Mulch Cost by State — 2026 Price Guide for Bulk & Bagged Mulch

Mulch prices range from under $20 per cubic yard in forested states to over $60 in dry western markets. Here is a regional breakdown of bulk mulch prices, the best time to buy, and how to get the lowest price in your area.

Bulk mulch prices by US region (2026)

Southeast — Lowest prices

Abundant pine and hardwood forests

State	Shredded hardwood	Cedar	Pine straw (bale)
Florida	$18–$35	$35–$55	$4–$7
Georgia	$20–$36	$36–$56	$4–$7
North Carolina	$20–$37	$37–$58	$4–$6
Alabama	$18–$33	$33–$52	$3–$6
Tennessee	$20–$36	$36–$56	$4–$7

Midwest

State	Shredded hardwood	Cedar	Pine bark
Illinois	$24–$40	$40–$60	$32–$52
Ohio	$23–$39	$39–$59	$30–$50
Michigan	$22–$38	$38–$58	$30–$50
Wisconsin	$21–$37	$37–$57	$28–$48

Northeast — Above average

State	Shredded hardwood	Cedar
New York	$30–$50	$50–$80
New Jersey	$30–$52	$52–$82
Massachusetts	$32–$55	$55–$85
Connecticut	$33–$57	$57–$88

West

State	Shredded hardwood	Cedar
California	$32–$58	$55–$90
Washington	$25–$45	$45–$70
Oregon	$24–$43	$43–$68
Colorado	$30–$52	$50–$78

Dry West — Most expensive

State	Shredded hardwood	Notes
Nevada	$40–$68	Imported from Pacific NW
Arizona	$38–$65	Limited local supply
New Mexico	$35–$60	Desert market

Bagged mulch prices (national avg)

Bag size	Price range	Cost per cu yd equiv.
2 cu ft bag	$4–$8	$54–$108
3 cu ft bag	$6–$12	$54–$108

Bagged mulch is 2–3× more expensive than bulk in most markets. Buy bulk for any order over 1.5 cubic yards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state has the cheapest mulch?

States with abundant forests and wood processing industries — Pacific Northwest (OR, WA), Southeast (GA, FL, NC), and Midwest (MI, WI) — tend to have the lowest bulk mulch prices ($18–$35/cu yd). Drier states like Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico have the highest prices ($45–$80/cu yd) due to less local wood supply.

How much does bulk mulch delivery cost by state?

Mulch delivery typically costs $50–$150 per load regardless of state. Some areas charge by the mile beyond a base radius (typically 20 miles). In dense urban markets like NYC and LA, minimum order quantities and delivery fees can be higher ($100–$200 per delivery).

Is dyed mulch cheaper or more expensive than natural mulch?

Dyed mulch (black, red, brown) is typically $5–$15 per cubic yard more expensive than undyed shredded hardwood. The dye is iron oxide-based and non-toxic. Dyed mulch fades over a season; natural mulch turns gray but blends with the landscape.

How many cubic yards of mulch does an average yard need?

The average suburban home with 200–400 sq ft of garden beds needs 2–4 cubic yards of mulch per year at a 3-inch application depth. Larger properties with extensive foundation plantings may need 6–10 cubic yards.

When is mulch cheapest to buy?

Mulch prices are lowest in late fall (October–November) and late winter (February) when demand drops. Many suppliers discount overstock in November. Spring mulch (March–May) is the most expensive due to peak demand.