This dark color regulates soil temperature, making it worth the slightly higher price. Brown Mulch Brown mulch costs from $2 $10 per bag. Some merely insulate and protect plants but do not enhance your landscaping appearance. Cost to Install Mulch - 2023 Price Guide - Inch Calculator $ - When using an economy, wood mulch blend. For example, a bag of mulch costs $4 to $6 for two cubic feet, but only covers an area of eight square feet. On a local scale, factors such as mulch prices, labor costs, and delivery fees may be higher or lower than the average costs. Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted local pros. A bag of straw mulch weighs about20 pounds, while a bag of cedar mulch weighs40 poundsif completely dry. By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, Copyright 1999 - 2023 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In addition to purchasing mulch for landscaping, there are alternatives if your goals are insulation, moisture retention, or adding back nutrients to the soil. The contaminants are made of materials that arent biodegradable, so they can exist in your soil for a long time, eventually causing issues with plant growth. Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below: We track millions of estimates homeowners get from contractors and share those prices with you. The microorganisms that live in the mulch tolerate the high heat but die as the mulch cools. Companies load it directly into a truck bed and then deliver it without needing to bag the materials. Shredded hardwood mulch costs$1.50 per cubic footor about$40 per cubic yard. The national average materials cost to install mulch is $0.37 per square foot, with a range between $0.29 to $0.44. Good mulch contains microorganisms that are beneficial to your soil and plants. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. Cedar bark is considered one of the poorest choices. One cubic yard of mulch covers an area of about: 100 square feet at a depth of three inches. If you have a mulch pile from a truckload delivery, use your shovel to place the mulch into the wheelbarrow. The best type of mulch to use depends on how and where youre using it. Dyed mulch for a 160-square-foot flowerbed costs$75, and wood chips for a 500-square-foot landscape area cost$120 to $250 delivered. Homeowners can expect to pay between $17 to $68 per cubic yard of mulch, though this will vary depending on the types of mulch and the amount of mulch you buy. ): 5 cu yd 5 cu yd In general, organic materials cost between $50 and $150 a cubic yard. Inorganic much is typically more shallow, so you only need to use a 1-inch layer. Start Comparing Now Cost to Deliver Mulch Mulch usually ranges in price from $10-$60 per cubic yard (27 square feet), not including delivery or spreading. On average, mulch installation is $92 per cubic yard of mulch that is delivered and laid out. Delivery alone costs$45 to $100, and installation usually adds$20 to $45 per yardto the final cost. Economy mulch costs$15 to $30 per cubic yardor $2 to $6 per bag, while hardwood or colored mulch is$30 to $40 per yardor $3 to $8 per bag. Redwood or gorilla hair mulch costs$2.22 per cubic foot,$4.44 per bag, or$60 per cubic yard. Mulch blowing is a newer type of installation. Organic: Wood mulches, leaf, pine straw, grass clippings, straw or hay, newspaper. Termites are not attracted to the wood in mulch; its the cool, moist environment. Mulch can be delivered in bags, pallets of bags, or loose. Its also right in the middle of the price spectrum. Calculate each imaginary shapes square footage and then add them together to find the total square footage.Step 2: Decide how deep you want the mulch. Pricing Guide: How Much Does Mulch Cost? - Lawnstarter Spreading mulch in winter helps with insulation. When dyed with iron oxide and carbon, both red and black options, respectively, are deemed safe to use in the garden. On average, there are approximately 60 bags per pallet. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $0.81, coming in between $0.50 to $1.12. The cost to deliver mulch is typically between $50 and $150, but it depends on your area. If your home is far from the supplier, you may be charged even more. Cost to Install Mulch - 2023 Cost Calculator (Customizable) - Homewyse The average home requires 5-6 yards for an entire mulching job, costing $150-$270. Put on your gardening gloves and wear a face mask to protect against dust and other allergens. Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor. One bag typically holds 2 cubic feet of mulch. In general, 1 cubic yard covers 100 square feet with a depth of 3 inches. Once the plants have a good start in the summer, you can add more.. Look for the Mulch and Soil Councils certification logo, which guarantees it CCA free. Other budget-friendly mulch options include some types of bark or shredded hardwood. It is also easy to recycle and does not decompose quickly like organic materials, which could attract pests. This is often the least cost-effective method to purchase mulch, but it does make sense for folks who transport their mulch in a car or SUV. But how much is mulch for your yard going to cost you? 2. Most landscapers will also install the mulch for you. Choose a mulch that looks good with your current home and garden colors; it should blend in. For decorative, organic types of mulch (such as wood chips or bark), the rule of thumb is that the mulch should be replenished or replaced every year or two. Chips are not the best mulch for your garden plants, as the small wood particles tend to tie up nitrogen. The denser material is better for allowing sunlight and water to reach the soil beneath the layer. Too much can bury and essentially suffocate your plants because water and oxygen arent able to reach the roots. Create An Outdoor Oasis Through Landscaping. On the other