Pine Needles Vs. Mulch

Dried pine needles are particularly effective when used as an organic mulch.

Mulch makes it easier for anyone to succeed with garden vegetables and landscape plants alike. In many ways, mulch mimics nature. Just as a soft mat of fallen leaves, twig, tree bark and fallen fruits or nuts protects soil roots from erosion and both extreme heat and cold, mulch applied to your garden and yard works to protect soil and plant roots from environmental extremes. Using pine needles as mulch can be highly beneficial.

Organic & Inorganic

Mulch isn’t necessarily natural. Technically, mulch is any material added or applied to the soil surface to protect or improve the covered area. Organic mulch is made from natural substances including grass clippings, straw, leaves, pine needles, tree bark or wood chips. Inorganic mulches include substances such as black or other plastics, woven landscape fabrics and gravel or pebbles.

Mulch Benefits

When used correctly, mulches conserve soil moisture. They keep soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, maintaining steadier soil temperature. Mulches also prevent soil “splashing,” or spreading soil-borne diseases or contaminants onto vegetation or produce via water drops. They reduce weed growth too, and help prevent soil compaction. Organic mulches decay into the topsoil, adding nutrients and improving soil structure. Mulched plants produce more roots, which enhances their health.

Mulch Cautions

There are downsides, though. Natural mulches attract insects, slugs and other pests. Because they decompose, they need replacing. Using organic mulch too close to a tree trunk or vulnerable woody or herbaceous stems can spread diseases from the soil to plants. Heavy organic or inorganic mulch over wet soils can prevent soil from drying adequately, which also encourages diseases that damage or kill roots. Black plastic mulch left on soil in summer can overheat or “cook” both soil and plant roots. Inorganic mulches may block soil water and air movement. So knowing how and when to apply mulch--and when to rake it aside or remove it--are important aspects of mulch use.

Pine Needle Mulch

A 2- to 3-inch layer of pine needles makes an excellent organic mulch. Pine needles are lightweight and pack loosely, yet they “interlock” and hold better than most mulches--especially on slopes. Air as well as water and nutrients easily penetrate pine straw mulch, but because it breaks down slowly it doesn’t need frequent replacement. Using pine needles as mulch is also sustainable, and usually organic; no trees are harvested to produce it. Pine straw mulch doesn’t attract pests or termites. It’s useful for any plants that do well when mulched, not just acid-loving plants.

Applying Pine Needles

To apply pine straw mulch, pick it up by the handful and scatter it loosely to the correct depth. Needles should fall randomly, as they do in nature. The loose, fluffy mulch will settle into an even mat once watered by rain, sprinklers or a hose. It will stand up to high winds and heavy storms, if properly applied. Refresh it once or twice a year to maintain depth and fresh appearance. Using a small amount of pine straw, sprinkle a thin layer atop previous needles.

References

• Clemson University Extension: Mulch
• Pine Straw Info: The What, Where and How of Pine Straw Mulch