Winter is officially upon us, and with the change in season comes an important opportunity to protect your landscape before prolonged cold, frost, and freezing conditions set in. This is an ideal time to request a quote if you are considering having bark, mulch, compost, wood chips, or other organic materials blown in place.

We are continuing to operate a full crew through the winter months and are currently scheduling projects up to one week out. In addition, we are offering a winter discount valid on any job completed by February 28, 2026. Winter demand is traditionally lower, allowing us to offer more competitive pricing while maintaining short lead times.

Why We Apply Bark and Organic Materials to Planter Beds

When asked why bark or mulch is used in landscape beds, most people identify two primary reasons:

1. It significantly improves the appearance of the landscape compared to exposed soil.
2. It helps suppress weeds and inhibits the growth of invasive species.

Both are important benefits. However, a critical and often overlooked function of bark is soil and root protection, particularly during winter.

Our approach is based on what the earth naturally does in undisturbed environments. Nature maintains an organic layer on the surface of the soil for a reason—it works. Our goal is to replicate that process in your landscape.

Winter Protection: Frost, Cold, and Soil Stability

Cold temperatures and frost
During fall and winter, soil is exposed to repeated freeze–thaw cycles. An organic layer of bark or mulch acts as insulation, protecting the soil surface from extreme temperature fluctuations. This insulation helps prevent frost penetration that can damage or stress plant and tree roots, especially those that are dormant.

Moisture retention and erosion control
Winter precipitation, whether rain or snow, can compact soil and cause erosion when the surface is unprotected. Bark absorbs and disperses moisture slowly, reducing runoff and helping preserve the nutrient-rich top layer of soil that supports healthy root systems.

Root protection during dormancy
Even when plants appear inactive, their roots remain vulnerable. A maintained organic layer shields roots from freezing temperatures, soil heaving, and erosion, helping ensure stronger regrowth when spring arrives.

Recommended Application Depth

Based on practical field experience, a maintained 2–3 inch layer of bark or other organic material is ideal to achieve these protective benefits. This depth provides effective insulation, moisture regulation, and soil protection throughout the winter season.

Final Notes

Winter is one of the most effective and cost-efficient times to install or refresh bark and mulch. With shorter scheduling windows, reduced demand-driven pricing, and our winter discount available for jobs completed by 2/28/26, now is an excellent time to ensure your landscape is properly protected from frost and cold-weather damage.

Please contact our office to request a quote or to schedule your project.