Bulk mulch is typically sold either by weight (tons) or by volume (cubic yards). Confusion arises because mulch is applied by volume, but many suppliers sell large, bulk quantities by weight. Determining the price of a ton of mulch is complicated because the cost is not fixed and depends heavily on the material’s composition and moisture content. This variability in density means one ton of mulch translates into a wide range of usable product, making direct price comparison difficult without understanding the conversion from weight to volume.
Converting a Ton of Mulch into Usable Volume
The most important concept when buying bulk mulch by weight is density, which dictates how many cubic yards you actually receive per ton. Density is the measure of weight per unit of volume, and for organic mulch, it is highly variable depending on the type of wood and the amount of water it holds. A cubic yard, the standard unit for application, is a volume equal to 27 cubic feet.
For typical organic mulch, the weight averages between 400 and 800 pounds per cubic yard. One ton (2,000 pounds) generally yields between 2.5 and 3.3 cubic yards of usable material. Some shredded hardwood may be denser, yielding only 0.5 to 0.75 cubic yards per ton.
The water content of the mulch directly influences this conversion, as wet mulch is significantly heavier than dry mulch. When buying by the ton, water weight counts toward the total, meaning a wetter pile provides less actual wood fiber volume for the same price. This density difference is why professionals often prefer to purchase by the cubic yard for greater consistency and predictability in their material volume.
Primary Factors Determining the Price of Bulk Mulch
The price of a ton of bulk mulch fluctuates based on the material itself, its source, and external costs like delivery. Common organic mulches, such as basic shredded hardwood or wood chips, typically have a lower cost per ton because they are often byproducts of other industries. Specialized products, like dyed mulches (black or red) or specific species (cedar or cypress), require additional processing or sourcing, which increases their price.
The price range for a ton of common organic mulch can vary significantly, often falling between $30 and over $100 per ton, excluding highly specialized materials like rubber or stone. Many suppliers price by the cubic yard, with shredded hardwood ranging from approximately $35 to $50 per cubic yard. The final cost also depends on whether you are purchasing from a large-scale landscape supplier, which may have better bulk rates, or a smaller local garden center.
Delivery fees represent another variable in the final cost of a ton of mulch. These fees are usually calculated based on the distance from the supplier to the project site and the quantity ordered. Ordering a full truckload is often the most cost-effective option, as the delivery fee is typically the same whether you order one cubic yard or a full capacity load.
Calculating Coverage and Practical Ordering Tips
Once the volume of the purchased ton has been estimated in cubic yards, the next step is calculating how much area it will cover at the desired depth. Mulch is applied to a specific depth to achieve goals like weed suppression and moisture retention. A standard application depth for new beds or for maximum weed control is generally between two and four inches.
One cubic yard of mulch (27 cubic feet) provides a predictable coverage rate. At a depth of three inches, one cubic yard will cover approximately 100 to 108 square feet. If the application is shallower, such as two inches, the same cubic yard will stretch further, covering about 162 square feet.
Conversely, increasing the depth to four inches reduces the coverage to about 81 square feet per cubic yard.
To determine the total volume needed, measure the area in square feet and then multiply that by the desired depth in inches. Divide the total by 324 to get the required cubic yards. When ordering, it is practical to round up the volume to account for settling, uneven application, and irregular bed edges.
For receiving the delivery, ensure the dump area is free of overhead obstructions and is accessible for a heavy truck. Using a tarp can help contain the pile and protect the driveway surface.