- Pine needles provide many of the same benefits as other forms of mulch: they add organic matter to the soil, help retain moisture, keep soil cool, discourage weeds and promote soil microorganisms and earthworms, which are beneficial to plants. Pine needles also resist compaction and are slow to break down.
- Apply pine needles as mulch around evergreens and plants that like acidic soil. You can also use ground-up pinecones as mulch.
- Pine needles are widely believed to make soil acidic. While pine needles can lower soil's pH, the effect is gradual and takes many years. If your soil is already highly acidic, it may be wise to avoid pine needles; otherwise, there is little to no danger in using them as mulch.
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