Compost is a nutrient-rich, organic soil amendment used by gardeners to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and supply beneficial microorganisms. For larger landscaping or gardening projects, purchasing compost in bulk is often the most practical and cost-effective approach. The standard unit for bulk purchasing is the cubic yard, and understanding this measurement is essential for calculating cost and quantity. This guide breaks down the financial and practical aspects of buying compost by the cubic yard.
Understanding the Cubic Yard Measurement
The cubic yard is the industry standard for measuring and selling landscaping materials in large quantities. This measurement represents a volume equal to a cube that is three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high, making one cubic yard equivalent to 27 cubic feet.
Bulk purchasing is typically more economical for projects requiring a significant amount of material. Compost sold in bags is usually measured in cubic feet or quarts, which increases the cost per unit of volume compared to bulk. Buying in bulk ensures the necessary quantity for extensive beds or large-scale soil amendments is received in a single delivery.
Average Price Range for Bulk Compost
The cost of one cubic yard of compost varies widely depending on the region and material quality. For standard, unscreened bulk compost, the price often falls between $20 and $50 per cubic yard. This lower range typically covers compost made from municipal yard waste or similar common feedstocks.
Prices increase for premium products that have undergone additional processing or use specialized source materials. High-quality, screened, or specialized organic blends, such as mushroom compost, may cost between $50 and $90 per cubic yard. These figures represent the cost of the product itself and generally do not include additional charges like delivery fees or sales tax.
Key Factors Driving Compost Cost
The broad price range for bulk compost results from several variables related to the material’s source, quality, and logistics. The initial source material significantly influences the final price. Specialized composts, such as aged manure or mushroom compost, often cost more than basic yard waste compost because they offer distinct nutrient profiles and soil benefits.
Screening and quality are major factors, as this processing adds labor and equipment costs. Unscreened compost is cheaper but contains larger clumps, rocks, and debris, making it less suitable for top-dressing or fine garden beds. Screened compost is passed through a mesh, resulting in a fine, uniform material that is easier to spread and better for plant root establishment.
Delivery fees can represent a substantial portion of the total cost, especially for smaller orders or longer distances. Suppliers often base charges on zones; the farther you live from the facility, the higher the fee. Some suppliers also impose a minimum order size or an extra fee if the delivery must be split into multiple trips due to weight limits.
The seasonality of the purchase also plays a role, with prices potentially peaking in the spring when demand for gardening and landscaping materials is highest. Products certified by organizations like the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production also carry a higher price due to the costs associated with certification and stringent quality control.
How Much Area Does One Yard Cover?
Understanding the coverage rate is crucial for determining the necessary quantity for your project. The area one cubic yard covers depends entirely on the depth of application, which is typically measured in inches. Common application rates range from one to three inches.
For a thin layer of top-dressing, one cubic yard of compost covers approximately 324 square feet at a one-inch depth. This depth is ideal for lightly amending a lawn or garden bed surface. Applying a two-inch layer, suitable for preparing a new bed or improving existing soil, reduces the coverage to about 162 square feet. For deep soil conditioning or raised beds, a three-inch layer is often recommended, covering around 108 square feet.