A cubic yard, often called a “yard” in landscaping, is a measurement of volume equal to 27 cubic feet. Determining the weight of one cubic yard of mulch is not a fixed calculation because the density of the material is highly variable. The actual weight is influenced by several factors, which is an important consideration for delivery, transportation, and planning your project.
The Standard Weight Range for Dry Mulch
For common, wood-based mulches, such as shredded bark or wood chips, the typical weight range for a relatively dry cubic yard is between 400 and 800 pounds. Hardwood chips generally sit toward the upper end of this range due to their inherent density compared to lighter materials like pine or cedar. For instance, dry bark mulch tends to weigh around 506 pounds per cubic yard, while dry wood chips might be closer to 674 pounds.
This baseline weight is used for initial estimates, assuming the product has been properly cured. Finer-textured mulches can sometimes weigh slightly more than coarse chunks, even when dry. This is because smaller particles settle more tightly, reducing the amount of air space within the volume.
The Primary Influence Moisture Content
The greatest variable affecting the weight of a cubic yard of mulch is its moisture content. Wood is highly porous and readily absorbs water, causing a significant increase in mass. A cubic yard of wood mulch that weighs 500 pounds when dry can easily double or nearly triple in weight when fully saturated or if it is “green” material that was recently processed.
Wet wood mulch, stored outdoors, can weigh upwards of 800 pounds and often much more. This increase occurs because water, at approximately 8.3 pounds per gallon, adds substantial mass without changing the volume. Freshly processed “green” mulch carries a high internal moisture content from the living tree, making it heavier than aged or kiln-dried products.
Weight Variations Based on Mulch Material
Beyond moisture, the inherent composition of the material itself drives significant weight differences at a standardized moisture level. Materials like shredded bark and pine straw are among the lightest options, often starting at the lower end of the weight spectrum. Their fibrous structure creates many air pockets, leading to a lower density per cubic yard.
In contrast, non-organic materials or highly dense organic ones weigh considerably more. Rubber mulch, derived from recycled tires, typically weighs a consistent 800 to 1,200 pounds per cubic yard because it does not absorb water like wood.
Dense organic options like compost-based mulches fall into a heavier range, often starting at 600 pounds and going up to 1,000 pounds per cubic yard. For extreme contrast, aggregates like gravel or stone used as ground cover weigh 2,800 to 3,400 pounds per cubic yard.
Calculating Your Load and Delivery Constraints
Understanding the potential weight range is essential when planning to transport mulch yourself, particularly with a standard pickup truck. While a long-bed pickup can physically hold two to three cubic yards, the weight is the limiting factor. Most half-ton pickup trucks have a payload capacity of only 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, which can be exceeded by just two cubic yards of saturated mulch.
You must multiply the number of cubic yards needed by the highest estimated weight to determine the total load, planning for the possibility of wet material. When ordering a bulk delivery, communicating with your supplier about the material’s current moisture level is beneficial. Suppliers can often provide a more accurate current weight estimate based on their storage conditions, ensuring safe transport.