hand, bulk delivery of mulch is an average of $220 for up to 15 cubic yards, which works out to be about $15 per cubic yard. Youll also need to consider how thick you want the mulch layer to be. Pine straw is an excellent organic mulch and is simply the fallen needles from a pine tree. Many homeowners are surprised that the cost of mulch per yard installed varies by the color, as companies charge more for materials that are dyed a certain color, compared to those in their natural shade. A bag contains about 2 cubic feet, so for a full cubic yard, you will need 13 bags. Buying in bulk is the key to saving on mulch costs. Other types provide better appearances or benefits that may make them worth the additional cost. Box. This is a faster process than laying mulch by hand, and its more convenient for larger landscaping projects. Inorganic mulch lasts longer but contributes nothing to the soil. After laying down mulch, add landscape edging to the garden bed to prevent the mulch from blowing away. Although not technically a type of mulch, plastic tarping is an inexpensive option for garden insulation. For a typical 250-square-foot flowerbed that needs 2.31 cubic yards of mulch, mulch spraying costs about$100. Many mulch companies use red dye to achieve in-demand shades of red, which increases the total price slightly, although not as much as unnatural greens and blues. The most common colors are red, black and brown. Common project involving mulch include: Adding traction to a large muddy area of the yard, around an above-ground pool, or under playground equipment. Most suppliers sell mulch based on cubic yards, but buying per bag is also an option. If you want to insulate your garden bed and add lots of nutrients to your soil, garden compost makes a great material costing between $75 and $100 a cubic yard. When wet, it's heavy enough to discourage weeds and stay put. Sometimes this can keep the plants too damp, and it encourages unwelcome pests such as slugs to feast on your plants. Some delivery companies offer truckload deliveries of just two cubic yards or 13.5 bags of mulch. A trees leaves contain 50 to 80% of the nutrients extracted from the soil and air. If you prefer tan mulch, budget around $30 to $45 per cubic yard. It depends on how deep youre laying the mulch. Multiply R by itself, and then multiply the total by 3.14 (). Once youve removed every pesky dandelion, youre ready to start edging. Manure supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as micronutrientsall necessary for plant growth. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? On average, mulch installation is $92 per cubic yard of mulch that is delivered and laid out. Some glass and stone mulch may be available in green, but the price is elevated for artificial dyes. Decide how deep you want your mulch layer to be, and write that number down. Kroger, the supermarket chain, will deliver groceries in about an hour for $9.95. It has a medium color and a fairly dense texture once shredded. It is added on top of your soil to retain moisture and regulate the garden beds temperature. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. The amount of mulch you need depends on the project. If you decide to use colored mulch that is not MSC certified, there are a few safety precautions you should take. An ideal mulch layer is 2 to 3 inches thick. Bulk mulch delivery starts at2 cubic yardsor about 13.5 bags. Sheets come in different widths and lengths and is usually a black or metallic plastic that covers the soil to retain moisture and inhibit weed growth. Pine needles are aromatic, repel pests, and make a unique-looking material. Avoid dumping a large amount of mulch at once, as this may harm plants or lead to some spots that are uneven and too thick. Laying mulch over dry soil is not a good ideathe water from rain or sprinklers doesnt penetrate the layer of mulch to reach the soil, which is detrimental to your plants. A cubic yard of mulch can weigh anywhere from 400 to 800 pounds, depending on the materials density and moisture content. Most homeowners spend $35 to $60 per cubic yard on mulch blowing, with an average cost of $50 per cubic yard. How Much Does it Cost to Install or Replace Kitchen Cabinets? mulch cost per yard (w/ delivery + install). Organic simply means that it is a natural material, not man-made, and it will break down eventually. The cost of one bag of mulch usually ranges from $2 to $5.50. Depending on the hardwood, it can be several different colors and have larger or smaller pieces. Pine bark mulch cost$0.96 per cubic foot,$1.92 per bag, or$26 per cubic yard. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages as well as different price points. The average cost of professional mulch delivery is $175. Delivering a truckload of mulch costs$15 to $65 per yardplus a $45 to $100 flat fee. Some mulch suppliers offer free delivery if you live close. You can go to your local big-box store or garden center and purchase bags to bring home and spread yourself. Dry mulch will usually weigh significantly less than moist mulch. On average, most homeowners pay between $17 to $68 per cubic yard of mulch or $2 to $5.50 per bag. This includes synthetic materials, which are man-made and do not break down over time, lasting longer than most organic mulches. Prices range from $40 to $60 a cubic yard on average. Delivery is typically included in the cost of the material up to 5 miles, and discounts apply for large quantities. However, it can be washed away quite easily in areas with water runoff. Dirt Delivery - Find Pros & Costs Within these categories, there are numerous options for mulch type. Mulch is a relatively inexpensive material, so you can do this project on a budget by cutting out the laborbut you may not want to. Youll need it for the next step.Step 3: Determine how many cubic yards you