There’re plenty of reasons to use mulch, from the aesthetic touch to preventing weeds and retaining moisture. But irrespective of the reason, the main problem lies in knowing the right amount to use.
So, how much does a scoop of mulch weigh?
One scoop of mulch weighs about 400-800lbs. Also, there are about three cubic foot bags in one scoop. It takes two scoops of mulch to cover a complete yard. To determine the number of scoops of mulch, you need the product of your square footage and the correct depth in inches divided by 324.
If you’ve been asking more similar questions, I’ve got the answers. So, keep reading.
How Much Does A Scoop Of Mulch Weigh?
To determine the precise weight of a scoop of mulch, you need to know the type of mulch you want to buy. Each type of mulch has a scoop that weighs differently and covers a different area size.
First, what is a scoop? A scoop of mulch is the amount of mulch measured by a Bobcat machine.
The weight of a scoop of mulch is roughly 400-800lbs to cover the size of 2/3 of a cubic yard. Compost weighs from 1000 – 1600lbs, and soil mixtures weigh 2700lbs. Aside from type, other things that determine how many scoops of mulch you need to use are;
- Area size of coverage
- Depth of mulch for the coverage area
How Many Yards Is Equivalent To Scoop Of Mulch?
Two scoops cover one cubic yard and are equivalent to 27 cubic feet. There are about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, covering one cubic yard. Still, it’s equal to 150 square feet at a depth of 2 inches.
Similarly, you can ask, how many yards are in a scoop of dirt?
Knowing the precise number of cubic yards the scoop holds can determine the cost per cubic yard. Besides, the size of your scoop plays an essential role in the pricing. Hence, most people give you an exact cost by the scoop.
Bear in mind that two scoops fill up a full-size pick-up truck.
But, how much mulch does a yard hold? Usually, many bags of mulch cover two cubic feet of yard. Therefore, a yard spends about 13-1/2 bags of mulch.
What Is In A Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard comprises volume, weight, and coverage.
Undoubtedly, mulch is a treasured product. People buy it in volumes and not weight. Therefore, the SI units of the cubic yard are cubic feet and cubic yard. Most times, you may hear builders or gardeners call it a yard of mulch or cubic yard.
Volume
The volume of a cubic yard consists of what’s in a cube measuring 3 feet for all sides-length, width, and height. It’s equal to 27 cubic feet. A scoop of a Bobcat machine bucket has half a cubic yard of mulch. Thus a cubic yard is called “two scoops.”
Weight
The weight of the mulch is significantly dependent on the moisture content and the type of mulch. A cubic yard of mulch weighs an average of 400-800lbs. So, if you were looking for high-moisture-content mulch, you can expect more weight of about 5,600lbs for seven cubic yards.
Coverage
One cubic yard of mulch spreads up to 100 square feet and 3 inches deep. Most sellers use a calculator to measure the number of cubic yards to order thorough coverage. Still, there’s a standard equation for finding the total square footage of the beds to cover.
The equation is; square footage multiplied by desired depth then divided by 324.
How Do You Estimate Your Mulch Needs?
If you’re an avid gardener that uses mulch many times, it gets to a point where you can easily estimate how much mulch you need without calculating.
But if gardening is not deep in your system, mulching for you is rare. Therefore, it becomes pretty hard to estimate your needs with your eyes.
Finding the square footage for mulch coverage, you need to:
- Measure how long and wide the mulching area is.
- Find the product of the two.
- The answer is the square footage of the mulching area.
Most importantly, various types of mulches have different coverage and weight, which allow you to determine the number of mulch bags you need to buy.
Organic Mulch: Coverage and Weight
Usually, organic mulch comes at a friendly price. Still, when you apply organic mulch, it spreads over a larger area than inorganic bag mulch, for example, rocks.
Organic mulch is easier to handle and weighs less. However, there is a need for regular replacement of organic mulch.
Wood Mulches
Typically, wood mulch in all types has the same coverage. This depends on wet or dry wood mulch’s weight and depth. On average, shredded wood mulch weighs 20 pounds and can double if wet.
