Use Our Free Mulch Calculator!
How Much Mulch Should You Order?
Our mulch calculator makes it easy to estimate how much mulch you need for your landscape beds before placing an order! Instead of guessing or buying too much, simply measure your space and enter the numbers into the mulch calculator to get a fast and accurate estimate in cubic yards.
To measure your mulch bed, start by measuring the length and width of the area in feet. For curved or irregular beds, break the space into smaller rectangles or sections and measure each one separately. Next, decide how deep you want the mulch. Most mulch beds use a depth of 2 to 3 inches to provide good coverage and help retain moisture. Enter the length, width, and depth into the mulch calculator and it will estimate the amount of mulch needed for your project! This quick process makes planning your landscaping simple and helps you order the right amount the first time.
How to Measure Your Mulch Beds
STEP 1
Measure the Length
Start by measuring the longest side of your mulch bed in feet.
For curved beds, measure the longest straight line across the space.
STEP 2
Measure the Width
Next, measure the width of the mulch bed from the front edge to the back edge.
Landscaping beds rarely have perfect geometry, and that’s okay. A close estimate works perfectly for a mulch calculator.
STEP 3
Choose Depth
Most landscaping beds look best with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
• 2 inches – Refreshing an existing mulch bed
• 3 inches – Installing new mulch or covering bare soil
• 4 inches – Slopes or heavy weed areas
TIP
Circular Beds
For circular beds, measure the diameter (the distance across the circle).
Example:
If a tree bed measures 8 feet across, enter 8 feet for both length and width in the mulch calculator.
Why You Should Always Order a Little Extra Mulch
One of the most common mistakes people make when using a mulch calculator is ordering the exact amount.
In reality, landscaping beds are rarely perfect shapes, and mulch naturally settles after spreading!
We usually recommend ordering about 10 percent extra mulch to account for:
• Uneven ground
• Bed curves and edges
• Mulch settling after installation
• That one corner you forgot to measure
Running out of mulch halfway through a project is frustrating. Having a little extra just means thicker weed protection.
How Much Area Does One Yard of Mulch Cover?
A common question when using a mulch calculator is how far one cubic yard of mulch goes. Here is a simple rule of thumb:
This is why most landscaping projects use 2 to 3 inches of mulch. It gives good coverage while still letting water and nutrients reach the soil!
2 inches
3 inches
4 inches
Order Mulch After Using the Mulch Calculator
Once you’ve used the mulch calculator to estimate how much mulch you need, ordering is easy! We make it simple to order mulch online in Grand Rapids and have it delivered straight to your driveway.
Our mulch is:
• Locally sourced from our tree service operations
• Processed using professional Rotochopper equipment
• Dyed for long lasting color
• Delivered in bulk so you avoid hauling dozens of bags
Use the calculator above, place your order, and let Tree Fish take care of the rest!