Quick Answer
- Shredded hardwood (most common): 400–600 lbs per cubic yard
- Dry vs wet: Wet mulch can be 2–3× heavier than dry
- Rubber mulch: 1,200–1,500 lbs per cubic yard — much heavier
Weight by Mulch Type
| Mulch Type | Dry Weight / Yd³ | Wet Weight / Yd³ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straw / hay | 200 – 300 lbs | 500 – 700 lbs | Very light dry; absorbs lots of water |
| Pine bark nuggets | 300 – 400 lbs | 500 – 600 lbs | Light; floats on slopes in heavy rain |
| Cedar mulch | 350 – 500 lbs | 600 – 800 lbs | Moderate weight; good on slopes |
| Shredded hardwood | 400 – 600 lbs | 700 – 900 lbs | Most common; mats down well |
| Cypress mulch | 400 – 550 lbs | 650 – 850 lbs | Good moisture retention |
| Compost / organic | 700 – 900 lbs | 1,000 – 1,300 lbs | Denser; great soil amendment |
| Rubber mulch | 1,200 – 1,500 lbs | 1,200 – 1,500 lbs | Doesn't absorb water; stays heavy |
Hauling Guide: How Much Can You Carry?
| Vehicle | Max Payload | Shredded Hardwood | Rubber Mulch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-ton pickup (F-150) | 1,000 lbs | ≈ 2 yd³ | Less than 1 yd³ |
| Three-quarter ton (F-250) | 2,000 lbs | ≈ 4 yd³ | ≈ 1.5 yd³ |
| Trailer (10 ft, 2,000 lb) | 2,000 lbs | ≈ 4 yd³ | ≈ 1.5 yd³ |
⚠️ Wet mulch is much heavier
After rain, mulch absorbs water and can weigh 2–3× its dry weight. If you're picking up mulch from a supplier after rain, load conservatively — your payload limits still apply.
Calculate Mulch Weight for Your Order
Enter cubic yards and mulch type to get weight in lbs and tons.
Open Mulch Calculator →FAQ
How heavy is 3 yards of mulch?
3 cubic yards of dry shredded hardwood mulch weighs approximately 1,200–1,800 lbs. Rubber mulch: 3,600–4,500 lbs.
Can a half-ton pickup carry a yard of mulch?
Yes, for dry organic mulch. A yard of hardwood mulch weighs 400–600 lbs dry — well within a half-ton's 1,000 lb payload. Don't carry rubber mulch in a half-ton — one yard exceeds payload.