Pine straw may be harvested mechanically or raked by hand . ... Once the needles are raked into piles, a tractor-drawn baler collects and bundles the needles into bales that are bound with twine or wire. Bales may be round or square depending on the baler type used.
What tree does pine straw come from?
Short needle pine straw is sometimes called “loblolly” after the loblolly pine tree (Pinus taeda) , from which it originates. These trees are very common all over the southeastern United States, and also range as far west as Texas and as far north as New England.
Where does pine straw come from?
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.
Is pine straw better than mulch?
Pine straw mulch is lighter weight than bark mulch . ... Additionally, it breaks down slower than bark materials, which means its benefits last longer. Once it does begin to compost, the nutrient content in the soil increases. Pine straw mulch benefits also include improving soil tilth.
Where do pine straw bales come from?
People often ask, “Where does pine straw come from?”. The answer: In South Carolina, as well as the Sand Hills of North Carolina where large tracts of Longleaf Pine Trees reside . A freshly raked field. Long Leaf Pine Trees grow in sandy soil.
Do snakes like pine straw?
Get rid of mulch .
Mulch and pine straw home to several invertebrates that are a prime food source for snakes. Snakes will also use this groundcover as shelter for themselves. Consider using an alternative to mulch or pine straw in your landscape design.
Are pine needles and pine straw the same thing?
Yes, pine needles and pine straw are the same thing .
How often do you need to replace 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.
Does pine straw attract termites?
Pine straw itself doesn't attract insects . Bugs don't eat dry pine straw, but other qualities draw in bugs including termites, centipedes and earwigs. ... Even if they don't get inside, the pine straw acts as a ground insulator, which is another reason it attracts insects that are looking to stay warm.
What is pine straw good for?
Like any mulch, pine straw helps insulate soil from temperature extremes, moisture loss and erosion by wind and rain . A mulch such as pine straw also decreases soil compaction and promotes favorable soil conditions for healthy root growth. ... Stability—Pine straw does not float and wash out of beds like other mulches.
What lasts longer mulch or pine straw?
Improves the Soil: Mulch offers a better moisture barrier for plants. ... It is easier to pull out weeds from mulch and it also provides a better weed barrier. Low Cost Over Time: Mulch generally lasts longer than pine needles thus the need to replenish as often is less.
Should you remove old pine straw?
Don't remove the old pine straw . One of the benefits of mulching is the organic matter it adds to the soil as it decomposes. Replenish your pine straw.
How many bales of pine straw equal a yard of mulch?
Thus, three bales of pine straw will cover one yard of mulch. Multiply the length times the width of each of your beds.
Which is better long or short needle pine straw?
The longer the pine needle , the better the pine needle will stay in place. If you have a place that has very high winds, you need to go with either the Longleaf pine needle or the Slash pine needle.
Why is there a pine straw shortage?
The pine doesn't have a magnolia's flowers or an oak's shade. ... But the reason that longleaf pines are prized around here: their needles . The dropped needles are in such demand that a lucrative business has grown up around raking, baling and selling them to landscapers and homeowners as mulch.
How much is pine straw worth?
Pine straw can be sold by the bale or by the acre. Current per acre reported prices in the Southeastern US range from $50 to $125 per acre per year . Revenues for a single rake have been as high as $300 to $400 per acre in high quality longleaf pine stands. Pine straw can also be sold by the bale.
