With its standout benefits for the soil and plants, mulch is an indefensible asset for all professional and recreational gardeners.
The most important benefits include erosion control, soil temperature regulation, prevention of weeds, and moisture retention.
But, how much is a yard of mulch, and does it fit into your designated budget for the garden for this year?
To explain the cost of a yard of mulch, we’ll have to explore important factors that influence the price. Those include mulch type, quality, location, and additional fees.
Types of Mulch
The price of mulch per yard is mostly influenced by the type of mulch you choose, the source, and the processing. The materials to build the mulch determine its benefits and durability, and finally the price.
Organic Mulch
Organic mulch popularity is on the rise, and so is its price. The transportation fees for organic mulch and the processing affect the final cost of mulch per cubic yard.
Some popular choices for organic mulch include:
- Wood chips – The most common option and affordable
- Bark mulch – Neat look
- Compost – Excellent for improving soil quality
- Leaves – Environmentally friendly option
- Pine needles – Acidic, and good for blueberries and acidic-loving plants
- Coconut coir – Suitable for water-retention
- Overall, organic mulch decomposes, so the soil can absorb all nutrients.
The typical cubic yard of mulch cost is between $30 and 60$.
Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulch is based on non-living materials, so it doesn’t decompose. Therefore, its role isn’t to add nutrients in the sole. Mostly, people use inorganic mulch for decorative purposes or erosion control.
Most common type of inorganic mulch are:
- Gravell,
- Stone
- Landscape fabric
- Rubber mulch
Overall, people who prefer low maintenance and durability may prefer inorganic mulch. Price-wise, inorganic mulch shows significant variations in the average cost of mulch per yard. For example, rubber mulch is more expensive than gravel and rocks, because of the complex processing.
Other factors that shape how much a yard of mulch, inorganic type, are delivery fees, size, and quality. The cost range is from $50 to $120 per cubic yard.
Factors Influencing Mulch Cost
When deciding on the type of mulch for your landscape, cost can be one of the most significant factors, especially if you have a large area to cover in mulch.
Type of Mulch
Mulch color, mulch texture, benefits, and maintenance as well as the price tag differ in various types of mulch. In general, organic mulch such as wood chips or leaves, is more affordable. However, because you’ll have to replenish it more frequently, due to decomposition, long-term costs may be higher than inorganic mulch.
The initial cost of rubber mulch may appear high, but compare its lifespan with the lifespan of organic mulch, such as wood chips to get a better overview of the cost. Typically, rubber mulch can last ten to 20 years, while wood chips decompose in one to two years.
Quality and Grade
Fluctuations in the cost of mulch also depend on its quality, processing methods, and look. The two options for premium mulch are the most expensive:
- Double-grind mulch – Fine texture is a result of extra processing
- Dyed mulch – Adding specific colors to match the style preferences
In addition to the better appearance of the premium mulch, the extra processing also results in an increased lifespan.
On the other hand, basic or recycled mulch is much cheaper. It contains larger pieces and the same benefits for the soil and the landscape as the premium type.
Quantity Purchased
With mulch, quantity plays an important role in determining price. Do you need mulch for 2 yards, 3 yards, 4 yards or more? Consider buying in bulk to save money on the quantity.
If you have a large-scale landscaping project, expect to pay less if you are buying in bulk. You can also consider purchasing an extra quantity and storing it for the later project phases.
If you are buying mulch in bags, it will cost more. However, it can be a suitable option for simple projects and specific needs.
Location and Availability
If you want to know the cost to spread 4 yards of mulch or whatever quantity you need, consider the geographical factors and current material availability.
Urban areas – Higher costs because of the high demand specific transportation fees and higher living costs
Rural areas – The natural abundance of mulch resources lowers the costs, offering a wide range of more affordable options.
Delivery Fees
Most homeowners may overlook the delivery fees when trying to
calculate the mulch cost. If you are ordering from local suppliers, expect lower delivery fees which won’t affect the final price significantly.
However, here are some factors to consider if you want to maximize savings with delivery fees:
- Quantity – Some suppliers charge extra for delivering large quantities of mulch as opposed to those who offer delivery discounts for bulk orders.
- Location – Research if you are in the radius of the suppliers that offer free delivery. Consult local suppliers and get information on free delivery options if it isn’t specified on the suppliers’ websites.
- Initiate self-pickup – If possible, pick the mulch yourself to avoid delivery fees; for smaller quantities, you can use your car, but large ones will require a suitable vehicle within a certain radius.
Additional Costs
Apart from the cost for the mulch, there are more factors that will determine the total 1 yard of mulch cost:
Installation
Hiring professionals to install the mulch will result in better performance. At the same time, it increases the price significantly. It is especially noteworthy for 5 yards of mulch cost and larger areas.
Landscape Fabric
Using a landscape fabric as a base layer for the mulch costs money, but it also enhances muscle benefits and saves money in the long run. For example, it can suppress weeds and extend the mulch lifespan.
Color-enhanced mulch
If appearance is significant for you, invest more money into dyed mulch to improve the visual appeal of your landscape.
Cost Comparison by Mulch type
Compost and wood chips are generally the cheapest mulch options. Refer to the table to get better insights into costs of mulch per cubic yard for bulk purchases.
For detailed pricing, you should contact your local suppliers, as the price can vary depending on the supplier, time of the year, and already-mentioned factors.
| Mulch type | Minimum price | Maximum price |
| Wood chips | $15 -30$ | $20 – 50$ |
| Bark mulch | $20- 40$ | $60 |
| Compost | $20 | $50 |
| Rubber mulch | $80 | $120 |
| Gravel/stone | $60 | $110 |
Where to Buy Mulch
If you have never bought mulch before, you may wonder where to look for and how to compare prices. Here are several places to look for mulch:
Local nurseries and garden centers: Great places to find different types of mulch, especially organic
- Home improvement stores: Some home improvement stores allow you to purchase mulch in bulk or in smaller bags, suitable for DIY projects
- Online retailers: With online retailers, you are not limited to several local suppliers, you can look for the ones with competitive prices, discounts for large quantities, and free delivery
- Landscaping companies: Trust landscaping companies to provide complete landscaping services, mulching included
Conclusion
How much is a cubic yard of mulch? The answer depends on factors such as mulch type, location, quantity, delivery fees, and quality.
Overall, the price range is from $20 to $110., with compost being the cheapest option. On the higher end is rubber mulch, but it is also the most durable option with zero maintenance needed.
When determining the budget for mulch, also consider whether you need to pay for professional installation or if you don’t mind doing it yourself. Always compare prices from several suppliers, to pick the most cost-effective option with the best discounts.
FAQs
Which mulch type needs the most frequent replenishing?
Organic compost decomposes, and over time it gets absorbed by the soil. Compost decomposes the fastest, so you’ll have to replenish it sooner than some other mulch type. On the other hand, gravel mulch lasts several years with minimal maintenance.
How to save money when buying mulch?
Compare the cost of a yard of mulch from different stores and buy in bulk rather than per bag. Also, look for local suppliers and arrange self-pickup options to minimize delivery costs.
Which one is better: natural mulch or dyed mulch?
Dyed mulch looks prettier and lasts longer than natural ones. It is an excellent option for homeowners looking to enhance the lifespan of the mulch layer while improving its appearance. The price of mulch per yard for dyed types is higher though.
