[graciegirl]

I don't want the cloth type stuff that is put down under pine straw to quell the weeds. We use Preen and it pretty much keeps the weeds at bay, but not entirely. I just ordered 20 bales of pines straw and we (mostly Sweetie) put it down.

I was told by the first person who took care of our lawn here that pine straw had bugs and invited termites. I realize that both of those things aren't true. He kept suggesting rocks or ground cover that he was selling. Although it is pretty, it isn't conducive to planting flowers and it makes the beds very hot in the summer by retaining heat.

The landscapers who take care of all of the beautiful public areas use pine straw and I figure if it works for them it will work for me.

So experts? How thick should pine straw be after it settles and how often should we put fresh pine straw down?