How Much Does It Cost To Install Mulch?

Mulch installation cost

Wondering how much mulch costs? Installing mulch costs between $100 and $300 for a typical garden, with an average cost of $175. This is based on a mulch price of between $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot for the raw materials, a mulching depth of three inches, and a garden size of around 500 square feet.

The following table shows the average cost to install mulch per square foot:

Mulch installation cost per cubic yard

In addition to the material cost, there’s the mulch installation cost to consider. A landscaping company will be happy to put down mulch for you, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $45 in labor per cubic yard of mulch.

Mulch prices

When you have a relatively small area to protect, you can purchase mulch pre-bagged at home garden centers or home improvement stores. Bags of mulch typically cost between $2 and $7 each. How much mulch costs depends on the material used, with premium material providing a longer lifespan and a more excellent overall appearance.

For larger projects, mulch is sold by the cubic yard (or just yard). One cubic yard can cost anywhere from $30 to $110 and equals 13.5 standard bags. 

Sometimes, mulch will be priced by square feet, instead of cubic yards. One cubic yard will generally cover 100 square feet at three inches deep. On average, mulch costs $0.60 per square foot.

Bulk mulch prices

Buying bagged mulch makes sense for smaller projects, but if you’re landscaping a larger area with mulch, you’ll want to buy in bulk. At $2 to $7 per bag, one square foot of mulch costs $0.25 to $0.88, versus $0.30 to $1.00 per square foot for bulk mulch.

Scoop of mulch price

A scoop of mulch may vary based on the company you buy from, but it should be around half a cubic yard and cost between $15 and $55 – plus a delivery charge unless you have a truck to pick it up.

Truckload of mulch price

For heftier projects, it will be the most cost-effective for you to have mulch delivered by the supplier. Trucks usually deliver 10 cubic yards or more but may deliver as little as two cubic yards. On average, charges for delivery will range from $45 to $100.

Cost of organic mulch by type

Organic mulch is made of natural materials, like wood and bark. Don’t worry; you’re not paying extra for the word ‘organic’! However, costs will vary based on the type of material, with cedar and cypress mulch being more expensive. Below, we’ll break down the types of mulch and average costs per cubic yard. 

Red mulch

Red mulch is the most cost-effective choice, and it also brings a touch of color to your yard. This type of mulch is colored with a vegetable-based dye that isn’t harmful to you or your garden. It costs an average of $30 per cubic foot, and the color will last for a few years before noticeably fading.

Black mulch

Black mulch is more towards the premium end of mulches because it matches the color of topsoil more closely than red mulch while still giving the same benefits. Black mulch typically costs about $40 per cubic yard.

Bark

Natural bark mulch is one of the more expensive options, but it also provides the most natural look, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Bark mulch comes in a range of colors and textures and costs about $95 per cubic foot.

Shredded hardwood mulch

Shredded hardwood mulch provides some of the same natural feel as bark mulch, and comes in at a lower price range - $40 per cubic foot, on average. This type of mulch is particularly effective on slopes or other areas that are prone to soil erosion.

Cedar mulch

In addition to all the other benefits, cedar mulch brings even more to the game. Cedar is naturally resistant to fungus, which will keep it looking cleaner for longer, and it also repels pests – like termites and ants. You can expect to pay around $100 per cubic foot for cedar mulch.

Cypress mulch

Cypress mulch includes the same benefits as cedar mulch but also repels reptiles. This type of mulch will cost you approximately $110 per cubic foot.

Hemlock

Hemlock trees are high in tannin, working as a natural pest repellent. All hemlock mulch is from a non-toxic species of hemlock, so there are no worries about it harming children or pets that might ingest it. Hemlock mulch is an economical option at an average $45 per cubic foot.

Pine bark

If you’re looking for a great option to mulch a large area, pine bark mulch might be the way to go. It degrades more quickly than other types of mulch, so it will need to be topped up periodically. The good news is that this inexpensive option is about $30 per cubic foot, and as it degrades, it improves soil quality and nourishes your garden.

Inorganic mulch materials

If you don’t mind a look slightly less natural than organic mulch, the materials below may be just the thing to control weeds and keep your garden looking trim and tidy year-round.

Landscape cloth

Landscape fabric costs an average of $0.30 per square foot and prevents weeds while still letting air and water through to the soil. Landscape cloth will degrade over the years and can be used as a base covered with more decorative material, such as stone or chipped wood mulch.

Plastic sheets

At round $0.60 per square foot, plastic sheeting is more durable than landscape cloth. However, it prevents water and air from reaching the soil, so holes will need to be made in it before any planting.

Rocks and gravel

Stone mulch is generally sold by weight at around $0.50 per pound, usually with an additional delivery charge. Rocks and gravel greatly reduce weed growth while keeping the soil healthy, but may require occasional weeding to keep the area tidy.

Labor cost to install mulch

Your actual cost for mulch installation will vary but generally falls between the $20 and $45 range. Landscapers will base your specific quote on these factors:

• The size of the area to put mulch on
• The type of mulch you choose
• The time of year you have the work done in – mulch can be done during winter months in some place, avoiding the premium rates for working during the high season.

Prep-work for mulching

To reduce your overall project cost without putting in mulch yourself, do these critical things to prep for landscapers:

1. Take out any existing mulch, or turn it over under the soil to help it degrade.
2. Measure the area that needs mulch so your landscapers can bring the right amount.
3. Weed the area and clear any debris.
4. If you plan to put plants in the mulched area, fertilize ahead of time. This is particularly important if you’re using plastic sheeting since the fertilizer will not penetrate it. 

Maintenance costs of mulch

Inorganic mulch, like gravel, will not need much maintenance beyond occasional weeding and topping up as the layer settles. This is particularly true if you use plastic sheeting or landscape fabric as a base layer. 

Organic mulch will need to be topped up, but the frequency will depend on the type of mulch you choose, as some degrade faster than others. The amount you need to add should be relatively small and is something you can do on your own or ask your routine gardener to handle.

DIY vs hire a pro

Adding mulch to your garden beds can be a great DIY project. Wood or bark mulch is light and easy to transport through your yard, making it a satisfying weekend project. Inorganic mulch, like gravel, is more labor-intensive to move, and covering a large area might be something you want to hire out.