So, how much is a yard of bark dust? A cubic yard of bark dust typically costs between $20 and $60. This price can change a lot based on where you live, the type of bark dust, the quality, and the supplier you buy it from. We will look at what affects the price and help you figure out how much your project might cost.
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Knowing About Bark Dust
Bark dust is a popular material for gardens and yards. People use it for many reasons. It helps keep weeds from growing. It also helps the soil hold water. This is good for your plants. Bark dust looks nice too. It gives your garden a clean, finished look. It comes from the bark of trees, like fir or pine.
There are different kinds of bark dust. Some are fine, like powder. Others are chunky, like wood chips. The type you choose can affect the price. It also affects how it looks and works in your garden.
What Is A Cubic Yard of Bark Dust?
Let’s talk about the size we are measuring. When people talk about a yard of bark dust, they mean a cubic yard. A cubic yard is a cube shape. Each side of the cube is three feet long.
Think of a box that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high. That box holds one cubic yard of material. This is a common way to measure and sell garden supplies like bark dust, mulch, and soil.
Buying in cubic yards is usually cheaper than buying small bags. This is why many people choose to buy bark dust this way, especially for bigger jobs.
What Affects The Bark Dust Cost Per Yard?
Many things change the bark dust cost per yard. It is not just one fixed price. Knowing these things helps you know why the price changes.
- Type of Bark Dust: Not all bark dust is the same. Some bark comes from different trees. Some is ground up fine. Some is left in bigger pieces. Fine bark dust often costs more because it takes more work to make it that way. Shredded bark cost can be different from the cost of larger bark pieces. Wood chips price per yard can also vary widely.
- Quality: Better quality bark dust is cleaner. It has fewer weeds or other things mixed in. High-quality bark dust usually costs more per yard. It lasts longer and looks better.
- Where It Comes From: Bark dust comes from timber companies or sawmills. The type of trees in your area changes the type of bark available. This affects the price. If bark has to travel far, the cost goes up.
- Supplier: You can buy bark dust from different places.
- Landscape Supply Stores: These places sell many garden items. They often sell bark dust in bulk. Landscape supply bark dust prices are often competitive. They are set up to sell large amounts.
- Nurseries: Garden centers might sell bark dust. They might have smaller amounts or special types. Their prices might be higher than a large landscape supply store.
- Direct from Mill/Producer: Sometimes you can buy right from where the bark is made. This might offer a good bulk bark dust price. But it might need a very large order.
- Amount You Buy: The more bark dust you buy, the lower the price per yard might be. This is the bulk bark dust price benefit. Buying one yard is more expensive per yard than buying ten yards at once.
- Time of Year: Prices can change with the seasons. Spring is busy for gardening. Demand for bark dust is high. Prices might go up then. Prices might be lower in the fall or winter.
- Delivery: Getting the bark dust to your house adds to the total cost. The delivery cost for bark dust depends on how far away you live from the supplier. We will talk more about delivery later.
Price Ranges For Bark Dust
Let’s look at some typical costs. Remember, these are just estimates. Your local price might be different.
- Basic Shredded Bark: This is often the cheapest. It might be around $20 to $40 per cubic yard. This is the lower end of the shredded bark cost range.
- Medium Bark: This has pieces that are a bit bigger. It is a popular choice. It might cost $30 to $50 per cubic yard.
- Fine Bark Dust: This looks like dark soil or coffee grounds. It is often used for a smooth look. It might cost $40 to $60 per cubic yard or even more. This is often the higher end of the bark dust cost per yard.
- Specialty Barks/Wood Chips: Some types, like cedar or colored wood chips, cost more. Wood chips price per yard can sometimes be higher than plain bark dust. These might be $40 to $70+ per cubic yard.
These prices are just for the bark dust itself. They do not include delivery or taxes.
How Many Square Feet Does A Yard Of Bark Dust Cover?
Knowing coverage is key to ordering the right amount. You don’t want to buy too much or too little.
