A cubic yard is the standard volume measurement for bulk landscaping materials, representing 27 cubic feet of material (a cube three feet long, wide, and high). Wood chips are a popular choice because they serve multiple purposes. They help suppress weed growth, insulate the soil from temperature extremes, and conserve soil moisture by reducing surface evaporation. The cost of a cubic yard varies widely, depending on the material’s quality, type, and the logistics involved in delivery.
Understanding the Standard Cost Range
The price for a cubic yard of wood chips can range from a low-end of about $20 to upwards of $150, but the typical range for homeowners purchasing bulk material is between $30 and $110. Basic, economy-grade wood chips or shredded hardwood mulch usually fall in the lower tier, priced from $30 to $50 per cubic yard. These options are often a mix of wood species and may contain a less uniform chip size.
Mid-range products, such as color-enhanced chips or those made from specific wood types, typically cost between $40 and $55 per cubic yard. Premium materials, including cedar or cypress chips, are valued for their natural resistance to pests and longer decomposition time, costing $100 to $150 per cubic yard. These figures represent the material cost alone, before any delivery fees or installation charges are factored into the total project expense.
Key Factors That Influence Pricing
The type of wood used in the chip production is a primary determinant of the final price per yard. Hardwood chips, such as oak or maple, tend to be denser and break down more slowly than softwood chips like pine or cedar. Cedar and cypress chips often command a higher price point because they contain natural oils that act as mild insect repellents and contribute to the material’s durability.
The quality and processing of the wood chips also influence the cost. Standard wood chips are a byproduct of tree trimming or lumber processing, but premium mulches are often triple-ground for a finer, more uniform texture. Chips certified for use in playgrounds are processed to meet specific impact-absorption standards, making them more expensive. Color-enhanced chips (black or red-dyed varieties) incur additional cost due to the expense of non-toxic colorants and the extra manufacturing step.
Sourcing Wood Chips and Associated Logistics
The source of the wood chips affects the price, creating a spectrum from free material to a premium-priced convenience product. Local landscape supply yards and nurseries generally offer the most consistent material quality and the widest selection of wood types and colors. Bulk purchases from these suppliers are typically priced lower per yard than buying the equivalent volume in small bags from a big-box retail store.
The most affordable option is acquiring “arborist chips” directly from local tree removal services or municipal programs, often provided for free. These chips, which can be 10 to 20 cubic yards, are a mix of wood and leaf material. Delivery is provided without charge because it saves the company landfill dumping fees, but this option requires flexibility since delivery only occurs when a crew is working near your location.
For paid delivery, local suppliers often enforce a minimum order size, commonly between two and five cubic yards, to make the trip financially viable. The delivery fee itself is a logistical cost, often ranging from $70 to $140 or more, based on the distance from the supplier and the quantity ordered. You can bypass this fee by picking up the material yourself, but most standard pickup trucks can safely carry only one to two cubic yards at a time.
Calculating the Yardage Required for Your Project
Accurately determining the amount of material needed is important for managing project cost. The calculation for cubic yardage begins by measuring the area in feet using the formula: Length (ft) multiplied by Width (ft) multiplied by Depth (ft). Since wood chip depth is usually measured in inches, that number must first be converted into feet by dividing it by 12.
Once the total cubic feet are calculated, divide that figure by 27 to convert it into the required number of cubic yards. For instance, a common depth for weed suppression and moisture retention is three inches, which translates to 0.25 feet for the calculation. At this three-inch depth, one cubic yard of wood chips will cover an area of approximately 108 square feet. A thinner two-inch layer, often used for refreshing existing mulch, will cover about 162 square feet per cubic yard.