How Much Mulch Do You Really Need? A Memphis Homeowner's Guide

Mulch is sold by the cubic yard, but most homeowners have no idea how much they actually need. Too little and you waste money on a second trip. Too much and you're stuck with piles you can't use. Here's how to get it right.

The 2-3 Inch Rule

The ideal mulch depth is 2-3 inches. Less than 2 inches won't suppress weeds or retain moisture effectively. More than 3 inches can suffocate plant roots and create drainage problems. Professional installers know how to eyeball the perfect depth—DIYers often get it wrong.

Calculate Your Square Footage

Measure your bed length and width in feet, then multiply to get square footage. For irregular beds, break them into sections and add them up. Most Memphis homes have 300-800 square feet of mulch beds total.

One Cubic Yard Covers 100 Square Feet

At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard of mulch covers about 100 square feet. So a 400-square-foot bed needs roughly 4 cubic yards. Always round up slightly—running short mid-job is frustrating.

Factor in Existing Mulch

If you're topping off last year's mulch, you need less. If you're starting fresh or removing old mulch first, you need the full amount. Honest assessment here saves money and ensures good results.

Delivery and Spreading Costs Add Up

Buying mulch in bulk is cheaper per yard, but delivery fees and the labor of spreading it yourself add up fast. Professional installation includes material, delivery, prep work, and spreading—often for less than the true DIY cost.

We Handle the Math

Mr. C's Lawn Care provides accurate estimates and brings exactly what your property needs. No guessing, no waste, no extra trips. We've mulched hundreds of Memphis properties—we know how to calculate and deliver perfectly.

Get your free mulch installation quote at mrcslawncarememphis.com. We serve Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Memphis, and Cordova.