With the rain and wind we often see in this part of Georgia and South Carolina, pine straw is a great solution for dressing up your landscape. Pine straw is, obviously, an all natural product and it does not float or wash away, it's very long-lasting and it prevents erosion.
Because pine straw is slow to deteriorate, it does not require constant application like so many other landscaping mulches. Pine straw is great to use on slopes and other oddly-shaped landscapes and serves as an effective shield for more delicate plants.
Pine straw is an easy way to reduce time spent on garden maintenance, and it can also reduce garden pests and termites. Pine straw is also high in nitrogen, acts as a fertilizer for plants, shrubs and trees.
Because pine straw is not easily compacted, it allows for increased water filtration and keeps plants cool in the summer and warm in the winter -- a great way to keep them alive through even the harshest seasons.
Pine straw is natural and blends beautifully into the landscape.
Pine straw lasts a long time ... it takes up to four years for the needles to completely decompose. They have a very high resin content, which inhibits rapid decomposition. A light application of fresh needles, over the top, once a year, is all that you need to do.
Pine straw allow the passage of air, moisture and fertilizer into the soil.
Pine straw retards the growth of mushrooms, slime molds, bird’s nest fungus or artillery fungus.
Pine straw will not rot the trunk collar on your trees.
Pine straw will not cake and mat down. This eliminates the problem of compaction that makes some mulch impermeable to air, moisture, and fertilizer movement into the soil.
We carry clean baled pine straw at competitive prices, so come see us for all pine straw at Ground Cover Supply in Evans, GA.
FAQs
The worst con about pine straw is that it can be highly flammable. Dry pine needles can be a serious fire hazard and are considered the second most combustible form of mulch next to shredded rubber mulch.
Is straw better than mulch? ›
Mulch provides more plant protection and helps the soil retain moisture, but it may be more expensive and require more frequent replacement. Pine straw may be the way to go if you're looking for a low-cost option that will still provide some level of protection for your plants.
Does pine straw attract termites? ›
Pine straw itself doesn't attract insects. Bugs don't eat dry pine straw, but other qualities draw in bugs including termites, centipedes and earwigs. Some of these insects help break the pine straw down, which is good for deterring weeds, but for the most part its best to keep critters away from your house.
What is the downside of pine mulch? ›
Attractive to Insects
Pine needle mulch tends to draw garden pests. co*ckroaches, termites, centipedes, and earwigs find this mulch an ideal hiding and nesting spot because it's easy to burrow in and provides the warmth and moisture they need. The insects, in turn, attract snakes looking for a meal.
Do you need landscape fabric under pine straw? ›
You shouldn't put anything under pine straw for landscaping.
Do ticks like pine straw? ›
Ticks don't like to be there. Barrier zones – the interface between the shrubs and woods and the lawn, may need it. Mulch and pine straw are easier to spray than shrubs, and make it harder for the ticks to travel from vegetation to lawn.
Do snakes like pine straw? ›
While pine straw itself doesn't necessarily attract snakes, it does afford them an easy place to burrow and hide once they find it. Instead of pine straw, consider using mulch, bark or rock. These do not repel snakes but, snakes have a tougher time trying to hide underneath it.
Does straw mulch attract rodents? ›
Your garden is naturally filled with plants that may appeal to rodents. This, in combination with the presence of mulching materials, make your garden the ideal space for these pests. Mulches such as straw, wood chips, and leaves offer the mice and their relatives safety and cover.
Do I need to remove old pine straw before putting down new? ›
Should I remove the old straw (or leaves) before I put the new straw down? No. Straw disintegrates more quickly on bare dirt than on old straw. It also adds to mulching, and it's more work for you!
Do mosquitoes live in pine straw? ›
Wet mulch, along with other common yard decorations such as pine straw and wet soil in a flower bed, can hold enough moisture below the surface to attract mosquitoes. Once mosquitoes identify an area as moist enough to lay eggs, they will nest there, and other mosquitoes will follow.
Pine straw mulch: Pine straw mulch is also vulnerable to co*ckroaches. It provides roaches what bark mulch can give them. It traps moisture underneath and provides shelter. However, this mulch is so ideal to roaches because it's made from lightweight pine needles the co*ckroaches can dig through easily.
Do chiggers live in pine straw? ›
Chiggers live on leaves, shrubs and in wooded areas, pastures, pine straw and tall grass and weeds. The parasitic larvae can be found feeding on wild mammals, birds, reptiles, and domestic animals.
What mulch to avoid? ›
Finally, avoid large, bark type mulch or big wood chips. Since these big pieces take a long time to decompose, and they end up depriving the soil and plants of nutrients.
Why not use pine straw? ›
Mulch and pine straw have their pros and cons based on their particular use. Pine-straw can be less expensive to cover a specific area but can become an eyesore and need to be refreshed more often. Whereas mulch contains more nutrients for the soil but tends to erode and requires more attention to eliminate weeds.
Why does nothing grow under pine trees? ›
Pine needles are very dry, with a waxy coating, and overall their value as a mulch is not very good or effective. The other condition which prevails under pines is the shade. While many plants can grow near pine trees, not many can survive directly beneath the pine tree in constant shade.
What are 2 drawbacks to using pine? ›
Properties of Pine
| Advantages of Pine | Disadvantages of Pine |
|---|
| Lightweight and easy to work with | Susceptible to Scratches and Dents |
| Resists Shrinking & Swellling | Can be easily damaged |
| Good Elasticity | Not as durable as hardwoods |
| Attractive Grain Options | Prone to warping and twisting if not properly dried and cured |
7 more rowsBecause it's less dense than something like wood chips or bark, pine straw can leave an opportunity for underlying weeds to poke through. So while it does help prevent weeds from sprouting in your landscape and garden, if you're looking to minimize the amount of weed pulling you do, there may be better options.
How long does pine straw last? ›
Lifespan: Mulch will last longer than pine straw.
Keep in mind though, pine straw only lasts for about six months, which means you will need to pay for pine straw installation twice a year. Mulch should be replenished annually so you will only need to have it installed once a year.
Should you remove old pine straw before putting down new? ›
Should I remove the old straw (or leaves) before I put the new straw down? No. Straw disintegrates more quickly on bare dirt than on old straw. It also adds to mulching, and it's more work for you!