Moreover, wood mulch comes in a bag of two cubic feet. If you need desirable mulch results against weeds, you must use 2-4 inches of thickness.
- Twelve square feet requires a 2-inch thickness of one bag.
- Six square feet requires a 4-inch thickness of one bag.
Also, wood mulch has various colors and types, including treatment against pests and insects. Common types of organic wood mulch include pieces of eucalyptus, pine bark chunks, and shredded hardwood.
Straw Mulch
It helps in the germination of seeds like grass. Generally, it comes in 2.5 cubic feet and one cubic feet bags. It would be best to apply straw mulch about 1-inch deep to allow sunlight to reach the seeds for proper germination. Remember that profound application hinders germination.
- A 2.5 cubic feet straw mulch bag weighs 50 pounds for 500 square feet.
- A 1 cubic feet straw mulch bag weighs 20 pounds for 200 square feet.
Compost Mulch
For compost mulch, you should spread it evenly over the targeted area. Usually, compost comes in bags of 1- and 2-cubic feet weighing about 44 pounds each cubic foot.
- A compost bag of 1 cubic foot spreads over 12 square feet applied at 1 inch deep and 6 square feet for a 2-inch depth.
- A compost bag of 2 cubic feet spreads over a volume of 24 square feet applied at 1 inch deep and 12 square feet for a depth of 2 inches.
Inorganic Mulches: Coverage and Weight
This type of mulch covers a smaller area but is hard to install, requiring shallow thickness. On the positive side, inorganic mulch like rubber and stone is durable and requires no replacements like organic mulches.
Furthermore, various types of stones are heavier to carry and install. Nonetheless, shredded plastic mulch is lightweight and weighs less than stone and wood mulch.
See the different inorganic mulches below coming in 0.5 cubic foot bags;
- Egg rock: 3-square feet, 2-inch thickness, and 45 pounds.
- Lava rock: 3 square feet, 2-inch thickness, and 18 pounds.
- Marble chips: 2 square feet, 2-inch thickness, and 45 pounds.
- River rock: 2 square feet, 2-inch thickness, and 50 pounds
- Shredded rubber mulch: 4.8 square feet, 2-inch thickness, and 35 pounds
What Is The Ideal Depth For Mulch?
You need about 1- to 2-inch layers for fine mulch, while coarser types need approximately 3 to 4 inches deep. Too much of any mulch suffocate your plants. But in areas where you want nothing to grow, it can be as thick as you desire.
Most importantly, the depth coverage varies majorly on the type of mulch and how well you layer it. Mulch that’s too deep stimulates root growth but only in the mulch layer rather than not the ground. As a result, the plant develops a shallow root system vulnerable to cold and drought damage.
So, how and where should you mulch?
If you are mulching for aesthetics, you should consider the size and style of the area for mulching. Pine bark nuggets, for instance, are somehow large for a bed of annual plants but ideal for around trees or shrubs.
Conversely, areas at risk of flooding and strong winds like slopes require special attention. In such places, consider mulching with more extensive or heavier material. Besides, some types of mulch have a unique design against floating away.
Always ensure that the area of mulching is weed-free. Generally, if your mulch is in big pieces, ensure you layer it deeply. The smaller-sized mulches come up quickly into the soil.
Better still, use organic mulches at the end of the season to improve the soil.
Parting Shot
How much does a scoop of mulch weigh? After reading through the extensive article above, you can quickly determine how much mulch to use.
Above all, this article also guides the type of mulch, coverage, and weight. Choosing one that is affordable for applying to your targeted area becomes effortless. Bear in mind that you should always use the right amount of desired mulch for the right area size.
Also, you should order mulch in cubic yards instead of bags for coverage. Mostly, the seller delivers when it’s bulk buying.
Related Posts:
What Kinds Of Mushrooms Grow In Mulch? + [What To Do WIth Them]
What Is The Best Black Mulch? [What To Consider In 2024 ]
What To Do With Old Mulch: Expert’s Way in 2024!
Should You Bag Or Mulch After Overseeding?
All About Mulching + [The Ultimate Guide]
