Kinds of mulch
Prices are what landscape yards and garden centers post, October 2026, before delivery.
| Mulch | How long it lasts | Good for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark: pine, cedar, cypressBreaks down slowly. Cedar and cypress are slowest | Breaks down slowly. Cedar and cypress are slowest | Trees, shrubs, roses and flower beds that come back each year | $34 to $61 a yard |
| Wood chips and shredded woodIn Florida, over half was left after 2 years | In Florida, over half was left after 2 years | Trees, shrubs, roses and flower beds that come back each year. Tree crews and yard waste sites may have chips | $34 to $61 a yard |
| Dyed mulchNo figure found | No figure found | Wood mulch colored black, brown or red, for looks | $34 to $61 a yard |
| Pine strawIn Iowa, it may last several years. In Florida, half was gone in a year | In Iowa, it may last several years. In Florida, half was gone in a year | Plants that like sour soil. Fine in a vegetable garden too | $5.00 to $8.79 a bale |
| StrawNo figure found | No figure found | Vegetable gardens and strawberries. Not near trees: mice live in it | Not priced |
| LeavesShredded leaves break down faster than whole ones | Shredded leaves break down faster than whole ones | Vegetable gardens, flower beds, trees and shrubs. Shred them first | Not priced |
| Grass clippingsNot long | Not long | Vegetable gardens and flower beds. Dry them first | Not priced |
| Cocoa bean shellsOne season | One season | Flowers and roses. 1 to 2 in is enough. Keep them away from dogs | Not priced |
From Iowa State's guide to organic mulches and a University of Florida test. Bark and wood mulch share one price range.
How fast mulch settles
The University of Florida spread 9 cm (3.5 in) of each mulch and measured it again 2 years later.
- Melaleuca7 cm of 9 left
- Pine bark6 cm of 9 left
- Cypress6 cm of 9 left
- Eucalyptus5 cm of 9 left
- Tree trimmings5 cm of 9 left
- Pine straw1 cm of 9 left
Pine straw settled the most. It lost half its depth in the first year. Wood and bark mulch kept enough depth for 2 years.
This test was in Florida. Mulch may last longer where it is cooler.
How much to spread
Most mulch goes 2 to 4 inches deep. Cocoa bean shells need only 1 to 2 inches.
One cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep. A bale of pine straw covers about 30 to 50 sq ft at 3 inches.
Wood mulch is light. A cubic yard weighs 243 to 473 lb. Our mulch calculator and pine straw calculator work out how much you need.
Questions
What mulch lasts the longest?
Bark lasts a long time. Cedar and cypress break down the slowest, Iowa State says. In a Florida test, pine bark and cypress still had 6 of 9 cm after 2 years.
Is pine straw or bark mulch better?
Bark lasts longer. In the Florida test, pine straw lost half its depth in a year. Pine straw is light, and it is good for plants that like sour soil.
What is the best mulch for a vegetable garden?
Straw, shredded leaves, dry grass clippings, newspaper or pine needles, Iowa State says. Use straw with no weed seed in it.
How deep should mulch be?
2 to 4 inches for most mulch. Keep it about 4 inches away from tree trunks.
How much does mulch cost?
Bulk wood mulch is about $34 to $61 a cubic yard before delivery. A 2 cu ft bag is $3.50 to $6.50. Pine straw is $5.00 to $8.79 a bale.
Sources
- Iowa State Extension, Organic Mulches2011What each mulch is for and how long it lasts
- UF/IFAS FOR 69, Landscape Mulches: How quickly do they settle?May 2017How much each mulch settled in 2 years
- Illinois Extension, Proper Mulching TechniquesundatedMulch 2 to 4 in deep, 4 in from trunks
- US EPA, volume-to-weight factorsApr 2016Weight of wood chips