Mulchrechner

2-3 inches is ideal for most landscape applications. This depth suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and regulates soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks (volcano mulching), which can cause rot and disease.

A standard 2 cubic foot bag covers about 8 square feet at 3 inches deep. Divide your total square footage by 8 to get the number of bags needed. For large areas (over 50 bags), bulk mulch is more economical - 1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches.

Shredded hardwood bark is popular for its natural look and stays in place well. Cedar mulch repels insects. Pine bark nuggets are decorative but may float away. Rubber mulch lasts longest but does not improve soil. Choose based on aesthetics and function.

Most organic mulches should be refreshed annually with 1-2 inches of new material. Complete replacement is needed every 2-3 years when mulch becomes thin or compacted. Inorganic mulches like rubber or stone rarely need replacement.

You do not need to remove old decomposed mulch - it enriches the soil. However, rake and fluff existing mulch before adding fresh layers. If mulch is matted, moldy, or too thick (over 4 inches total), remove some before adding new material.