What Is Pine Straw for Landscaping?
As the name implies, pine straw comes from pine trees, which shed their needles throughout the year. Once the pine tree needles drop to the ground, they are hand-raked, cleaned and baled without the need to cut down or harm the trees. This makes pine straw an environmentally friendly choice for a landscaping and mulching material.
When applied correctly, pine straw prevents evaporation of water from the soil, reduces the growth of weeds, and helps prevent soil compaction and erosion. Pine straw also protects plants from freezing conditions, helping to keep the soil around the plants at a stable temperature. This is important for newer plants and those with shallow root systems. Plus, pine tree needles will improve the soil structure as they decompose and break down.
Types of pine straw can vary by region, and coverage will depend on the type, bale size, and application depth.
How Often Should You Put Out Pine Straw?
Most professionals recommend an annual application of pine straw. However, if you're only using it for decorative purposes, you can apply it about twice a year to keep the landscape looking fresh. You should put the new pine straw down on top of the old pine tree needles, as the old needles will add valuable nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
How Do You Apply Pine Straw?
You may want to wear a pair of gloves when applying pine straw for landscaping. The needles can be very prickly and harder to manage with your bare hands. The application is quite simple. Remove the bale ties and simply shake handfuls of the straw over the application area. Plan to apply to a depth of about 3 inches, adding approximately an inch annually to maintain a good depth.
What Is the Best Way to Spread Pine Straw?
The main goal is to prevent weed growth and enhance the beauty of your yard with ground cover. Your application of pine straw for landscaping needs to be at least 3 inches thick. You may find recommendations for application up to 6 inches thick, but that's usually not necessary, especially in shady locations such as areas beneath trees. This decorative approach is a nice technique to use for lining walkways and seating areas that aren't paved, such as the areas around benches. The best way to spread pine straw starts with removing the wire or twine from the bale. (Be sure to dispose of the wire or twine to prevent accidents or injuries). Next, simply take handfuls of the pine tree needles and shake them over the areas you want to cover. If you want to "tuck in" the edges of the pine straw for a professional look, spread the straw about a foot beyond the border of your bed. Then, rake the needles back toward the bed for a fluffy appearance. Tucking or rolling the pine tree needles also helps to keep the pine straw for landscaping in place.
What Do You Put Under and Around Pine Straw?
You shouldn't put anything under pine straw for landscaping. This includes landscape fabric, also known as weed fabric. Since it's biodegradable, pine straw should be put directly onto the soil, which will allow the nutrients to blend with the soil below as the pine tree needles break down over time. However, it's a good idea to extend the pine tree needles to the drip line of your plants. Keep the straw about 2 to 3 inches away from plant bases and the trunks of trees and shrubs. Pine straw applied in this way around trees will discourage rodents from feasting on the bark.
Should You Remove Old Pine Straw Before Putting Down New?
You should not remove old pine straw before putting down new pine straw for landscaping. Pine tree needles are biodegradable, and will add vital nutrients to the soil as they break down. They slightly acidify the soil, making them an excellent landscaping mulch for acid-loving plants, trees, and shrubs such as camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, fuchsias, gardenias, ferns, dogwoods, magnolias, holly and evergreens. Also, since pine straw will break down faster on bare dirt than it will on top of other pine tree needles, putting new pine straw down on top of old will make the new needles last longer.
Tips:
- Put down pine straw for landscaping any time of year to give an area a fresh, neat appearance.
- Prior to spreading straw, be sure to clean and weed the area, apply a weed preventer and complete pruning and trimming of existing trees and shrubs.
- Spread the straw to a thickness of about 3 inches. The pine straw will settle a short time after application.
- Spread the pine tree needles approximately a foot beyond the bed's edge.
- Roll the edges of the straw by either raking or using a leaf blower. This gives the finished project a professional touch.