One cubic yard of bark dust covers a certain area. The size of the area depends on how thick you spread the bark. The standard depth for bark dust or mulch is often 2 to 3 inches.
Here is a simple way to think about it:
- At 1 inch thick: One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet.
- At 2 inches thick: One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet.
- At 3 inches thick: One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet.
- At 4 inches thick: One cubic yard covers about 81 square feet.
Most people spread bark dust at 2 or 3 inches thick. This depth helps block weeds well and keeps soil moist. So, how many square feet does a yard of bark dust cover? Plan for about 100 to 160 square feet per cubic yard for most projects.
Example:
Suppose you have a garden bed that is 20 feet wide and 30 feet long.
Area = 20 ft * 30 ft = 600 square feet.
If you want 3 inches of bark dust:
You need about 600 sq ft / 108 sq ft/yard = about 5.5 cubic yards. You would likely order 6 cubic yards.
If you want 2 inches of bark dust:
You need about 600 sq ft / 162 sq ft/yard = about 3.7 cubic yards. You would likely order 4 cubic yards.
It is usually best to round up when ordering. It’s better to have a little extra than not enough.
Table: Bark Dust Coverage Estimates
| Depth (Inches) | Approximate Coverage Per Cubic Yard (Square Feet) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 324 |
| 2 | 162 |
| 3 | 108 |
| 4 | 81 |
Keep in mind, these are estimates. Uneven ground can change how much you need.
The Delivery Cost For Bark Dust
Buying in bulk means you usually need delivery. You probably don’t have a truck big enough to haul a cubic yard or more. Delivery adds a cost to your total price.
The delivery cost for bark dust depends on:
- Distance: How far is the supplier from your home? The further they have to drive, the more it costs.
- Amount Ordered: Some suppliers might have a minimum order for delivery. Some might lower the delivery fee or waive it for very large orders.
- Supplier’s Policy: Each company sets its own delivery rates. Some have a flat fee within a certain area. Others charge by the mile.
- Truck Size: Delivering large amounts needs bigger trucks. This might cost more.
Delivery fees can range from $30 to $150 or more. For nearby deliveries of a few yards, expect to pay $50 to $100. This cost is added to the bulk bark dust price you pay.
When getting price quotes, always ask about the delivery cost for bark dust. Get the total cost laid out.
Comparing Bark Dust To Other Garden Covers
Bark dust is a type of mulch. But there are many kinds of mulch. How does the price of bark mulch per yard compare to others?
- Wood Chips: Wood chips are often larger pieces than bark dust. They break down slower. Wood chips price per yard can be similar to bark dust. Sometimes they are a bit cheaper, especially if they are a basic utility chip. Colored wood chips usually cost more.
- Shredded Bark: This is exactly what we’ve been talking about. Shredded bark cost is mid-range for mulches.
- Compost or Soil Blends: These are used differently. They add nutrients to the soil. They are often more expensive per yard than bark dust. Garden mulch cost per yard can cover a wide range of materials, from cheap wood waste to expensive compost or decorative rock.
- Pine Needles: In some areas, pine needles are used as mulch. If you have pine trees, they can be free! If you buy them, they might cost less than bark dust.
- Rock/Gravel: Rock is much heavier than bark dust. It does not break down. It is often more expensive per cubic yard than bark dust or wood chips. However, rock is measured by the ton, not the yard, because it’s so heavy. A ton of gravel might cover less area than a yard of bark dust if spread thick, but cost more overall.
- Plastic or Rubber Mulch: These are made from recycled materials. They last a very long time. But they are usually much more expensive upfront than bark dust.
Bark dust offers a good balance of cost, look, and benefits for many gardens. The price of bark mulch per yard is a key factor for many homeowners choosing a ground cover.
