Pine Straw Installation
As the name implies, pine straw comes from pine trees, which shed their needles throughout the year. Once the 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 a very 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 to prevent soil compaction and erosion. Pine straw also protects plants from freezing conditions, helping keep the soil around the plants at a stable temperature. This is important for newer plants and those with shallow root systems. Plus, pine straw will improve the soil structure as it decays.
Types of pine straw can vary by region, and coverage will depend on the type, bale size, and application depth.
How to Apply 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 may want to wear a pair of gloves when applying pine straw. The needles can be very prickly and harder to manage with your bare hands. Application is quite simple. Remove the bale ties and simply take handfuls of the straw, shaking it over the application area. In general, plan to apply to a depth of about 3 inches, adding approximately an inch annually to maintain a good depth.
Tips
1. Put down pine straw any time of year to give an area a fresh, neat appearance.
2. 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.
3. Spread the straw to a thickness of about 3 inches. The straw will settle a short time after application.
4. Spread the straw approximately a foot beyond the bed edge.
5. Roll the edges of the straw by either raking or using a leaf blower. This gives the finished project a professional touch.
