ulch keeps moisture in the soil and moderates soil temperature. Mulch also reduces erosion and weeds. Mulch is often sold in bags, by the yard or by the "truck-load." So, how much mulch do you need for your yard?

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MULCH: How much do you need to have the recommended depth of 3 inches?

. By the bag: 1 bag containing 2 cubic feet covers 8 square feet (2 ft. X 4 ft.) By the bale: 1 bale of pine straw covers 18 to 20 square feet. By the yard: 1 cubic yard covers 108 square feet (9 ft. x 12 ft.)
	Pull mulch away from stems  and trunks to avoid stem rot.
By the truckload: 1 mini pickup holds 1-1/2 yards and covers 162 square feet (9 ft. X 18 ft.) 1 full-sized pickup holds 2-1/2 yards and covers 270 square feet (9 ft. x 30 ft.)

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FLORIDA FRIENDLY YARD ACTIONS Keep a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch over the roots of trees, shrubs, and in plant beds.  Remember to leave at least 2 inches of space between the mulch and the plant's trunk or stem.  (Don't mulch citrus trees.)  . Replenish mulch once or twice a year, as needed to maintain a 2-3 inch depth.  . Create self-mulching areas under trees where leaves can stay where they fall.  . Use by-product or alternative mulches such as pine bark, eucalyptus and melaleuca, or use recycled mulches when available from your community.  .