Bark dust is a finely shredded material derived from tree bark, used as organic mulch to improve landscape appearance and health. Spread over soil surfaces, it helps retain moisture, moderate ground temperatures, and suppress weed growth. Homeowners and landscapers use this product to give planting beds a uniform finish and prevent soil erosion. Understanding how this material is sold is the first step toward accurately budgeting for a project, as cost depends on the unit of measure and purchase method.
Defining the Standard Unit of Measurement
The standard volume measurement for bark dust depends on whether it is sold in bulk or in retail bags. For large landscaping projects, suppliers sell bark dust in bulk by the cubic yard, the industry’s most common unit. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet of material and is the basis for calculating coverage. A single cubic yard covers approximately 100 square feet at a three-inch depth, or 150 square feet at a two-inch depth. The two-to-three-inch depth is recommended for effective weed suppression and moisture retention. Retail stores sell bark dust in smaller, pre-packaged bags, which typically contain two cubic feet of material. It takes roughly 13.5 of these bags to equal one cubic yard.
Average Pricing Structures for Bulk and Bagged Bark Dust
The price of bark dust varies significantly based on the volume purchased and the packaging format. Bulk sales are the most cost-effective per unit, generally ranging from $30 to $150 per cubic yard, depending on the material’s type and quality. Basic, unscreened fir or mixed-wood bark dust often starts around $30 to $50 per cubic yard. Premium materials, such as aged cedar or finely ground hemlock, command higher prices, sometimes exceeding $100 per cubic yard.
Buying bark dust in bags carries a substantially higher per-unit cost compared to bulk purchases. A standard two-cubic-foot bag typically costs between $2.50 and $7.00 at retail centers. This means the equivalent of one cubic yard (13.5 bags) costs $33.75 to $94.50. The convenience of the bagged product accounts for this increased cost per volume. However, for smaller garden touch-ups or projects, the bagged option is generally the more practical choice.
Key Factors Influencing Cost Variation
The wide price range for bark dust results from the material’s source, processing, and aesthetic characteristics. The species of wood is a primary differentiator. Douglas fir is a common and lower-priced option due to its widespread availability. Cedar and hemlock varieties are often more expensive because they resist decay and produce fewer splinters, making them preferred for high-traffic areas.
The grade and consistency also affect the price, as finely screened, uniform bark dust requires more processing time than coarse material. Color is another factor, as bark dust naturally lightens over time. Some suppliers sell aged or dark bark, which has been composted to achieve a rich, dark brown or black color, often at a premium. Artificially dyed mulches, which use non-toxic colorants for vibrant reds or blacks, also incur a higher cost due to the added dyeing process. Finally, the total quantity purchased directly impacts the price, as suppliers frequently offer substantial bulk discounts for large orders.
Purchasing Options and Associated Logistics Costs
The final expense of a bark dust project includes the material cost plus the expense of getting it to the application site. Bulk bark dust can be acquired through self-pickup, often called “you-haul.” This requires the customer to have a truck or trailer capable of safely transporting the loose material. This option eliminates delivery fees but requires an investment of time and equipment. Suppliers may also impose a minimum purchase, such as four cubic yards, for bulk loading.
The most convenient option for bulk material is direct delivery from a landscape supplier, which introduces separate logistics costs. Delivery fees are typically a flat rate based on the distance from the supplier’s yard to the property. These charges often range from $50 to over $150 per trip and may include a fuel surcharge. Purchasing bagged product from a local store bypasses bulk delivery fees entirely, though the higher per-unit price still makes it the more expensive choice for large-scale landscaping.