Yards for the truck or bags for the trunk — how much mulch your beds actually need, at the depth that actually stops weeds.
3 inches is the sweet spot. Under 2 inches, sunlight gets through and weeds laugh at you. Over 4 inches, water and air struggle to reach the soil and roots can suffocate. That's why 3" is the default here — 2" is only for topping up beds that already have mulch.
Please don't build a "mulch volcano" — that cone of mulch piled against a tree trunk. It traps moisture against the bark, invites rot and rodents, and slowly kills the tree. Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from trunks and stems, like a donut, not a volcano.
Bulk or bags? One cubic yard equals 13.5 two-cu-ft bags. Past 2–3 yards, bulk delivery is usually much cheaper per yard — bags win for small beds, tight access, or when your car is the delivery truck. Buy one bag extra; beds are never as rectangular as the tape measure claims.
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