Cedar mulch is a popular landscaping material derived from cedar trees, valued for its rich, reddish-brown color and unique properties. The natural wood contains oils like thujone, which slowly release a pleasant, earthy aroma and act as a natural repellent against many common garden pests, including termites, certain beetles, and moths. This type of mulch also decomposes at a slower rate than many hardwood varieties, providing longer-lasting coverage for garden beds and pathways.
Bagged Mulch Sources
Bagged cedar mulch offers a convenient option, particularly for smaller landscaping jobs or for homeowners with limited means to transport bulk material. These pre-packaged products are typically sold in 2- or 3-cubic-foot bags, providing a manageable quantity for quick refreshes or smaller flower beds. Major national retail chains, such as home improvement stores, stock a variety of cedar mulch types year-round. Regional garden centers and local hardware stores also carry bagged cedar mulch and may offer a more curated selection or different local brands.
Purchasing by the bag provides the flexibility to buy only the amount needed, reducing waste and the initial upfront cost. However, the price per cubic foot is generally higher than bulk, making this method less economical for large areas. The bags are typically easy to transport in a standard vehicle.
Bulk Suppliers and Direct Delivery
For large-scale projects, purchasing cedar mulch by the cubic yard from a bulk supplier offers significant cost efficiency and volume. A cubic yard is a standard unit of measurement for bulk materials, equivalent to 27 cubic feet. Sources for bulk cedar mulch include dedicated landscape supply yards, local tree recycling centers, and specialized mulch producers, which often sell the material directly to the public. Buying in bulk can reduce the cost per unit compared to purchasing dozens of individual bags.
The logistics of bulk purchasing usually involve arranging for the material to be loaded into a personal truck or trailer, or organizing direct delivery to the project site. Delivery charges are a variable factor, typically ranging from a flat fee to a cost based on the distance from the supplier. Bulk delivery often requires a clear, accessible space for a dump truck to unload the material, which may hold anywhere from 10 to 24 cubic yards per load.
Calculating Needs and Comparing Costs
Accurately calculating the required volume is a necessary step before making a purchase to avoid both material shortages and excessive waste. Mulch volume is typically measured in cubic feet or cubic yards, and the calculation begins by determining the area to be covered. You measure the length and width of the area in feet, then multiply these figures by the desired depth, which is generally between two and four inches, converted to feet (e.g., three inches is 0.25 feet). This multiplication yields the total cubic feet needed, which is then divided by 27 to find the quantity in cubic yards. For example, a three-inch layer covering 100 square feet requires approximately one cubic yard of mulch.
The final cost will vary based on factors like the type of material, with premium cedar mulch often costing more than basic hardwood varieties. Natural cedar mulch typically has a reddish-brown hue, but some suppliers offer colored cedar mulch, which uses dyes to achieve a specific aesthetic, such as black or dark brown. These colored options may carry a higher price tag due to the added processing cost. When comparing bulk and bagged options, consider the total cost of the material plus any delivery fees for bulk.