Cubic Yard vs. Bagged Mulch: What’s the Difference and How Much Do You Need?
Key Takeaways
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, or about 13.5 standard 2 cu. ft. bags.
Bagged mulch is ideal for small projects, while cubic yard mulch is better for large-scale jobs.
Bulk mulch is generally more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Proper mulch depth is key to weed suppression and moisture retention.
Use the mulch calculator formula to determine exactly how much you need.
When planning a landscaping project in Gaithersburg, MD, one of the most common questions homeowners face is whether to buy mulch in bulk by the cubic yard or in individual bags. Both options have their pros and cons, and knowing the right quantity to purchase can make all the difference in your project’s success. This guide will explain the differences between cubic yard and bagged mulch, help you calculate how much you need, and guide you toward making the best decision for your property.
Mulch Bags Per Cubic Yard: How to Calculate the Right Amount
When planning a landscaping project, one of the most common questions homeowners in Gaithersburg, MD, ask is: “How many mulch bags per cubic yard do I need?” The answer depends on the size of the bags you purchase, but the math is straightforward once you know the conversion.
Understanding the Conversion
A cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet of mulch. Bags of mulch, however, are sold in different volumes, usually in 1.5 cubic feet, 2 cubic feet, or 3 cubic feet per bag. To figure out how many bags equal a yard, you simply divide 27 by the size of each bag:
1.5 cubic foot bags: 27 ÷ 1.5 = 18 bags per cubic yard
2 cubic foot bags: 27 ÷ 2 = 13.5 bags per cubic yard (round up to 14)
3 cubic foot bags: 27 ÷ 3 = 9 bags per cubic yard
So, depending on which bag size you buy, one cubic yard is the same as between 9 and 18 bags of mulch.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
Knowing the number of mulch bags per cubic yard is crucial for budgeting and planning your project. For example, if you’re covering garden beds, lawns, or a large property, the difference between buying 9 bags and buying 36 bags (for 2 cubic yards) can add up fast.
Example:
Let’s say you want to refresh a flower bed that needs 3 cubic yards of mulch:
With 1.5 cu. ft. bags, you’d need 54 bags.
With 2 cu. ft. bags, you’d need 41 bags.
With 3 cu. ft. bags, you’d need 27 bags.
That’s a huge difference in how much you’ll need to carry, load, and spread.
Mulch Bags vs. Bulk Mulch Delivery
While bags may seem convenient, they come with drawbacks:
Time and Labor: Handling dozens of heavy bags takes more effort compared to bulk mulch delivery.
Cost: Bags are often more expensive per cubic yard than bulk mulch purchased directly from a local landscaping company.
Waste: Bags leave behind plastic waste, while bulk delivery is more eco-friendly.
For small projects, like adding a fresh layer of mulch to a single garden bed, buying bags might make sense. But for larger landscaping jobs across your yard, driveway borders, or multiple properties, bulk mulch delivery by the yard is more efficient.
Coverage Per Bag vs. Per Yard
To give homeowners a clearer picture, here’s a quick breakdown of how much area each option covers:
1 cubic yard covers:
324 sq. ft. at 1" deep
162 sq. ft. at 2" deep
108 sq. ft. at 3" deep
1.5 cu. ft. bag covers about:
12 sq. ft. at 1" deep
6 sq. ft. at 2" deep
4 sq. ft. at 3" deep
2 cu. ft. bag covers about:
16 sq. ft. at 1" deep
8 sq. ft. at 2" deep
5.3 sq. ft. at 3" deep
3 cu. ft. bag covers about:
24 sq. ft. at 1" deep
12 sq. ft. at 2" deep
8 sq. ft. at 3" deep
Comparing this way makes it easier to decide whether to buy by the bag or order a cubic yard.
What Is Mulch and Why Is It Important?
Mulch is any material spread over the surface of the soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and enhance the landscape’s appearance. Common types include shredded hardwood, bark, pine straw, and dyed wood chips.
