How to Spread Pine Straw Mulch

Place a bale or roll of pine straw in the area in which it will be spread. Position the straw in the bed or area to help reduce the amount of cleanup after the application.

Put on gloves to protect your hands from the sharp points of the pine needles. Cut the string on the bale or roll that holds the pine needles tightly in place. Use a knife to cut the string.

Pull a hand full of pine straw from the bale or roll. Break tightly compacted needles loose by pulling them apart with your hands.

Begin in a corner or along an edge of the area where pine straw will be applied. Hold the pine straw 2 to 3 feet above the ground and shake to distribute the needles onto the ground.

Apply a 2- to 4-inch base layer of pine straw for an initial application. Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of pine straw when covering existing pine straw. Continue to pull handfuls of straw from the bale or roll and shake to apply. Work your way across the application area until it is completely covered.

Turn on an irrigation system, water with a hose or allow rain to wet the needles and help them to settle into a mat that will resist movement from wind and water.