Table: Common Mulch Types and Price Estimates Per Yard (Material Only)
| Mulch Type | Estimated Cost Per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Shredded Bark | $20 – $40 | Lower shredded bark cost range |
| Fine Bark Dust | $40 – $60+ | Higher end of bark dust cost per yard |
| Basic Wood Chips | $25 – $45 | Wood chips price per yard can be low |
| Colored Wood Chips | $40 – $70+ | More expensive type of wood chips |
| Garden Compost | $30 – $70+ | More for soil improvement, not just cover |
| Pine Needles | $15 – $30 (if purchased) | Often free if you have trees |
Note: Rock and gravel are usually sold by the ton, not the yard. Their cost per ton is different from mulch costs per yard. Garden mulch cost per yard varies greatly by material.
Ways To Save Money On Bark Dust
Bark dust can be a big cost for landscaping projects. Here are some ideas to lower the expense:
- Buy in Bulk: As mentioned, the bulk bark dust price is much better than buying small bags. If you need more than 10-15 bags, buying a cubic yard (or more) is usually cheaper.
- Share With a Neighbor: Do you and a neighbor both need bark dust? Order together! You might get a better bulk price and split the delivery cost for bark dust.
- Pick Up Yourself: If you have a truck and the supplier allows it, picking up the bark yourself saves the delivery fee. Make sure your truck can handle the weight and volume of a cubic yard (it’s heavy!).
- Shop Around: Call different landscape supply stores or nurseries. Ask for their bark dust cost per yard. Compare prices for the type you want. Don’t forget to ask about the delivery cost for bark dust if you need it delivered. Landscape supply bark dust prices can differ.
- Choose a Basic Type: Fine bark dust looks nice, but basic shredded bark or medium bark might be much cheaper. If the look is less important, save money on the shredded bark cost.
- Buy Off-Season: If your project timeline is flexible, buying bark dust in the late fall or winter might be cheaper. Demand is lower then.
- Look for Sales: Sometimes suppliers have sales on bulk materials.
- Check Local Sources: Are there sawmills or tree service companies near you? They might offer wood chips price per yard or bark dust at lower costs directly.
Saving money means planning ahead and doing a little research.
Figuring Out How Much Bark Dust You Need
Accurately measuring helps you avoid buying too much or too little. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the Area: Walk your garden beds or the area you want to cover.
- For simple rectangle areas: Measure the length and the width in feet. Multiply them to get the square footage (Length x Width = Area).
- For odd shapes: Break the area into smaller shapes like rectangles or circles. Measure each part and add them up.
- For circles: Measure the distance across the center (diameter). Divide by 2 to get the radius (Radius = Diameter / 2). Area = 3.14 * Radius * Radius.
- Choose the Depth: Decide how thick you want the bark dust layer. 2 to 3 inches is common for weed control and moisture.
- Calculate Volume Needed: Use the coverage numbers we talked about.
- Divide your total square footage by the coverage per cubic yard for your chosen depth.
- Example: You have 600 sq ft and want 3 inches deep. Need 600 sq ft / 108 sq ft/yard = 5.55 yards.
- Round Up: Always round up to the nearest whole or half yard when ordering. Suppliers usually sell in half or whole yards. In the example above, you would order 6 cubic yards.
It is always safer to overestimate slightly than underestimate. Running out means paying for a second smaller delivery, which is often expensive per yard.
Steps For Putting Down Bark Dust
Once your bark dust arrives, here are steps to spread it:
- Prepare the Area: Pull any large weeds first. Rake the area smooth.
- Spread the Bark Dust: Use a shovel or a pitchfork to move bark dust from the pile to your garden beds.
- Rake Evenly: Use a garden rake to spread the bark dust to the desired thickness. Aim for an even layer across the whole area. Use your measuring tape to check the depth in a few spots.
- Clean Up: Sweep or blow any bark dust off paths, driveways, or lawns.
Putting down bark dust is hard work, but the results look great and help your plants.
Factors Beyond The Initial Price
Thinking only about the bark dust cost per yard is not enough. There are other costs and things to think about over time.
