How to Build a Pine Straw Bale

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of the pine straw needles that fall from your trees and cover your ground each year? Making your own bales of pine straw at home is an easy and economical answer to the question. The pine straw bales can be stored in a dry area and used periodically to provide a protective covering for your lawn and garden. For the truly enterprising, bales could be sold as mulch.

Things You'll Need

• Pine straw baler
• String
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Fill the compression chamber of the baler to the top with pine straw needles.

2. Press down with the compression arm or use the end of a tool, such as a hoe. Add more pine straw, as necessary, until the baler is filled to the top.

3. Tie the baling string through both sides of the open compartments of the compression chamber gate to make a knot.

4. Open the gate and remove the pine straw bale.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the bales indoors, such as in a barn or shed or cover with a tarp to protect from moisture and rot.

References

• Pine straw baling video.
• How to make a bale of pinestraw.