Mulch Calculator

Calculate the volume of mulch needed for garden beds, paths, and landscaping areas.

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How to Use This Calculator

How to Use

  1. Enter the area length and width.
  2. Enter the desired mulch depth.

Tips

  • 2-3 inches (50-75 mm) is ideal for garden beds.
  • 4 inches (100 mm) for weed suppression around trees.
  • Don't pile mulch against tree trunks – leave a gap.

Common Questions

How deep should mulch be?

2-3 inches (50-75 mm) is the recommended depth for most garden beds. More can suffocate plant roots.

How much area does a bag of mulch cover?

A standard 2 cu ft bag covers about 12 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 8 sq ft at 3 inches deep.

How often should I replace mulch?

Organic mulch typically needs topping up every 1-2 years as it decomposes.

Should I remove old mulch before adding new?

Usually no — just top up the old mulch to the depth you want as it breaks down. Only remove it if it has matted, gone mouldy, or built up too thickly against plant stems and trunks.

How much area does a cubic metre of mulch cover?

At 50 mm deep a cubic metre covers about 20 square metres. The calculator works out volume from your area and depth.

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