A “scoop” is the standard unit of measurement used when purchasing bulk landscape materials like mulch from a supply yard. This term refers to the volume held by the bucket of the heavy machinery, typically a front-end loader, used to move the material. Ordering in scoops corresponds with the supplier’s efficient loading process.
Standard Measurement of a Bulk Scoop
The size of a “scoop” is not universally fixed but is defined by the capacity of the specific equipment used by the supplier. This capacity is measured in cubic yards, the industry standard for bulk material volume. A cubic yard is the volume of a cube measuring three feet on each side, totaling 27 cubic feet.
The most common standards for a bulk mulch scoop are one-half cubic yard (0.5 yd³) or one full cubic yard (1.0 yd³). Some smaller suppliers may use equipment with a bucket size closer to 0.33 yd³.
Because this measurement is tied to the machinery, it is necessary to confirm the exact size with the landscape supply yard before placing an order. For example, a half-yard scoop means ordering 13.5 cubic feet of material, while a full cubic yard scoop provides 27 cubic feet.
Factors Influencing Scoop Volume
Even when a supplier defines their scoop size, the actual volume delivered is subject to practical variables inherent in the loading process. The technique of the equipment operator is a factor, as a quick, level scrape yields less material than a generous, “heaping” scoop.
The physical characteristics of the mulch also affect the volume. Mulch is a compressible organic material whose density changes significantly depending on its moisture content. Wet, heavy mulch is denser than dry, fluffy mulch, meaning it compacts more easily during loading and transport.
Compaction can reduce the volume by as much as 10% after the material has been measured in the loader bucket. Customers should treat the scoop size as an approximate measurement rather than an exact, guaranteed volume.
Converting Scoops to Cubic Yards for Calculation
Once you determine the total volume of mulch needed for your project in cubic yards, you can calculate the number of scoops to order. The basic calculation involves dividing your total required cubic yards by the volume of the supplier’s single scoop.
For example, if your garden beds require 4 cubic yards of mulch and the supplier’s standard scoop size is 0.5 cubic yards, you would need to order 8 scoops. If the project requires 3 cubic yards of mulch and the supplier uses a 1.0 cubic yard scoop, the order would be for 3 scoops.