Brown Shredded Mulch: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: Shredded Hardwood Mulch, Wood Mulch, Bark Mulch
Brown Shredded Mulch at a Glance
| Size | Shredded strips of bark and wood, typically 1-4 inches long. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 800 to 1,200 lbs (0.40 to 0.60 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 1.67 to 2.50 |
| Cost per ton | $20 to $40 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $25 to $45 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $200 to $400 before delivery |
| Compaction | Minimal (0%). Stays loose, needs edging. |
| Best for | Landscape beds, Tree rings, Garden borders, Erosion control on slopes |
| Wrong for | Driveways, Walkways (decomposes), Direct contact with home siding |
What Is Brown Shredded Mulch?
Shredded bark and wood from trees like oak, hickory, and maple. Retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Decomposes slowly over time, adding organic matter to the soil. Adds a natural, finished look to landscape beds.
Project guide: Landscaping With Gravel: How Much to Order, Depth by Use, and Cost
How Much Brown Shredded Mulch Do I Need?
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What Brown Shredded Mulch Costs in 2026
Brown Shredded Mulch costs $20 to $40 per ton, or $25 to $45 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $200 to $400 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $360 to $720. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $20 to $40 |
| 1 cubic yard | $25 to $45 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $200 to $400 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $360 to $720 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $8 to $24 |
Very lightweight — a standard dump truck can carry 15-20 cubic yards of mulch. Many suppliers offer free delivery on orders of 3+ yards.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Brown Shredded Mulch for Common Projects
Tons include 0% compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Formula: cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Project | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) | 2 in | 1.2 | 0.5 to 0.8 | $10 to $32 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 2.6 to 3.9 | $52 to $156 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 0.6 to 0.9 | $12 to $36 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Where Brown Shredded Mulch Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Erosion control on slopes
Wrong uses
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ Walkways (decomposes)
- ✗ Direct contact with home siding
Common Uses
- ✓ Landscape beds
- ✓ Tree rings
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Playground surfaces
- ✓ Slope stabilization
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Retains soil moisture reducing watering | − Needs replenishing every 1-2 years as it decomposes |
| + Suppresses weed growth naturally | − Can attract termites if placed against structures |
| + Insulates soil temperature | − May temporarily rob nitrogen from soil as it breaks down |
| + Decomposes to enrich soil over time | − Floats and washes away in heavy rain |
| + Attractive natural brown color | − Can develop mold in overly wet conditions |
Brown Shredded Mulch Sizes and Colors
Shredded strips of bark and wood, typically 1-4 inches long. Natural brown color that fades to gray over time. Double-shredded mulch is finer and mats together better, resisting wind and rain displacement.
Compare Brown Shredded Mulch With Other Materials
Side-by-side size, cost, drainage, and best-use comparisons.
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Project Guides That Use Brown Shredded Mulch
Brown Shredded Mulch by City
Suppliers stock Brown Shredded Mulch in these cities:
Find Brown Shredded Mulch Near You
Palmer, Alaska
Philippi, West Virginia
100 Galleria Parkway Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia