Mulch is a key ingredient for healthy gardens and beautiful landscaping, helping to block weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature. But how much do you need?
The question is: how many cubic feet are in a yard of mulch? We’ll break down the math behind cubic feet and cubic yards to help you figure out exactly how much mulch to buy for your next project.
Cubic yards vs. cubic feet
One cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet. This is a vital piece of information when you’re trying to figure out how much mulch to buy.
A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet on each side. A cubic foot is a cube that measures one foot on each side.
Knowing that 1 cubic yard of mulch contains 27 cubic feet will help you figure out exactly how much mulch you need for your project and how much you’ll have to spend.
Calculating mulch needs for your garden
Once you know that a cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet, you’ll need to figure out how much mulch you need. Here are the steps to take.
Measuring your garden area
First, you need to know the precise area you plan to mulch. If you have a rectangular garden, measure the length and width. If you have an irregularly shaped area, break it up into smaller rectangles, triangles, or circles so you can measure each section.
To calculate the area of a rectangle, multiply length x width. The area of a circle is π radius².
Determining mulch depth
The next step is to decide how deep you want your mulch to be. A layer of 2 inches can often keep weeds at bay, but a 4-inch layer will do a better job of controlling weeds and retaining moisture. Just be sure to keep mulch away from tree trunks.
The deeper the mulch, the more cubic feet you’ll need for each square foot.
Bulk vs. Bagged Mulch: Volume and Cost
Now that we’ve established that one cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet, let’s think about how that translates when buying mulch.
Most bagged mulch comes in 2-cubic-foot bags. So, it’ll take about 13.5 of those bags to make one cubic yard.
You’ll also want to consider the cost. Bulk mulch is usually cheaper per cubic foot than bagged, but you may have to pay for delivery. Bagged mulch costs more per cubic foot, but it’s easier to haul if you only need a small amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 2 cubic foot bags are in a yard of mulch?
Since one yard of mulch contains 27 cubic feet, you’ll need 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags to make up a yard. Because you can’t buy half a bag, you’ll typically need to purchase 14 bags to have enough mulch to cover a full yard. It’s always a good idea to slightly overestimate to account for settling and uneven spreading.
How many cubic feet does it take to make a yard of mulch?
A standard yard of mulch is equivalent to 27 cubic feet. This is a fixed measurement, regardless of the type of mulch you’re using (wood chips, shredded bark, etc.). When calculating how much mulch you need for your garden or landscaping project, remember this 27 cubic foot conversion to ensure you purchase the correct amount.
Summary
To sum it up: One cubic yard of mulch contains 27 cubic feet. Knowing this, you can easily calculate how much mulch you need for your garden or landscaping project. Measuring accurately and figuring out the depth you want will help you make the most of your mulch and beautify your outdoor space!