How to Put Out Pine Straw

Landscape mulch is an important part of protecting plant roots as well as improving the appearance of the yard. Although there are numerous types of mulch, pine straw is a lightweight, natural option. Pine straw is harvested from dead pine needles that naturally fall from pine trees. It is typically sold in bales which are use by professional landscapers as well as homeowners. Spreading pine straw requires a different technique than is used with other mulch products.

Scissors
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Put on work gloves and pick up the bale of pine straw to carry it to the area where you are applying it. If you purchased the large, round bales, you can roll it to the area instead of carrying it.
- 2
  Locate the two or three pieces of twine that holds the bales together and cut through them using a pair of scissors.
- 3
  Pick up a large clump of pine straw between both of your hands and pull it free from the bale.
- 4
  Hold the clump of pine straw over the landscape area and pull it apart as you shake it so that the needles come apart as they fall on the ground.
- 5
  Continue picking up large clumps of pine straw and shaking it loosely over the landscape area until it is covered in a 3-inch layer of pine straw. The pine straw should be fluffy and have plenty of air in it.
- 6
  Pull the pine straw back at least 3 inches from the base of all plants since some plants will rot if mulch touches them.
- 7
  Water the entire area with a garden hose until all of the pine straw is wet and appears a darker color.

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