AntoineAsphalt.caHow Much Mulch Do I Need?
Quick answer
Multiply your bed area in square feet by the depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 100 square feet at 3 inches. Toronto Master Gardeners don't recommend putting landscape fabric under mulch.
How deep should mulch be?
Plan on 2 to 3 inches. Lawn Love's coverage figures use those depths. For leaf mulch, Toronto Master Gardeners suggest about 2 inches in beds, and say "most perennials can happily grow through three inches of shredded leaves."
How do I calculate how much mulch I need?
Use this formula: cubic yards = square feet × depth in inches ÷ 324
Example: a 10 ft × 16 ft bed is 160 sq ft. At 3 inches deep: 160 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.48 cubic yards. Round up and order 1.5 yards.
Coverage of one cubic yard, from the formula:
| Depth | Area covered by 1 cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft (Lawn Love rounds to about 100) |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
Buying by the cubic metre? Use: cubic metres = square metres × depth in cm ÷ 100. One cubic yard is about 0.76 cubic metres.
Buying bags? A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so divide 27 by the bag size on the label. Lawn Love says one bag typically covers about 10 sq ft at 2 inches.
How much does mulch cost?
We found no Ontario price for installed mulch. Here is what we found:
- US: installed $72–$87 per cubic yard; bulk material $30–$135 per yard; bagged $2–$13 per bag; labour $55–$95 an hour, typical market range (Lawn Love, US dollars, October 9, 2026).
- Toronto: bulk mulch $50–$70 per cubic metre, typical market range (HomeStars Toronto, date not stated).
Should I put landscape fabric under mulch?
Toronto Master Gardeners say they don't recommend landscape fabric. Their advice is to remove it and take a no-till approach instead.
Does mulch attract termites in Ontario?
The eastern subterranean termite, which isn't native, has reached "more than 30 Ontario municipalities," according to the City of Guelph. Guelph asks residents to "use caution when donating or receiving any wood items that have been sitting outdoors on the ground," including mulch. It notes the spread depends "on the availability of surface dead wood."
We have not confirmed whether Hamilton, Burlington or Oakville have known termite areas. Buy mulch from a supplier you know, and be wary of free wood mulch of unknown origin.
Can I use fall leaves as mulch?
Yes. Toronto Master Gardeners suggest about 2 inches of leaves in beds. Shredded leaves break down faster. Whole oak leaves can take about 5 years.
Mulch calculator
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Check: 1 cubic yard covers about 162 sq ft at 2 inches (Lawn Love).
Formulas: cubic yards = total sq ft × depth (in) ÷ 324. Cubic metres = total m² × depth (cm) ÷ 100. Cubic metres = cubic yards × 0.7646. Bags = cubic yards × 27 ÷ bag size, rounded up.
Frequently asked questions
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
About 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or about 100 to 108 sq ft at 3 inches.
Do I need landscape fabric under mulch?
Toronto Master Gardeners don't recommend it. They suggest removing it and taking a no-till approach.
Can mulch bring termites to my house?
Termites are in more than 30 Ontario municipalities. Guelph advises caution with wood items, including mulch, that have sat on the ground outdoors. Buy from a supplier you know.
How many bags of mulch make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Divide 27 by the bag size on the label.
Related guides & services
Rather not shovel it yourself? See our mulch installation service.
Prices shown are US or Toronto typical market ranges, not Antoine's prices.
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