Spring 2011 Price List
US TREE SERVICE
MULCH
A cubic yard is one yard cubed, or twenty seven cubic feet.
It is the standard measurement used for selling bulk
landscaping materials. Bulk materials are materials sold in
large quantity. In regard to landscaping materials, bulk
materials are normally sold loose, not in bags. For
instance, at US Tree Service there are large bins of
various mulches, soil and compost products. When
purchased, these materials are loaded with a large
front-loader bucket into the customers truck or trailer. The
accepted standard of measurement in the mulch industry
is the cubic yard.
Cubic
Yards
1" Deep
2" Deep
3" Deep
1
338 sq. ft.
158 sq. ft.
108 sq. ft.
2
676 sq. ft.
316 sq. ft.
216 sq. ft.
3
1014 sq. ft.
474 sq. ft.
324 sq. ft.
4
1352 sq. ft.
632 sq. ft.
432 sq. ft.
5
1690 sq. ft.
790 sq. ft.
540 sq. ft.
6
2028 sq. ft.
948 sq. ft.
648 sq. ft.
7
2366 sq. ft.
1106 sq. ft.
756 sq. ft.
8
2704 sq. ft.
1264 sq. ft.
864 sq. ft.
9
3042 sq. ft.
1422 sq. ft.
972 sq. ft.
10
3380 sq. ft.
1580 sq. ft.
1080 sq. ft.
11
3718 sq. ft.
1738 sq. ft.
1188 sq. ft.
To calculate the number of cubic yards required
for your next landscaping project, refer to the
Mulch Application Chart below.
To figure square footage:

1. Multiply length x width = Square Footage
2. Multiply by .25   (3"depth*) = Cubic Feet
3. Divide by 27 = Cubic Yards needed

* 3" depth = .25  2" depth = .166 1" depth = .083
FAQ's
How should I prepare my area to be mulched?
Scrape and turn any old mulch that will be covered breaking
up any hardened areas. This allows moisture to reach the
soil beneath mulch.

How close to my plants and buildings can I mulch?
NEVER lay mulch so that it is directly touching any plant
material or wood structure. Mulch is moist and will cause
rotting.
Type
5-10
cubic
yds
11-24
cubic
yds
24+ cubic
yds
Mulch
     
Mulch, Black
$32
$32
$28
Mulch, Brown
$32
$32
$28
Mulch, Red
$32
$32
$28
Mulch, Tripple
Ground
$22
$22
$20
Organic Chips
$12
$12
$10
Top Soil
     
Screened, Soil
$22
$20
$18
Agricultural, Soil
$16
$14
$12
Mushroom, Soil
$35
$30
$28
Specialty
     
Sand, Fine
$20
$18
$16
Stone, Screening
$20
$18
$16
Delivery
$35
$50
$50
Brown Mulch:      $32.00 cu. yd.
(Color Enriched & Double Ground)
Brown Mulch is made from natural hardwood and is
environmentally friendly and healthy for your plants
and soil. It provides the ultimate in natural and
long-lasting beautiful color in your landscape
Black Mulch:       $32.00 cu.yd.
(Color Enriched & Double Ground)
Black Mulch is made from natural hardwood and is
environmentally friendly and healthy for your plants
and soil. It provides the ultimate in sophisticated and
long-lasting beautiful color in your landscape.
Red Mulch:       $32.00 cu.yd.
(Color Enriched & Double Ground)
Red Mulch is made from natural hardwood and is
environmentally friendly and healthy for your plants
and soil. It provides the ultimate in vivid and
long-lasting beautiful color in your landscape.
SPECIAL ORDER ONLY allow 2 weeks for delivery
Tripple Ground:       $22.00 cu.yd.
Hardwood Mulch is our improved Tripple Ground
Hardwood mulch. Uniformly ground to a medium fine
texture, it provides a smooth, natural appearance.
This mulch is perfect for topdressing your
landscaping beds.
Price List
Wood Chips:       $12.00 cu.yd.
Wood chips are a more chunky texture than
the double ground mulch. This product is
great for naturalizing areas or as a first
application to build a base layer of mulch.


Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil
conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the
health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition,
and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-
groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep or if the wrong
material is used, it can actually cause significant harm to trees and other landscape plants.

Benefits of Proper Mulching

  • Helps maintain soil moisture. Evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be
    minimized.
  • Helps control weeds. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will reduce the germination and growth of
    weeds.
  • Mulch serves as nature’s insulating blanket. Mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler
    in the summer.
  • Many types of mulch can improve soil aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and
    drainage over time.
  • Some mulches can improve soil fertility.
  • A layer of mulch can inhibit certain plant diseases.
  • Mulching around trees helps facilitate maintenance and can reduce the likelihood of damage
    from “weed whackers” or the dreaded “lawn mower blight.”
  • Mulch can give planting beds a uniform, well-cared-for look.