need.Multiply the total square footage of your garden bed by your chosen depth. If you notice yellowing on your plants after applying wood mulch of any kind, apply nitrogen fertilizer. Install Mulch: national average cost. A fall mulch also keeps the soil warmer for earthworms that provide soil aeration, improving the quality of your soil. One yard of mulch covers about 108 square feet at 3" deep. Smooth the mulch after you lay it down to get rid of hills and valleys. The cost to mulch an average-sized garden of 500 square feet will run you around $175, with most homeowners spending between $100 and $300 for a three-inch layer of mulch. How Much Does A Truckload of Mulch Cost? (In-Depth) So, if aesthetics are a concern, you may want to budget to replace or top off mulch after one year. The cost of a yard of mulch installed varies, depending on the type. The cost to fertilize averages between $150 and $550, depending on the area. The biggest upside to buying mulch in bulk is that it is often cheaper. When you purchase bags, you haul and move one bag at a time, which increases the time for the project. Get local cost Delivery time. Striking blue colors may not appear naturally, but when rubber tire mulch is dyed bright or dark blue, it creates an eye-catching appeal for playgrounds and gardens. 5 cu. yd. Black Landscape Bulk Mulch - The Home Depot Light-colored, wood-base materials tend to absorb nitrogen from the soil which can affect your plants. Landscaping is a seasonal job, so you may find lower quoted mulching service costs during the fall and winter months. Mulching not only benefits your garden, but it also adds curb appeal to your home. Cypress bark is one example with a natural tan color, but you can also find dyed versions that add a contemporary pop of color to gardens, playgrounds, and other outdoor spaces. Just know you may not save as much money as you would expect. Remember, you can expect to pay between $17 and $68 per cubic yard of mulch or $2 to $5.50 per bag. National average cost. What kind of mulch do I need? Your calculation should look like this:Total square footage of the garden bed x desired depth (inches) = XNext, divide the above total (X) by 324 (1 cubic yard covers a 324 square foot area with a 1-inch layer of mulch). Set Project Zip Code Enter the Zip Code for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased. On the lowest end of the cost spectrum, pine straw mulch can be effective at providing insulation in a front or backyardwhich makes it a worthy, low-cost option if you need mulch for insulation purposes early or late in the growing season. This makes bulk prices more cost-effective in the long run. X / 324 = number of cubic yards you need.If you plan to buy mulch by the truckload, you have all the information you need to make your bulk order. Even if you dont go that route, youll probably still want to hire a local mulch delivery service to deliver the mulch to your door. Paying a professional to install just 1 cubic yard of mulch will cost you much less than all that equipment. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. To determine how much you need, speak with your landscaper. Many types of materials can be used as mulch, and it can be spread in various locations. You also have to move each bag. 3683 Color: Deep Forest Brown Scotts Color Enhanced 1.5-cu ft Deep Forest Brown Blend Mulch Shop the Collection Model # 88659442 Find My Store for pricing and availability 3683 Color: Dark brown Premium 2-cu ft Dark Brown Mulch Shop the Collection Model # 90954 If you need less depth, it can spread farther. Find My Store. In the long-term, buying inorganic mulch might save you more money than organic mulch. Although installing mulch takes a good bit of time and effort, it is a simple project to DIY. Numerous gravel types and colors can be used. Dyed wood mulch helps keep the soil moist and slow the growth of weeds. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. Mulch costs $15 to $65 per cubic yard for a bulk truckload delivery, and $35 to $110 per yard for delivery and installation. Final prices depend on the size and number of trees on the land. These mulches dont add nutrients to the soil, but they still serve many of the same functions as organic mulch, including retaining moisture, preventing erosion, and protecting the plants. The fibrous nature of gorilla mulch makes it a choking hazard for pets. For larger projects or convenience, order directly from amulching delivery serviceto save on costs and have it dropped off directly at your home or construction site. Clippings don't look good and often smell, but they add nutrients to your soil for free. Though shredded barks and softwoods are some of the most common kinds of mulch, you can also use an inorganic mulch. Most importantly, though, is that theres an option for every budget. It can be poisonous to dogs and wildlife, so if you have pets who regularly access your yard and garden, you may want to choose another material. Mulch costs$175 to $375for 5 yards delivered with professional installation. $100-$400. If your lawnmower bags the clippings as you mow, simply empty the bag onto your garden. In general, you will want to lay mulch about two to three inches deep. Mulch falls into two categoriesorganic and inorganic. You need 13 bags to equal one cubic yard, so that is $40 per cubic yard, not to mention travel costs. Mulch is sold in two different ways. Grass clippings are the smaller parts of grass left over after mowing your lawn. Red mulch prices range from $30 to $40 per cubic yard because this color is very common, just like brown. If you prefer inorganic mulches, such as rubber or tumbled glass, you can expect a hefty bill. Pine bark holds its color longer than most woods that turn gray after a while. The average pine bark wood chip mulch cost is $30 to $40 per cubic yard.