Mulch prices vary depending on the type and quantity you need. Most homeowners pay between $72 and $87 per cubic yard for a landscape company to deliver and install mulch in their yards.
The cost for mulch alone ranges from $30 to $135 per cubic yard, depending on the mulch material. If you need less than a cubic yard, most landscape companies will sell by the bag. Bagged mulch costs $2 to $13 per bag and covers around 10 square feet at 2 inches deep.
This article draws data from big and small cities in the U.S., so you can get a better estimate of how much it will cost to lay mulch in your area.
Cost by location
Mulching costs vary depending on where you live. In general, larger cities and metropolitan areas tend to have higher fees than smaller towns, due to the high demand for landscaping services and the increased cost of living in these areas.
Check the table below for a snapshot of the costs to install wood mulch across the country, including delivery, materials, and installation:
| City | Average Cost Per Cubic Yard |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $81.50 – $99 |
| Boston, MA | $92.50 – $112 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $66.50 – $81 |
| Orlando, FL | $69 – $83.50 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Detroit, MI | $66 – $80.50 |
| Madison, WI | $68 – $83 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $69.50 – $84.50 |
| Boise, ID | $70.50 – $86 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $65 – $79 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $67.50 – $82 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $70 – $85 |
Cost estimator by project size
On average, mulch costs between $72 and $87 per cubic yard, including materials, delivery, and installation. For reference, a cubic yard is approximately equal to 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard of mulch covers about 162 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, or approximately 100 square feet at a depth of 3 inches.
| Amount of mulch and coverage at a 2-inch depth | Average Cost (materials, labor, and delivery) |
| 1 cubic yard (162 sq. ft.) | $72 – $87 |
| 2 cubic yards (324 sq. ft.) | $144 – $174 |
| 3 cubic yards (486 sq. ft.) | $216 – $261 |
| 4 cubic yards (648 sq. ft.) | $288 – $348 |
| 5 cubic yards (810 sq. ft.) | $360 – $435 |
| 6 cubic yards (972 sq. ft.) | $432 – $522 |
Note: If you plan on laying mulch – say, more than 2 inches deep – keep in mind that one cubic yard will cover less than 162 square feet. The thicker the layer, the smaller the area it can cover.
Cost by type of mulch
The type of mulch you choose has the most significant impact on your project’s cost. Mulching materials are generally divided into two categories: organic and inorganic.
| Organic mulch | $40 – $150 per cubic yard |
| Inorganic mulch | $30 – $210 per cubic yard |
Organic mulch
Cypress, pine bark, and hardwood mulch are the most common types of organic mulch. They break down, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose. Therefore, they are often used in vegetable garden beds. However, they need to be replaced more often than inorganic mulches.
| Organic mulch types | Average cost per cubic yard (materials and labor) |
| Bark | $83 |
| Cedar | $110 |
| Cypress | $135 |
| Hemlock | $50 |
| Pine bark | $37 |
| Shredded hardwood | $49 |
| Straw | $38 |
Inorganic mulch
Inorganic mulch include materials such as rocks, plastic, and rubber. Because they do not break down, inorganic mulches last longer than organic mulches.
Inorganic mulches are also available in various colors, which can add a decorative touch to your landscaping. Although they don’t give nutrients to the soil, they can still help with water retention and weed control.
| Inorganic mulch types | Average cost per cubic yard (materials and labor) |
| Plastic | $35 |
| Rubber | $100 |
Cost by mulch color
Mulch is available in various colors, from traditional brown to red, black, and even blue. Colored mulch ranges from $27to $120 per cubic yard, including installation. Although it can cost more than uncolored mulch, colored mulch can add a decorative touch to your landscaping.
