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The Unexpected Reason You Shouldn't Compost Pine Needles
By KYLE SCHURMAN
While pine needles are often considered too acidic for compost, they tend to become more neutral in pH as they break down, making it safe to use them in moderate amounts.
However, it's best not to directly add pine needles to your compost, as their naturally waxy coating causes them to decompose more slowly than other organic materials.
To expedite the decomposition process, use the pine needles as mulch for a season or two before adding them to the compost pile. This aging process helps them break down faster.