When my large bed of ferns dies off in the fall, can I cover the bare spot with mulch w/out killing the ferns?

I don't know what kind of ferns I have....they're large, the kind I've seen forever in forests. They are very hardy. But when they die off i the fall, the fern bed looks pretty awful (it's right in front of our house). I thought it would at least look a little better if I could cover up the bare dirt with either mulch or wood chips. I can't really plant anything there because I'd disturb the ferns as I was planting. Thanks much !

When my large bed of ferns dies off in the fall, can I cover the bare spot with mulch w/out killing the ferns?
As long as you don't pile it too deeply or use *hot* mulch (fresh mulch that hasn't aged long enough), you should be fine. Remember, in the forest, ferns are covered in leaf litter, dead tree branches, pine needles, etc. over the winter. It may slightly delay their emergence -- then again, it may advance it, if it keeps the ground warmer! I say give it a go and see. Good luck.
Reply:The first answer is a great answer. It needs no help from me.
Reply:I think they are right,protecting it from freeze can only help.