“How much do I need?”
We are often asked “How much do I need?” By using the chart below as a guide, you will be able to determine just how much mulch you will need for a given area.
As a decorative ground cover we recommend 2 to 3 inches to adequately cover the soil and smooth out any uneven areas. On average, you will need to mulch at least 1 to 2 inches per year to compensate for natural decomposition and give your landscape a fresh new look. Additional mulch may be needed to reduce erosion of soil.
As a minimum to aid in weed control, and for proper insulation of plant roots, we recommend that you apply 3 to 4 inches of bark. It is best to spread bark in early spring or early fall before heavy weed growth periods. Thereafter apply 1 to 2 inches each year to maintain proper depth and a fresh, clean appearance. If additional help is needed for better weed control, a poly fabric weed barrier may be used underneath the mulch. We would not normally recommend such products for a weed barrier as it doesn’t allow moisture and air to pass through to the plant’s root system. At the customer’s discretion, a variety of pre-emergent granular herbicides may be used in conjunction with the Bark Mulch for longer term weed suppression.
Contrary to what some might think, properly aged Bark Mulch will not deplete nitrogen in the soil when used as a topdress mulch around plants. You will only need to compensate for nitrogen loss if the mulch is incorporated into the soil as a soil amendment. But as always, follow a regular fertilizing program for all your plants according to their individual requirements.
| 1 Cubic yard | 1 inch deep | will cover 324 Square feet |
| 1 Cubic yard | 2 inch deep | will cover 162 Square feet |
| 1 Cubic yard | 3 inch deep | will cover 108 Square feet |
| 1 Cubic yard | 4 inch deep | will cover 81 Square feet |
| 1 Cubic yard | 5 inch deep | will cover 64 Square feet |
| 1 Cubic yard | 6 inch deep | will cover 54 Square feet |
*Length in Feet X Width in Feet = Square Feet X Depth
We maintain stockpiles of double and triple ground mixed hardwood mulch. The double ground mulch is the best option for sloped areas; the texture is more course and the fibers “knit” together to hold on steep slopes. It ages to a light brown color. The triple ground mulch works nicely in and around garden beds, and as a top dressing on old beds.