Mulch depth starts with what is already on the ground. A planting bed can look faded from the sidewalk and still hold plenty of wood chips underneath. Before ordering a fresh load for a Mankato property, check several spots with a small trowel.
Measure what the bed already holds
Pull the mulch aside until you reach soil. Measure the loose material near the front, in the middle and under the shrubs. Pick a few undisturbed spots as well as the places where wind or runoff tends to move chips.
If the old layer still has the depth you want, a light rake may improve its appearance. If the front edge is bare but the back is deep, redistribute the existing material first. That can change the quantity you need to buy.
Calculate the amount to add
Measure the length and average width of the bed in feet. Multiply to get square feet. Then multiply the area by the additional depth in inches and divide by 324 to estimate cubic yards.
For example, a bed measuring 18 feet by 6 feet covers 108 square feet. One extra inch across that area takes about one third of a cubic yard. Subtract sizable paved areas and spots that won’t receive mulch. A curved bed is easier to estimate as several small rectangles.
Leave space around living stems
Spread the material evenly and taper it away from plant crowns and tree trunks. Avoid banking extra chips against siding or blocking a drain opening. Check the low end after the next heavy rain to see where water carried material.
For a mulch installation quote, share the measurements, the existing mulch depth and a photo of the bed. Mention whether the crew can unload near the site. A long carry through a gate can matter just as much as the number of yards.