The Bales of Straw Needed for Mulching calculators computes the number of
regular square-bales of straw or hay needed to cover an area such as a field, garden or planter deep enough to act as mulch. To compute the bales of straw to mulch an irregular shaped field, plot, garden or planter, CLICK HERE.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (A) Area Covered in Straw
- (pB) Price per Bail (default is the most recent vCalc survey for straw pricing)
Bales of Straw for Mulching (B): The calculator returns the number of small (2 string) bales of straw needed to cover the area. It also computes the estimated cost of the straw base on a in input price per bail.
Considerations
Mulching is different than ground cover for planting. For mulching, one wants to suppress the growth of grass and weeds. For ground cover, one wants to protect grass seed and young seedlings to encourage grass growth and moisture retention. The differences is in the depth of the straw laid. This calculator computes straw deep enough to suppress weed growth.
Mulching Calculators
- Mulch to Cover Area: Enter an area size (e.g. 45 square feet or 0.75 acres) and depth of mulch wanted, and see estimated amount of mulch needed.
- Mulch to Cover Circular Area: Enter the diameter (D) of the circle and depth of mulch wanted, and see estimated amount of mulch needed.
- Mulch to Cover Rectangular Area: Enter the length (L) and width (W) of the area and depth of mulch wanted, and see estimated amount of mulch needed.
- Mulch to Cover Irregular Area: Enter the length of the four sides (a,b,c,d) and the diagonal (D) of an irregular area (see diagram) and the depth of mulch wanted, and see estimated amount of mulch needed.
- Mulch Cost Estimate: Enter the amount of mulch needed, choose a type of mulch and it will provide an estimate of the cost.
- Mulching With Straw (Irregular Area): Enter the length (L) and width (W) of the rectangular area and it will estimate the number of bales of straw needed to mulch the area with straw.
- Mulching With Straw (Area): Enter the area (acres, square feet) to see an estimate of the number of bales of straw needed to mulch the area with straw.
- Bulk vs Bag Price Comparison: Enter the bulk mulch and bag prices and volumes, and it tells you which is cheaper and by how much.
- Landscape Fabric: Computes the amount of landscape fabric needed for an area.
Mulching Information
Mulching is an excellent way to help your garden, plants, shrubs or trees in your yard. Mulch slows the growth of weeds, while allowing water and air to get to your plants; it also provides a pleasing visual boundary to highlight your plants.
To help you know how much mulch you need for a job, the vCalc mulch calculator helps calculate the volume of mulch needed. The volume equations, mulch cover (area), mulch cover (circular) and mulch cover (rectangle) both use the dimensions of the area to be covered and the desired depth of mulch in order to calculate the volume. The volume is returned in cubic units (system units such as cubic feet) or in standard bags. Bags of mulch in the U.S. typically come in units of 2 cubic feet. Note: most experts recommend a depth(d) of 1" to 2" of fine mulch or 3" to 4" of coarse mulch.
The mulch cost equation allows you to enter the cubic measurement (ft3 or m3) and then lets you enter the unit price for a cubic foot of mulch. vCalc uses the volume and unit price to compute the total cost. Local pricing should always be used. However, for the convenience of the user, a periodic Internet survey is made of mulch prices. The most recent observations are as follows:
- Date: 12/27/21
- Store: Lowes
- Red Mulch: 1.84 USD/ft³
- Pine Mulch: 2.44 USD/ft³
- Common Hardwood Mulch: 1.84 USD/ft³
- Cedar Mulch: 1.83 USD/ft³
- Rubber Mulch: 8.725 USD/ft³
- Straw Pricing by Bale Size: [[Date of Pricing Survey, 7/21/23], [Straw Price: Small Square Bale (2 string: 50lb), 3.81 USD], [Straw Price: Small Square Bale (3 wire: 110lb) , 8.39 USD], [Straw Price: Large Square Bale (1,360 lbs), 103.70 USD], [Straw Price: Round Bale (850 lbs), 64.81 USD]]
The most current US Straw Price Survey information data is as follows:
- Date: 7/21/23
- State: PA
- Region: New Holland
- Straw Price: $125.0 to $180.0
See Also
- Greenhouse Calculator - Formulas and data for construction, heating and planting in a greenhouse or high-tunnel.
- Planter Calculator - Formulas for gardening with planters.
- Fencing Calculator - Formulas for farm fencing
- Electricians Calculator - Formulas for electrical wiring.
- Plumbers Calculator - Formulas for plumbing.
- Pole-barn and Shed Calculator - Formulas to assist in construction of a pole-barn, house or shed.