Mulching is a necessary and time-saving part of any landscaping plan, and pine straw makes a world of difference in the appearance of any outdoor setting. I can tell you from experience it is so much nicer to put new plants into a bed with pine mulch instead of wood mulches, but I'm going to miss the frustration and splinters...NOT!
In order for pine mulch to work best, you need to choose the cleanest material for your garden from a reputable retailer and apply it properly. Although applying a mulch to your garden may seem like just another chore, it actually will save you a lot of time later in the year. It is a well-known fact that mulch helps to prevent weeds and retain moisture. What this means for you is less time weeding or watering your landscape and ample time to simply enjoy your garden.
Distributing pine needle over the beds is also a simple process, and one you can even have a little fun with. Obviously, the process starts when you purchase your pine straw from a local retailer or online—it's hard to spread what you don't have! Depending on how much you need, a pine straw wholesaler might be a wise choice when it comes to large jobs.
To determine how much pine straw you will need, first estimate or measure how much area you actually need to cover. Multiply this estimate by the depth you want the mulch to be at. Typically a 2.5" to 3" application of pine straw is recommended.
Order the bales wholesale or pick them up at a local dealer, and it's time to get to mulching. Once you have your pine needle make sure you have something with you to cut the twine on the bales when you get where you're going. It is quick work to snip the twine holding the bale together and start mulching.
To begin you can simply dig into the bale with your hands (gloves optional but recommended), and simply pull some pine needle out with both hands. Next, you will want to shake the pine straw as you deposit it, scattering it loosely. Essentially, you're mimicking the way it would fall from the trees naturally, just far more controlled. With loose, light layers, the needed air and moisture can still get at the plants' roots while robbing weeds of the light they need to grow.
One thing worth noting as you lay down your pine mulch is to leave a little space around the base of the plants, trees, and shrubs. As with all mulches, this will provide the required air circulation that your plants need. Also, remember to leave a similar gap around the foundation of your house. As many home owners know, bad things happen when you trap moisture against the foundation!
To maintain your pine straw mulch, just replenish it periodically, but don't remove the older layers. Simply adding more over the top of existing layers will ensure your beds and trees stay stunning for as long as you remember to refresh it. If you find the depth you're using isn't working as hoped, these refresh times are the best to make adjustments. So what are you waiting for? Time to get out there and make your yard the envy of all the neighbors.
Author Resource:
For 11 years, Custom Pine Straw has been a reliable wholesale distributor of pine mulch to professional commercial and residential landscapers, retail chains and individual retail companies across the U.S. We produce only the cleanest highest quality long pine needle and the finest pine mulch available on the market.
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