[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by juneroses

Cypress isn't considered Florida-friendly because it's harvested by destroying desirable trees growing in our wetlands.

Melaleuca also grows in the wetlands but is an Australian native and considered invasive here. Cutting it down and chipping it so it can be used as a mulch is considered a positive for the ecosystem.

I personally like and use pine straw.

I stand corrected regarding cypress mulch in today's world because it has been over harvested in many areas of Florida and Louisiana. Where it primarily grows and in many of these areas, it is now protected.

I have to ask you -- why do you like pine straw? You may like it, but as a mulch it does not do the job of holding moisture in your shrub and flower beds. In warmer months you would have to water for longer periods and/or more often.