Trees growing in a natural forest environment have their roots anchored in a rich, well-aerated soil
full of essential nutrients. The soil is blanketed by leaves and organic materials that replenish
nutrients and provide an optimal environment for root growth and mineral uptake. Urban landscapes,
however, are typically a much harsher environment with poor soils, little organic matter, and large
fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch can mimic a
more natural environment and improve plant health.

The root system of a tree is not a mirror image of the top. The roots of most trees can extend out a
significant distance from the tree trunk. Although the guideline for many maintenance practices is the
drip line—the outermost extension of the canopy—the roots can grow many times that distance. In
addition, most of the fine, absorbing roots are located within inches of the soil surface. These roots,
which are essential for taking up water and minerals, require oxygen to survive. A thin layer of mulch,
applied as broadly as practical, can improve the soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature, and
moisture availability where these roots grow.

Types of Mulch

Mulches are available commercially in many forms. The two major types of mulch are inorganic and
organic. Inorganic mulches include various types of stone, lava rock, pulverized rubber, geotextile
fabrics, and other materials. Inorganic mulches do not decompose and do not need to be replenished
often. On the other hand, they do not improve soil structure, add organic materials, or provide
nutrients. For these reasons, most horticulturists and arborists prefer organic mulches.

Organic mulches include wood chips, pine needles, hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls,
leaves, compost mixes, and a variety of other products usually derived from plants. Organic mulches
decompose in the landscape at different rates depending on the material and climate. Those that
decompose faster must be replenished more often. Because the decomposition process improves soil
quality and fertility, many arborists and other landscape professionals consider that characteristic a
positive one, despite the added maintenance.

Not Too Much!

As beneficial as mulch is, too much can be harmful. The generally recommended mulching depth is 2
to 4 inches. Unfortunately, many landscapes are falling victim to a plague of overmulching. A new
term, “mulch volcanoes,” has emerged to describe mulch that has been piled up around the base of
trees. Most organic mulches must be replenished, but the rate of decomposition varies. Some
mulches, such as cypress mulch, remain intact for many years. Top dressing with new mulch annually
(often for the sake of refreshing the color) creates a buildup to depths that can be unhealthy. Deep
mulch can be effective in suppressing weeds and reducing maintenance, but it often causes
additional problems.
























Problems Associated with Improper Mulching

  • Deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant and cause
    root rot.
  • Piling mulch against the trunk or stems of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to insect
    and disease problems.
  • Some mulches, especially those containing cut grass, can affect soil pH. Continued use of
    certain mulches over long periods can lead to micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
  • Mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create habitats for rodents that chew
    the bark and can girdle the trees.
  • Thick blankets of fine mulch can become matted and may prevent the penetration of water and
    air. In addition, a thick layer of fine mulch can become like potting soil and may support weed
    growth.
  • Anaerobic “sour” mulch may give off pungent odors, and the alcohols and organic acids that
    build up may be toxic to young plants.


Proper Mulching

It is clear that the choice of mulch and the method of application can be important to the health of
landscape plants. The following are some guidelines to use when applying mulch.

  • Inspect plants and soil in the area to be mulched. Determine whether drainage is adequate.
    Determine whether there are plants that may be affected by the choice of mulch. Most
    commonly available mulches work well in most landscapes. Some plants may benefit from the
    use of a slightly acidifying mulch such as pine bark.
  • If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add mulch if there is a sufficient layer in
    place. Rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers and to refresh the appearance. Some
    landscape maintenance companies spray mulch with a water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to
    improve the appearance.
  • If mulch is piled against the stems or tree trunks, pull it back several inches so that the base of
    the trunk and the root crown are exposed.
  • Organic mulches usually are preferred to inorganic materials due to their soil-enhancing
    properties. If organic mulch is used, it should be well aerated and, preferably, composted.
    Avoid sour-smelling mulch.
  • Composted wood chips can make good mulch, especially when they contain a blend of leaves,
    bark, and wood. Fresh wood chips also may be used around established trees and shrubs.
    Avoid using noncomposted wood chips that have been piled deeply without exposure to oxygen.
  • For well-drained sites, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch. If there are drainage problems, a
    thinner layer should be used. Avoid placing mulch against the tree trunks. Place mulch out to
    the tree’s drip line or beyond.

Remember: If the tree had a say in the matter, its entire root system (which usually extends
well beyond the drip line) would be mulched.  
Proper Mulching Techniques