Additionally, color can impact how often you need to replace your mulch. For example, black mulch will absorb more heat than lighter-colored mulch, so it will break down faster. In general, darker-colored mulches will need to be replaced more often than lighter-colored mulches.
| Mulch color | Average cost per cubic yard (materials and labor) |
| Brown | $27 – $107 |
| Tan | $30 – $55 |
| Green or blue | $40 – $62 |
| Black | $40 – $120 |
| Red | $77 – $107 |
Cost of labor
The typical cost of mulch is between $72 and $87 per cubic yard and that already includes installation and delivery fees.
However, some companies will charge a flat rate for their services, while others will charge by the hour. On average, the labor cost for mulching varies from $55 to $95 per hour or $22 to $55 per cubic yard.
The labor cost will depend on your project’s size and how easy it is to access the area you want to mulch. For reference, it will take approximately one hour to spread 2 to 3 cubic yards of mulch in a typical garden.
DIY mulching cost
Mulching is a relatively simple landscaping task when you have a small area to cover. All you need is a wheelbarrow, garden trowel, rake, shovel, and mulch.
On the other side, larger mulching projects can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Hiring a professional landscaping company is best, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.
The cost of the mulch itself can vary depending on the type you choose but it usually ranges from $30 to $135 per cubic yard. If you’re doing the job yourself, you’ll need some essential tools that will set you back around $179 if you don’t have them already.
Remember that delivery fees also will apply if you need a large quantity and don’t have a way to transport the mulch yourself.
Cost per bag
If you only need a small amount of mulch, landscape companies usually sell it by bag. A bag of mulch is generally between $2 and $13, covering around 10 square feet when spread 2 inches deep.
If you go for the DIY method and use inorganic mulch for your project, you can pay as little as $55 on average.
Cost of delivery
If you want to install mulch yourself, you’ll need to factor in the delivery fees. The delivery cost will depend on the distance from the mulch supplier to your home or business and the amount of mulch you need. In general, delivery fees range from $50 to $150.
Mulch is available in bags or by truckload. A truckload generally holds between 10 and 15 cubic yards of mulch, which is enough to cover between 1,500 and 2,430 square feet at 2 inches deep. Some mulch suppliers use pickup trucks instead, which hold between 1 to 3 yards of mulch.
Some companies may charge a flat delivery fee, while others will charge by the mile. You can save on delivery fees by picking up the mulch yourself. However, if you decide to buy bulk mulch, you will need a truck or trailer to transport it.
Other factors that affect cost
When planning a mulching project, it is essential to factor in the cost of the mulch itself and other services that also may be required. For example, if you need to remove existing mulch or vegetation before adding new mulch, this will add to the cost of your project.
Mulch blowing
Mulch blowing is a quick and easy way to apply mulch to your landscape. The company will use a machine to blow the mulch into place, saving you time and money on labor costs.
Mulch blowing typically costs between $38 and $60 per cubic yard, depending on the company and the size of your project.
Mulching sheets
Mulching sheets, also called landscape fabric or weed mats, are a type of groundcover often used in conjunction with organic mulch. These sheets help to control weeds and can extend the life of your mulch.
Landscape cloth is made from various materials, including plastic, fabric, and metal. It typically costs between $0.12 and $0.45 per square foot, the plastic option being the most affordable.
To install landscape fabric yourself, you must follow several steps, such as measuring and cutting the fabric to size, installing landscape staples, and trimming any excess fabric. The entire process can take several hours. Hiring a pro to install it for you may be worth it.
Should you hire a pro to lay down mulch?
Mulching is a great way to improve the appearance of your garden and keep the soil moist. It’s essential to select the right mulch for your specific needs and apply it at the recommended depth. Hiring a pro to do the job saves you time and effort.
Luckily, Lawn Love can connect you with pros in your area who offer mulching, lawn care, and gardening services. If you’re tired or your old mulch and want it removed, we also offer yard cleanup services.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Read More:
- Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do I Need?
- How Often Should You Replace Mulch?
- Ways to Prevent Mulch Fires
- How to Mulch Around Trees
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: ronstik | Adobe Stock
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