Know These Drawbacks Before Mulching With Pine Needles

If you have pine trees in your yard, you know just how many needles wind up falling from them every year. While some homeowners just rake them up, others want to find a way to use the needles in their landscaping. You might consider adding pine needles to the compost pile, but the charmingly rustic look of pine needle mulch makes it an appealing option as well. In addition to its attractive appearance, pine needle mulch, sometimes known as pine straw, can have many benefits for your garden, including helping the soil stay moist, preventing erosion, and supporting acid-loving plants. Unfortunately, there are downsides to using pine needles that are important to consider before you start mulching. The biggest concerns with pine needle mulch are its flammability and tendency to attract insects, both of which can cause major problems in your yard.

Pine trees lose their needles as a natural part of their life cycle. It typically occurs in the fall or early winter, but a tree can drop its needles at any time if it is diseased or in the midst of a drought. Fallen needles are usually yellow or brown in color and are very dry. They tend to accumulate in piles beneath the tree, where they become a haven for many insects.  Understanding the risks associated with pine needles and ways to combat them in your yard can help you decide whether it's the right mulch for your yard. 

Choosing the best type of mulch for your yard can be tricky, as all mulches have their pros and cons. However, pine needle mulch's downsides can mean big trouble depending on where you live and plan to use it.

We've all heard the warnings about dry Christmas trees being a potential fire hazard. The same principle applies to pine needles used as mulch around your property. Because they are dry, they can ignite easily, especially in dry, hot weather. That's why pine needle mulch is often restricted in areas prone to wildfires.

When it comes to pests, insects don't eat dry pine needles, so the mulch won't attract bugs that aren't already in the immediate area. However, piles of pine needles can create an attractive spot for insects to hide, as they typically seek warm places for shelter when the weather cools off. Pests such as termites, earwigs, and centipedes often make their homes in pine needles. Additionally, pine needle mulch effectively keeps the soil moist, which is obviously good for plants. However, it can also cause wood to rot, which may draw ants and other bugs to the mulch.

Even knowing these downsides, you may still decide that you want to use pine needle mulch in your landscape. Fortunately, there are easy ways to reduce the risks of a possible fire hazard or increased pests if you're careful with the ways you use mulch in your yard.

To reduce the possibility of a fire, avoid spreading pine needle mulch near your home or wooden structures, such as a garage or shed. It also helps to water it regularly, particularly in hot weather, to ensure that it stays moist. Don't apply it near areas where you may light fires, including around a barbecue grill or a fire pit, either.

The potential for insects is another reason you shouldn't apply pine needle mulch right up against your home. It provides a route for the pests to get inside your home, so keep it at least 1 to 2 feet away from your foundation. You shouldn't apply too thick a layer of the mulch, either, because it provides plenty of space for creepy-crawlies to hide. Instead, stick to a depth of 2 to 3 inches — and even shallower in areas with moist soil. Rake the mulch regularly, and check for bugs often to ensure you can remove them as soon as possible.