Reduces weed growth
Retains soil moisture
Regulates soil temperature
Enhances curb appeal
Prevents soil erosion
What Is a Cubic Yard of Mulch?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to 27 cubic feet (3 feet long x 3 feet wide x 3 feet deep). When you purchase mulch in bulk, it is often sold by the cubic yard and delivered in a truck or trailer. Bulk mulch is ideal for large projects or when you want a consistent look throughout your yard.
1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet = Approximately 13.5 Bags (2 cu. ft. each)
What Is Bagged Mulch?
Bagged mulch is pre-packaged in convenient sizes, typically 1.5 or 2 cubic feet per bag. It is available at local garden centers, hardware stores, or home improvement stores.
Typical Bag Sizes:
1.5 cu. ft.
2.0 cu. ft.
Sometimes 3.0 cu. ft.
Bagged mulch is easier to transport and store, making it a great choice for smaller landscaping jobs.
How to Calculate How Much Mulch You Need
To determine how much mulch you need, you’ll first need to calculate the area to be covered and the desired depth.
Formula:
Square footage x desired depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards neededExample: You want to cover 500 square feet with 3 inches of mulch.
500 x 3 ÷ 324 = 4.63 cubic yardsYou would round up and order 5 cubic yards of mulch.
Bag Calculation: If you need 4.63 cubic yards:
4.63 x 13.5 (bags per cubic yard) ≈ 62.5 bags (2 cu. ft. each)Pros and Cons of Cubic Yard Mulch
Pros:
More economical for large projects
Fewer plastic bags = more environmentally friendly
More consistent product from one source
Cons:
Requires wheelbarrows, shovels, and labor to spread
Delivery fees may apply
Storage space needed if you order more than required
Pros and Cons of Bagged Mulch
Pros:
Easy to transport and store
Clean and manageable for DIY projects
No delivery coordination required
Cons:
More expensive per cubic foot
Inconsistent color or texture between different brands
Generates more plastic waste
When to Choose Cubic Yard Mulch
You have a large area to cover (500+ square feet)
You want to reduce cost per cubic foot
You have the tools or team to spread it
When to Choose Bagged Mulch
You have a small garden or flower bed
You want the convenience of picking it up as needed
You lack the tools or help to move large volumes
Tips for Mulch Installation
Apply mulch 2–3 inches deep for best results
Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks (volcano mulching)
Use a weed barrier or landscape fabric for extra protection
Refresh mulch annually to maintain appearance and performance
Environmental Considerations
Bulk mulch often comes from local suppliers and requires less packaging, making it more sustainable. Bagged mulch, while convenient, often uses plastic bags that add to landfill waste. Consider your environmental footprint when choosing.
Cost Comparison in Gaithersburg, MD
Bulk Mulch:
$30–45 per cubic yard (plus delivery)
Bagged Mulch:
$3.50–5.00 per 2 cu. ft. bag
For a 500 sq. ft. area at 3 inches deep:
Bulk: 5 cubic yards = ~$200 (plus delivery)
Bagged: 68 bags x $4 = ~$272
Bulk mulch is more cost-effective for larger areas.
Where to Buy Mulch in Gaithersburg, MD
Local garden centers
Landscape supply companies
Big box hardware stores
Online delivery services
Pro Tip: Support local landscape suppliers for fresher mulch and expert advice.
Conclusion
Choosing between bagged mulch and bulk (cubic yard) mulch comes down to the size of your project, your budget, and your convenience needs. Homeowners in Gaithersburg, MD, tackling large landscaping projects will find bulk mulch more economical and environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, bagged mulch offers a simple, convenient solution for small touch-ups and DIY tasks.
If you're not sure how much mulch you need or whether to go with bagged or bulk, contact a local landscaping professional for guidance. At Gaithersburg Landscaping Experts, we help you make informed choices and offer mulch delivery and installation services that simplify your landscaping projects.