Pine Straw Mulch The Better Way

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Pine straw 
Ok so, spring is on its way. One of the many things that need to be done now is mulch. Many people in the Carolinas use pine straw. We have a few customers from the west coast that find this idea amusing. If you are one of those people, we are about to show you that pine straw can hold its own in your landscape design.  
Pests
Pinestraw has a low cellulose content.  For the most part, it will not attract termites. However, mulch allowed to compost can create a moisture environment in which Termites thrive. It very well can attract all sorts of critters!  Pine straw does not retain excessive moisture which helps to deter most annoying insects.  
Cost
On a good note, pinestraw is less expensive than mulch. It is easier and faster to install than wood mulch. Most landscapers offer better pricing on pine straw than wood mulch. Give me a call (or your local supply) for a price/coverage comparison. Keep this in mind if you decide to plan your DIY installation.
Environmental impact
To create wood mulch, large machines are used to grind trees and pallets.  Dyed mulch is usually made from old pallets and construction waste. There is no way of knowing the amount of arsenic based pressure treated waste that is ground into this mountain of mulch. Most people (including some landscapers) use bagged mulch. So, what landfill do you think these chemical ridden bags end up in? Always remember that no trees have to die for pine straw...and less waste is accumulated at the end of the job.
More Tidbits
If you have ever installed wood mulch, you know it’s messy. Using pine straw is so much easier and cleaner to say the least. It is easier to transport...just stack and go. I know that you can stack bags of mulch; however, keep in mind my point regarding the mulch bags and the landfill.
Bark mulch has a bad tendency to float away in the rain. Using bark on a hill is a big problem. You will almost always be using a rake, raking it out of your turf and back uphill after every heavy rain. Pine straw will hold in place, even on a steep incline.
Final point
I use pine straw on most of my properties. This includes my personal property. I like the pristine look it adds to my own design. The color is natural and thus easily blends in with my color designs. It's also easy to reposition when I make changes or add a new plant to my own landscape sanctuary. 

 Remember, your home is your sanctuary.  Design your landscape to bring you peace and help you stay grounded. Dream it and build it...and if I can help, let me know!

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