Your cart is currently empty!
You need to ensure you’re ordering the right amount of mulch before placing your order to avoid overspending or falling short. Whether you’re covering flower beds, garden pathways, or around trees, measuring accurately can save you time and money.
To simplify the measuring process, we’ve created a handy calculator.
But if you want to double-check our work, here’s a simple guide to help you determine how much mulch you need before placing a mulch order with Yard Works.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Space
Before ordering mulch, measuring your landscape beds correctly is essential. Start by measuring the length and width of the area you want to cover. For rectangular or square spaces, multiply the length by the width to determine the total square footage. For instance, if your flower bed is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, the total area is 50 square feet.
If you’re working with a circular area, measure the radius (the distance from the center to the edge) and use the formula: Area = πr². For example, if the radius of your garden bed is 3 feet, the total area will be approximately 28.26 square feet. For irregularly shaped areas, break them into smaller sections, calculate the square footage of each section, and sum the totals to get an accurate measurement.
After determining the area, consider the desired mulch depth. A standard depth of 2-3 inches is typically recommended for garden beds to provide proper coverage without smothering plants. If you’re applying mulch for moisture retention or weed control, a depth of 3-4 inches may be more effective.
Calculating How Much Mulch You Need
Once you have the square footage and desired mulch depth, you can calculate how much mulch to order. Use the formula:
Square footage × Depth (in inches) = Cubic feet required
Cubic feet ÷ 27 = Cubic yards
Since mulch is typically sold by the cubic yard, you’ll need to convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27:
For example, if your landscape bed measures 50 square feet and you want to apply mulch at a depth of 3 inches, the calculation would be:
50 × 3 = 150 cubic feet
150 ÷ 27 = 5.5 cubic yards
In this case, rounding up to 6 cubic yards ensures you have enough mulch to cover the area adequately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring
When measuring for mulch, it’s easy to overlook certain factors that can impact your calculations.
- Failing to account for uneven terrain or slopes can lead to ordering too little mulch.
- It’s also important to consider settling, as mulch can compact over time, meaning ordering a little extra can prevent the need for additional orders later.
- Another common mistake is underestimating the depth needed, resulting in thin coverage that fails to provide the intended benefits.
Why Order Mulch from Yard Works?
Choosing a reliable mulch supplier is just as important as measuring accurately. Yard Works provides high-quality, in-house manufactured mulch that guarantees consistency and longevity. With free bulk delivery throughout the Richmond area and convenient pickup locations, Yard Works makes it easy to get the right amount of mulch for your project without the hassle.
Want an extra check on your calculations? Call us and give us the details on your plan. We’ll confirm you’re getting the right amount of mulch before you order it.
Get It Right, and Get It Done
Measuring your landscape before ordering mulch ensures you get the perfect amount for your needs. Following these simple steps, you can avoid over-ordering, prevent unnecessary waste, and achieve a beautifully mulched yard. If you’re ready to enhance your outdoor space, contact Yard Works today to place your mulch order and enjoy top-quality products delivered right to your door.
