Pine needles are beneficial to the soil, especially when combined with acid-loving shrubs and plants, but sometimes pine needles become overwhelming. They can literally bury grass and foliage, but there are a number of easy and valuable ways to get rid of and use them to benefit gardens, flowerbeds, and landscaping. Consider the following ways to get rid of pine needles, and do not simply rake them away. Use this free and valuable resource to improve the landscaping and soil around the home, and get rid of pine needles covering the ground.
Get Rid of Pine Needles in the Compost Pile
A compost pile is a great way to get rid of and use nutrient-rich scraps that would otherwise end up in the trash, and pine needles can be incorporated with the mix to create valuable fertilizer for the garden. Simply layer equal parts of natural elements including pine needles, leaves, and shredded newsprint along with green components including fruit and veggie peels, fresh grass clippings, and other appropriate items. This is a fantastic way to get rid of and use pine needles that would otherwise end up in a burn pile or in a landfill.
Nourish Acid-Loving Plants to Get Rid of Pine Needles
Many plants and shrubs require acid to grow and thrive, and fallen pine needles can be used not only to add acid to the soil, but a thick covering of pine needles can also be used to choke out and get rid of weeds and other unwanted growth. Some plants and foliage that require acidic soil are rhododendrons, camellias, gardenias, blueberries, columbines, periwinkles, and azaleas, but many more plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers grow best in acidic conditions. Get rid of fallen pine needles by layering them around these and other plants that flourish in acidic soil. The need to weed will be greatly reduced, and the pine needles can be worked into the soil once the growing season ends.
Add Beauty to the Landscape
Mulch can be quite costly, and it must be replaced year after year. Do not get rid of fallen pinecones and needles. Instead of raking up and disposing of pine needles, rake them into attractive piles beneath the trees that produced them. Surround the piles of pine needles with a ring of fallen pinecones for a beautiful and completely natural yard display that will cost nothing more than a little time and effort.
Test Soil pH for Optimum Health and Growth
Acid-loving plants require varying levels of acidic soil for optimal health and growth. When planting and growing plants that require acidic earth, take the time to test the pH of the soil. A low pH reading means the soil is highly acidic, and a higher pH reading means the soil contains high levels of alkaline. These levels can be raised or lowered for specific plants. Purchase a pH test kit from a garden center, or contact your local cooperative extension for a professional soil analysis and expert advice.
Sources: Personal Experience
http://cnal.cals.cornell.edu/
