Full Comparison Table
| Factor | 🌿 Mulch | 🪨 Gravel | 🌱 Topsoil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Weed & moisture control | Surface & drainage | Soil improvement / establishment |
| Goes where | On top of existing soil | On top of fabric/base | On or mixed into soil |
| Lifespan | 1–5 years (decomposes) | Indefinite | Permanent once applied |
| Soil benefit | High — improves soil | None | Direct — IS the soil |
| Weed control | Excellent | Moderate | None (needs mulch on top) |
| Good for plants | Yes — moisture + nutrients | Not usually | Yes — foundation for plants |
| Good for paths | No (breaks down) | Yes | No |
| Good for driveways | No | Yes | No |
| Good for lawns | No (use for tree rings) | No | Yes (top-dressing, new lawns) |
| Cost / yard (bulk) | $25–$50 | $25–$80 | $15–$50 |
| Maintenance | Top-up annually | Rake 2x/year | Minimal once established |
| Typical depth | 2–4 inches | 2–6 inches | 2–12 inches |
Which Should You Use? (By Project)
3 inches of shredded hardwood bark suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and improves soil as it decomposes.
Best mulch for flower beds →3–4 inches in a donut ring (not touching the trunk) protects roots and prevents mowing damage.
How to mulch around trees →4–6 inches of screened topsoil provides the nutrient base for grass seed. Add mulch over seeded areas to retain moisture.
Topsoil Calculator →4–6 inches of compacted base (#411) plus 2–3 inches of surface gravel (#57). No soil improvement needed here.
Gravel driveway guide →Pea gravel or decomposed granite for a clean look. Free wood chips from arborists work great for informal paths.
Mulch vs wood chips →Fill 8–12 inches deep with topsoil/compost blend. Top with 1–2 inches straw mulch to retain moisture between plants.
Topsoil Calculator →Unscreened fill topsoil ($10–$20/yard) is ideal for grading. Level, then overseed and top-dress with screened topsoil.
Topsoil guide →#57 washed stone in a French drain system or as a drainage layer under landscape beds with poor drainage.
Gravel Calculator →Can You Use Multiple Materials Together?
Yes — many landscape projects use all three in different areas or layers:
- Lawn areas:Topsoil (4–6") under new grass seed. Top-dress thin spots with 1–2" screened topsoil annually.
- Planting beds:Topsoil (4") to establish plants, then 3" mulch on top as permanent surface layer.
- Driveway:Base gravel (5") compacted, topped with surface gravel (2–3").
- Path to front door:Pea gravel (2–3") over landscape fabric and edging.
- Tree ring:Shredded hardwood mulch (3–4") in donut ring 3–5 ft radius.
Cost Comparison per Project
| Project Area | Mulch (3") | Gravel (4") | Topsoil (4") |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | $28–$46 | $31–$49 | $18–$40 |
| 300 sq ft | $83–$139 | $93–$148 | $55–$120 |
| 500 sq ft | $138–$231 | $154–$247 | $92–$200 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $278–$463 | $309–$494 | $185–$401 |
Material cost only. Based on $35/yd³ mulch, $38/yd³ gravel, $25/yd³ topsoil. Add $40–$75 delivery.