Starting a new lawn care or landscaping project can be exciting, but figuring out how much mulch, sod, soil, or gravel you need? Not so much. Guess wrong, and you could end up spending more than you need or running out halfway through the job. That’s why we created a free, easy-to-use Material Estimator to help you get it right the first time.
Why Getting Material Estimates Right Matters
It’s not just about saving money (though that’s always a bonus). Accurate material estimates help your projects look better and last longer. Here’s why:
- Save Money and Avoid Waste – Buying too much means wasted materials. Buying too little? Delays and extra trips to the store.
- Professional, Even Coverage – Whether it’s mulch, sod, or gravel, the right amount keeps your yard looking sharp and healthy.
- Less Stress, More Progress – Knowing exactly what you need means your project moves faster, with fewer headaches along the way.
For more ways to keep your yard looking its best without overspending, check out our guide on how to extend the life of your landscaping.
How to Use Our Free Material Estimator
Our Material Estimator is designed to be simple and effective. Just enter your project dimensions, pick your material, and let the tool do the math. It’s perfect for:
- Laying fresh sod for a new lawn,
- Adding mulch to garden beds,
- Spreading gravel for walkways or driveways,
- Or filling raised beds with topsoil.
In just a few clicks, you’ll know exactly how much you need, saving time and money.
If you’re planning to install sod in Houston’s hot climate, don’t forget to check out our tips for keeping your lawn healthy during summer. Learn more from Texas A&M for grass care here in Texas.
Why Sod Coverage Estimates Matter
When it comes to sod, most farms advertise that one pallet covers 450 sq. ft. But in reality, it’s often less. Our Material estimator adjusts the coverage to 425 sq. ft. per pallet—and here’s why:
- Imperfect Cuts & Damaged Pieces: Even from the best suppliers, you’ll find one or two pieces that aren’t ideal—either damaged in transport or poorly cut. These usually need to be tossed.
- Spillage on Larger Jobs: On big projects, there’s always a bit of material loss, whether from trimming or shifting during delivery.
- Odd-Shaped Lawns Require More Cuts: If your lawn isn’t a perfect rectangle, expect to make more cuts. The more cuts you make, the more sod you’ll waste. For complex shapes, coverage might even drop to 400 sq. ft. per pallet.
By adjusting for these common issues, our calculator gives you a realistic estimate, so you’re not caught short mid-project. Make sure to use our material estimator tool to give you more confidence going into your project. Not sure how much you need? Give us a quick call—no pressure, just friendly advice.
Real Stories, Real Results | Work Smart not Hard
“I’ve been using Evergreen Outdoor Services every couple of years to top-dress my lawn. I don’t own a truck and wasn’t sure where to find high-quality materials at a fair price. Jorge and his team not only delivered the best materials, but even with delivery costs, it was about the same as what I’d pay at a big-box store. Plus, I didn’t have to haul anything myself. The convenience and quality are unbeatable.”
– Mr. Hunter, Houston, TX
We work closely with trusted suppliers to secure the best materials at competitive prices. Even after adding delivery costs, our pricing often matches—or beats—what you’d pay at retail. Plus, you get the added convenience of materials delivered straight to your doorstep without worrying about fuel, time, or wear and tear on your vehicle.
How to Measure Your Yard or Garden Accurately
To get the most accurate results with our calculator, follow these quick tips:
- Measure Length & Width: Use a tape measure or measuring wheel to get the length and width in feet.
- Break Down Odd Shapes: For irregular spaces, divide them into smaller rectangles or circles and measure each separately.
- Account for Depth: For mulch or gravel, decide how deep you want the layer (2-3 inches is typical for mulch).
- Double-Check Measurements: Always recheck your numbers to avoid overestimating or underestimating.
- Input Your Numbers: Plug your measurements into our Supply Calculator and get instant, accurate results.
Need Materials Delivered or Professional Help?
Once you’ve used our Supplies Estimator, if you find you need materials delivered—or you decide you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the pros—we’re here for you!
At Evergreen Outdoor Services, we offer:
- Material delivery for mulch, sod, soil, gravel, and more,
- Professional landscaping services to take your project from start to finish,
- And expert advice whenever you need it—no pressure, no obligation.
Want to know more about our landscaping services in Houston? We’ve got everything you need to bring your outdoor space to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What if I have leftover materials?
Leftover mulch or gravel can be stored in a dry, covered area for future use. Extra sod, however, should be used within a day or two, as it can dry out quickly. If you end up with more than expected, consider patching bare spots or sharing with neighbors.
2. Why does your sod calculator estimate less coverage than suppliers claim?
Most suppliers advertise 450 sq. ft. per pallet, but we’ve adjusted our calculator to 425 sq. ft. to account for damaged pieces and the extra cutting required for irregularly shaped lawns. This gives you a more accurate and realistic estimate.
3. How deep should I spread mulch or gravel?
For mulch, 2-3 inches is ideal to retain moisture and suppress weeds. For gravel, 2-4 inches is typical depending on its use (e.g., pathways vs. drainage).
4. Can I mix different materials in the same project?
Absolutely! For example, you can use gravel for pathways and mulch for garden beds. Our calculator lets you estimate different materials separately to keep things simple.
5. What if I’m still unsure about my measurements?
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through the process, and there’s no obligation to book a service. We’re here to help!
Ready to Get Started?
At Evergreen Outdoor Services, we’re all about making lawn care and landscaping easier for you. Our Bulk Materials Estimator helps you plan smarter, avoid waste, and get the job done right.
Try it out before your next project and see how simple it is to get the perfect amount of materials. And if you need a hand with material delivery or professional landscaping services in Houston, we’re just a call or click away!