Pricing guide · Mulch, rock & garden beds
How to price mulch installation
Last updated
The pricing model
- 1Measure every bedSquare feet per bed, minus patios or walkways inside them.
- 2Convert to cubic yardsArea × depth (in) ÷ 324, rounded up to the nearest ¼ yard.
- 3MaterialYour cost per yard for that material, marked up (15–20% is common for residential work, per Jobber).
- 4LabourPer yard (simple and fast to quote) or per square foot for fiddly beds. Published labour-only pricing runs $25–$70 per yard.
- 5Delivery and minimumA flat delivery fee per trip, then a minimum job charge so a 1-yard job still pays for the truck.
Published rates
| Item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installed mulch, per yd³ (all-in) | $77–$400 | Lawn Love / LawnStarter; Inch Calculator |
| Labour only, per yd³ | $25–$70 | Inch Calculator |
| Material only, per yd³ | $15–$60 | Inch Calculator |
| Bulk decorative rock, per yd³ | $45–$140 | HelloGravel (2026) |
| Rock install labour, per sq ft | $2–$5 | HelloGravel (2026) |
| Delivery | $50–$150 | HelloGravel (2026) |
Ranges are US national figures from published cost guides. Your local market, material and job size matter more than any national average.
Worked example
Two front beds (420 and 180 sq ft) in shredded hardwood at 3 inches, with bed edging added. Priced with the default starting rates in a new account (before tax); yours will differ.
Mulch & rock installation
- Front bed420 sq ft
- Side bed180 sq ft
| Item | Quantity | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Shredded hardwood mulch 3 in deep, rounded up to the nearest ¼ yd³ 5.75 yd³ × $42.00 | $241.50 | |
Installation labour Bed prep, spreading and clean-up 5.75 yd³ × $55.00 | $316.25 | |
Delivery 1 trip × $75.00 | $75.00 |
5.75 yd³ total at 3 in depth.
Mistakes that cost money
Rounding down
1.8 yards is 2 yards on the truck. Always round volume up.
Charging bed area that's actually patio
Cut out hardscape inside beds or you'll quote mulch you never spread.
No minimum
Small jobs cost the same drive time. Set a minimum charge per service.
Forgetting edging
A crisp edge is what homeowners notice. Offer it as an option on every quote.
Measure and price mulch, rock & garden beds jobs from satellite imagery →
Related
Sources
- Inch Calculator: Cost to Install Mulch (updated 2023-07-18), accessed October 10, 2026
- Lawn Love: Mulch cost, accessed October 10, 2026
- LawnStarter: Mulch price, accessed October 10, 2026
- Lawn Love: Mulch calculator, accessed October 10, 2026
- HelloGravel: Landscape rock delivery & installation (2026), accessed October 10, 2026
- Jobber: How to price landscaping jobs, accessed October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge for mulch by the yard or by the hour?
By the yard is easier to quote and compare, and customers understand it. Use hourly only for clean-up-heavy jobs you can't scope.
What is a good markup on mulch?
Jobber suggests 15–20% markup for residential landscaping overall. Many contractors mark up bulk material more and keep labour rates competitive.
How much mulch does a crew spread per hour?
It varies too much by access and bed shape to give a reliable number. Track your own crew's yards per hour on a few jobs and price from that.
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