I caution against using pine straw, and I cite two examples. In 2009, a so called controlled burn got out of hand, and soon became a raging 20,000 acre wildfire. Airborne embers from this fire found their way to the Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach, SC. 76 homes were destroyed, and 100 more were damaged. Fire officials announced that the "Barefoot Resort" fire was caused by hot embers igniting homeowners landscaping pine straw.
Example two, in 2013 also in Myrtle Beach, a ground fire was started by sparks from a passing train. Pine straw surrounding a condominium complex was ignited, and 26 buildings were completely destroyed. Hundreds were instantly homeless. During the 1st fire in 2009, I had embers landing in my driveway, and I was at least 5 miles from the fire.
Pine straw is a hazard!!! Mulch that stays moist I think is a better, safer choice.
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