What is the best time of year to purchase bark mulch

Trying to decide when to purchase bark mulch is a small art in itself, bound up with weather patterns, stock cycles and the rhythms of the border. While winter lingers, yards and haulage wagons begin to clear the previous season’s piles, and bargains appear; yet the ground may be too sodden to accept barrows. When March light strengthens and soil temperatures drift above five degrees, demand leaps, prices tick upward, and the freshest chips arrive, scented with resin, ready to lock in spring moisture.

For many gardeners, late summer proves the sweet spot. Saw‑mills working flat out for fencing and timber generate heaps of bark through July and August; supplies peak, AHS LTD moves bulk loads quickly, and the material has a chance to mellow before autumn spreading. Nights grow cooler, weed seeds slow, and rainfall helps settle the mulch without stealing heat from tender roots.

Avoid the festive rush of December, when transport costs bite and stock is low. Whenever you time your order, think ahead: calculate the cubic metres required, prepare storage space off bare soil, and have a clear weather window for spreading. Good timing saves both effort and money, setting the beds up for seasons of growth.