- Longevity: How long does the bark dust last before it needs replacing? Fine bark dust breaks down faster than coarse bark or wood chips. This means you will need to buy more sooner. This affects the long-term garden mulch cost per yard.
- Breakdown Benefits: As bark dust breaks down, it adds organic matter to your soil. This is good for soil health. Finer bark breaks down faster and adds nutrients quicker.
- Weed Control: A good, thick layer of bark dust (2-3 inches) blocks most weeds. This saves you time and effort pulling weeds later. This is a benefit that saves money in the long run.
- Moisture Retention: Bark dust helps the soil hold water. This means you might need to water your plants less often, saving on water bills.
So, while the bulk bark dust price is important, think about how the bark will perform over time. A slightly higher shredded bark cost for a better quality bark might save you money and work later on.
Where To Find Landscape Supply Bark Dust
Finding a good supplier is important. Look for landscape supply stores in your area. Search online for “landscape supply near me” or “bark dust bulk near me.”
When you contact them:
* Ask about the different types of bark dust they offer.
* Get the bark dust cost per yard for the type you want.
* Ask about their minimum order for bulk sales.
* Get the delivery cost for bark dust to your address.
* Ask if they have any sales or discounts.
* Find out how they sell it (by the cubic yard, half yard, etc.).
Checking reviews for the supplier is also a good idea. Do they deliver on time? Is their material clean?
Buying from a local landscape supply can support local business and often means shorter delivery distances.
Common Questions About Bark Dust Costs
Let’s answer some common things people ask.
h4 What is the cheapest type of bark dust?
Generally, basic shredded bark or larger bark nuggets are the cheapest. Fine bark dust usually costs more.
h4 Is buying bark dust in bags cheaper than bulk?
No, buying in bulk by the cubic yard is almost always cheaper per yard than buying bark dust in small bags from a home improvement store. You save a lot on the bulk bark dust price.
h4 How much does delivery add to the cost?
Delivery can add $30 to $150 or more to your total cost. It depends on how far away you are and the supplier’s fees. Always ask for the delivery cost for bark dust.
h4 How deep should I put bark dust?
For good weed control and moisture holding, spread bark dust 2 to 3 inches deep.
h4 Can I mix different types of bark dust?
Yes, you can mix types. For example, you might put down a layer of cheaper, coarser bark first, then top it with a thinner layer of finer, more expensive bark dust for looks.
h4 Does the type of wood matter for bark dust cost?
Yes, bark from different trees like fir, pine, or cedar can have different costs. Cedar tends to be more expensive. The shredded bark cost can depend on the tree source.
h4 Is bark dust the same as wood chips?
No, not exactly. Bark dust is made mostly from tree bark. Wood chips are made from the woody parts of trees. They have different looks and break down at different rates. Wood chips price per yard can be similar, but they are distinct products.
h4 How long does a yard of bark dust last?
This depends on the type. Fine bark dust might break down in 1-2 years. Coarser bark or wood chips might last 2-4 years or longer before needing a new layer.
h4 How heavy is a cubic yard of bark dust?
A cubic yard of bark dust can weigh between 400 and 800 pounds. It varies based on moisture level and bark type. This is why delivery is often needed and why you must be careful if picking it up yourself.
Final Thoughts on Bark Dust Costs
Finding the exact cost of a yard of bark dust takes a few steps. You need to know the typical bark dust cost per yard in your area. You need to decide on the type and amount you need. And you need to add the delivery cost for bark dust if you can’t pick it up.
By checking prices from different landscape supply stores, you can get a good bulk bark dust price. Knowing how many square feet does a yard of bark dust cover helps you order the right amount.
Bark dust is a valuable addition to your garden. It helps plants, saves water, and makes your yard look great. While there is an upfront cost, the benefits often make it a good investment for your home and garden. Compare the price of bark mulch per yard across different materials to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Remember to factor in the shredded bark cost versus other options like wood chips price per yard or other garden mulch cost per yard. Happy mulching!