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The Major Drawbacks Of Using Fallen Pine Needles As Mulch
By KATE NICHOLSON
Using fallen pine needles, commonly known as pine straw, as mulch is a popular practice among gardeners. However, it has several notable drawbacks that you should be aware of.
The needles contain allelopathic compounds that can inhibit plant growth and seed germination, potentially beneficial for weed control but problematic for other vegetation.
Harvesting wild pine needles could transplant red fire ants or termites to your property and attract critters like raccoons that love the mulch for the insects that reside beneath.
Also, the high combustibility of pine needles can be a serious hazard, especially in areas prone to forest fires, making them a less suitable mulching choice in certain regions.
Furthermore, laying pine needles too thickly can create a waterproof barrier, hindering water penetration into the soil, which could adversely affect plant health.