fresh or dried grass, often from your own lawn.
• Leaves: Shredded leaves, which are a great option for an organic mulch.
• Straw or Hay: Often used for vegetable gardens or in areas where you need a light, airy mulch.
• Rubber Mulch: Made from recycled rubber, it is durable but does not break down like organic mulches.

Each type of mulch has its own benefits, so choose one based on your specific gardening needs.

7. What is Mulch Used For?

Mulch is used for several purposes in the garden:

• Weed Control: By blocking sunlight, mulch helps prevent weed seeds from germinating and taking over your garden.
• Moisture Retention: Mulch helps to keep the soil moist by reducing evaporation, which is especially important during hot, dry periods.
• Soil Temperature Regulation: It insulates the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Mulch gives your garden a finished, tidy look and can enhance the visual appeal of flower beds, paths, and landscapes.
• Erosion Prevention: It helps prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground, particularly on sloped areas.

8. What Does Mulch Do?

Mulch provides several key benefits for your garden. In addition to weed suppression and moisture retention, mulch also:

• Improves Soil Quality: As organic mulch breaks down, it adds valuable nutrients to the soil.
• Protects Plant Roots: The mulch layer acts as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of root damage from extreme weather conditions.
• Reduces Soil Compaction: Mulch helps prevent the soil from becoming compacted by rainfall or foot traffic.

9. How to Mulch

How to mulch is simple but important for getting the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clear the Area: Remove weeds and old mulch from the area where you plan to apply new mulch.
2. Water the Soil: Water the soil well before applying mulch, as it helps the mulch settle in.
3. Apply the Mulch: Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch evenly over the soil surface.
4. Keep Mulch Away from Plant Stems: Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems or tree trunks to prevent rot.
5. Replenish Mulch Annually: Mulch naturally breaks down over time, so replenish it every year to maintain the benefits.

10. What Color Mulch Looks Best?

What color mulch looks best depends on your landscape style and the colors of your plants. Some popular mulch colors include:

• Natural Brown: A natural look that blends well with most garden styles.
• Black Mulch: Offers a modern, sleek look and contrasts well with vibrant plant colors.
• Red Mulch: Adds a bold, striking pop of color, particularly suited for certain garden themes.
• Gold or Cedar: Lighter, warm tones that complement Mediterranean or coastal garden designs.

Choose a mulch color that enhances the look of your plants and suits your garden’s overall aesthetic.

11. How to Get Rid of Fungus in Mulch

If you notice fungus in mulch, it’s often a result of excess moisture or decaying organic matter. To get rid of it:

• Increase Air Circulation: Make sure the mulch isn’t too thick and that there’s good airflow around plants.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for fungal growth.
• Remove Affected Mulch: If the fungus is widespread, consider removing and replacing the affected mulch.

In most cases, reducing moisture and improving mulch conditions will stop the fungus from returning.

12. How Deep Should Mulch Be?

The ideal depth of mulch is typically 2 to 3 inches. This depth is enough to provide all the benefits of moisture retention and weed suppression without suffocating plant roots or creating an environment for pests. Too much mulch can also lead to root rot, so it’s best to stay within this range.

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By Bourne Brothers Landscaping