When undertaking a landscaping project, acquiring the necessary volume of organic ground cover, such as wood chips or shredded bark, often requires a structured purchasing process. Mulch is a material applied to the soil surface to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and moderate temperature fluctuations, offering significant benefits to plant health. For projects beyond a small flower bed, ordering materials in bulk is typically the most efficient method, requiring careful planning to ensure a successful delivery and installation. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to purchasing and preparing for your mulch delivery.
Calculating the Right Amount
The first step in ordering mulch is accurately determining the required volume, which is measured in cubic yards for bulk purchases. The calculation starts by measuring the area to be covered in square feet, then multiplying this by the desired depth, converted to feet. A common application depth for established garden beds is 2 to 3 inches, while areas around trees and shrubs may benefit from a layer closer to 4 inches for better insulation and weed control.
To perform the calculation, convert the depth in inches to feet by dividing by 12. The formula is then Area (sq ft) multiplied by Depth (ft) equals Cubic Feet of material. To convert this cubic footage into the standard bulk measurement, divide the total cubic feet by 27, since one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. If a project covers 200 square feet at a 3-inch depth, the total volume needed is approximately 1.85 cubic yards, which would typically be rounded up to two cubic yards when ordering.
Choosing Between Bulk and Bagged Mulch
Once the volume is calculated, the choice between bulk and bagged mulch depends primarily on the project size, cost-efficiency, and convenience. Bulk mulch is sold by the cubic yard, delivered loose in a dump truck, and is generally sourced from local landscape supply yards or nurseries. This option provides a consistent material quality from a single batch and significantly reduces the per-unit cost for larger projects.
Bagged mulch is typically sold in 2-cubic-foot bags at home improvement centers, requiring about 13.5 bags to equal one cubic yard. While more expensive by volume, bagged mulch is more suitable for small areas or touch-ups, as it is easier to transport in a standard vehicle and requires less initial labor to manage the pile. For any project requiring more than 5 to 7 cubic yards, bulk mulch offers cost savings and reduced plastic waste.
Placing Your Order and Arranging Delivery
Ordering bulk mulch involves contacting a local supplier, such as a garden center or landscape yard, to confirm the type of material and volume required. Suppliers often have minimum order requirements, sometimes set at two or three cubic yards, and may charge a flat delivery fee depending on the distance from the yard. It is prudent to inquire about any “under minimum fees” if your calculated volume is small.
During the transaction, confirm the delivery window, as the supplier will need clear instructions on where to dump the material. The standard delivery method is “dumped on driveway,” meaning the material is offloaded from a dump truck onto a paved surface; the truck will not drive onto lawns or unpaved areas. Be prepared to provide specific details about any access restrictions, such as narrow driveways or low-hanging wires, to prevent delivery complications. Payment is typically finalized over the phone or online when the order is placed.
Preparing for Mulch Delivery
Preparation before the truck arrives is a critical step to ensure a smooth delivery experience. The most important preparation is marking the precise drop zone clearly for the driver, which can be done using spray paint, cones, or a large tarp. Laying a heavy-duty tarp down first is highly recommended, as it protects the driveway from potential stains, makes the final cleanup significantly easier, and simplifies the process of scooping the material.
Accessibility is another major factor, as the delivery vehicle requires significant space to maneuver. The truck needs a minimum width clearance of approximately 9 to 10 feet and a vertical clearance of at least 16 to 18 feet to raise its bed safely without hitting utility lines or tree branches. Remove all vehicles, obstacles, and loose items from the driveway and the immediate surrounding area to ensure the driver can safely back up and dump the loose material in the designated spot.