How Much Mulch Do You Need? A Quick Calculator Guide for Utah Landscapes

Adding mulch to your landscape is one of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal, retain moisture, and protect your plants—especially in Utah’s dry, high-altitude climate. But before you buy, you’re probably asking: How much mulch do I need?

At TDS, we make it easy with this quick mulch calculator guide tailored to Utah landscapes. Whether you’re refreshing mulch for flower beds, building tree rings, or covering large areas, we’ll help you get the right amount without over- or under-buying.

Why Mulch Matters in Utah

Utah’s climate presents a unique challenge for gardeners and homeowners. With hot summers, alkaline soil, and limited rainfall, mulch plays a crucial role in:

• Conserving water by reducing evaporation

• Suppressing weeds that thrive in dry soil

• Regulating soil temperature, especially during Utah’s hot days and cool nights

• Preventing erosion from wind and rain

That’s why choosing the right mulch—and the right amount—is essential for any Utah yard.

How Much Mulch Do I Need?

The general rule of thumb is:

👉 2–3 inches deep for flower beds and garden areas
👉 3–4 inches for tree rings, slopes, or erosion-prone areas

Use this simple formula:

Square Footage × Desired Depth ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards of Mulch Needed

• Example: You have 500 square feet of flower beds and want 3 inches of mulch.
  → 500 × 3 ÷ 324 = 4.63 cubic yards

You’ll need about 4.5 cubic yards of mulch for full coverage.

Utah Mulch Calculator 

Try our free mulch calculator! Enter your dimensions and desired depth to get a custom recommendation.

Click Here!

Whether you’re tackling a weekend DIY project or refreshing your landscape for summer, this tool helps you order exactly what you need.

Tips for Buying and Using Mulch in Utah

• Don’t skimp on depth—less than 2 inches won’t suppress weeds or retain moisture effectively.

• Choose mulch types that suit Utah’s weather, such as bark, shredded wood, or natural compost mulch.

• Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks—this can cause rot. Instead, keep a slight gap around the base.

• Reapply mulch once a year (usually in spring or fall) to maintain thickness and appearance.

Get Your Mulch Delivered by TDS

At TDS, we offer bulk mulch delivery across Utah—perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors. Our mulch is clean, natural, and ready to protect your yard from Utah’s extreme weather.

Whether you’re covering a small garden bed or a full landscape, we’ll help you determine exactly how much you need and get it delivered fast.

Ready to Mulch Smarter?

Use our mulch calculator for Utah to find your number, then contact TDS to schedule fast delivery. Your landscape—and your plants—will thank you.