Pine needs vs stones

[jane032657]

Have you removed those nesting pine needles from your landscaping and replaced them with stones or rocks and what is the advantage/disadvantage of doing so? How often do you replace those nesting pine needles? I do not know their proper name. Thanks! And who is the best type of company or person to do this?

[borjo]

I use the pine straw, put it on myself and go through about 10 bales every 6 months. Costs about $5 per bale. Since The Villages uses it, I thought it would be good. I've heard it makes the ground more acidic, good for the plants.

[Happinow]

My landscaper told me that the pine straw was the best for your plants, the bark was ok and the rock wasn't good because it heated up quickly and and dried out the plants quicker. The pine straw helped retain the moisture. The bark was in the middle of the two. We chose the bark because we liked the look. We had pine needled where we came from so we didnt want to go with them again. We also liked the stone but felt we didn't want to risk our plants and flowers with so much heat retention. Which ever you choose, will be right for you. Best of luck and happy landscaping!

[jane032657]

Thanks, good info about the stones. Bark is very Northwest, like that! Appreciate the feedback.

[jimbo2012]

I was just reading about the stones and heat etc.

Lighter colors stones don't absorb as much as darker, but an easy way to avoid that issue is use stone on the north facing or shaded areas.

That article offered another good idea,

in the future if you think you want to go with a certain type of stone - start with just about a 5 gallon bucket of the stones you have in mind, put them out in a small area in relation to other elements you have in mind (near the home, along a walkway, whatever/wherever you have them in mind for) ON TOP OF a sturdy cloth/fabric/plastic/layers of paper - to make it easier to lift them if you decide against them.
White stone reflects A LOT of light, but it also doesn't hold heat as much as darker stones. So when used with plants, it is a good choice for reflecting light "up under" plants and promoting growth with the added angle of the light exposure through reflection, and it's a better choice if you want to incorporate stone but don't want to overheat them like you would with darker stones. White stones are an obvious sharp contrast (which can be a stunning/lovely effect) with darker coloured foliage if you want great contrast (would really make plants stand-out).

[RichieLion]

I switched to rock laid over weed blocking material about a year and a half ago and my plants are doing fine.

I switched because I live on an elevated site and got tired of my straw being washed away periodically by the heavy rains we get at times. The straw also looks really drab, really quickly.

BUT, the most important reason is I live in a wood frame vinyl sided house and pine straw when dry is extremely flammable.

[applesoffh]

I have asthma triggered by mold and mildew, which meant that the pine mulch didn't stand a chance. It was replaced by a weed inhibiting membrane and light colored river rock. We are very pleased with the results, and the plants are thriving. I know TV uses the pine mulch throughout, which causes me much distress, quite honestly. No matter the weather, I have to have the windows shut in the car.

[applesoffh]

I switched to rock laid over weed blocking material about a year and a half ago and my plants are doing fine.

I switched because I live on an elevated site and got tired of my straw being washed away periodically by the heavy rains we get at times. The straw also looks really drab, really quickly.

BUT, the most important reason is I live in a wood frame vinyl sided house and pine straw when dry is extremely flammable.

I didn't even think of that, and I live in a wood frame vinyl also. Good post!

[jimbo2012]

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Raleigh's mayor has called for tougher restrictions on the popular landscaping material pine straw after a series of fires. So, the I-Team went out to determine just how dangerous it is.

Three years ago, 32 townhomes in Pine Knolls Townes were destroyed by a raging fire. That ignited the local pine straw debate.

That year, Chapel Hill imposed the first local rules on pine straw. Then last week, another fire broke out in Raleigh's Highland Creek Subdivision damaging six homes.

So Thursday, ABC11 asked Chapel Hill's fire department to demonstrate what's wrong with pine straw.

"From our standpoint, it's not a safe ground-cover to use adjacent to combustible construction," said Matt Lawrence with the Chapel Hill Fire Department. Lawrence showed our cameras what he meant.

"What we'll do is light these simultaneously," he said.

Fire officials lit two piles of typical ground cover - pine straw and hard wood mulch - at the same time and stepped back and watched.

The difference was stark.

"Flame height of about three feet," Lawrence said. "We're probably a minute in at this point."

Flames were hot within 60 seconds and the pine straw was completely engulfed in three minutes.

"With the mulch, it's still intact - small smoldering fire," Lawrence explained.

Just minutes into the test, the results seemed clear.

"We had a full bail of pine straw that has been consumed in just a few minutes," Lawrence said.

ABC11 showed Raleigh's mayor the test results. He says after two huge fires in three years, he wants pine straw no closer than 20, maybe 30 feet, from all homes.


It must be an issue where Lightning is high risk, wonder what state that might be?

[The Villager II]

I switched to rock laid over weed blocking material about a year and a half ago and my plants are doing fine.

I switched because I live on an elevated site and got tired of my straw being washed away periodically by the heavy rains we get at times. The straw also looks really drab, really quickly.

BUT, the most important reason is I live in a wood frame vinyl sided house and pine straw when dry is extremely flammable.

ditto: Also, bugs and critters don't tend to stay in the rocks like they do in organic cover. I have had rocks for over two years with no ill effects nor replacement cost.

[graciegirl]

It is a matter of personal choice. The gardeners and people who like to grow things usually prefer mulch or chips. Both are lovely. Never see any fires in pinestraw along the roads but did see a small one when a neighbor somehow connected his finished cigarette to the straw.

I suspect that the pollen and dust in the air is more a factor for our daughter's allergy, but I could be wrong. Sometimes you see bugs in the straw and sometimes not. I think there are just as many in the grass. I am more concerned with fire ants. And you can always see where they are.

If stone gets out of containment, it can become a missile flung by lawnmowers against the house and will pock it.

[PaPaLarry]

Bush type plants are best with stones, because their is no maintenance, other then trimming. Trying to plant annuals in stone, is a job. Pine needles are good for acid loving plants, like azaleas, etc. Pine needles do turn grayish after a while, and need to be replaced every once in a while. Word of caution: If your laying stones, use the heavy duty matting underneath, because the weeds will come through. (Actually use heavy duty matting anyway) If you ever walked around Fairfield Farms Nursery, they have the heavy duty matting, that lets the water go through, but hard for weeds to sprout. Best secret in Florida, is to grow weeds. (They really do well hehe) Bark mulch is good for holding the moisture if put on thick. I find that thick mulch holds water underneath, and helps the plants to thrive. As for bugs, I throw insect pellets in the bark mulch every so often. Won't hurt the plants.

[surfergirlov]

We used to have pine straw in our first Village home, and it had to be replenished every six months. Each time I put new straw down, I had to wear a mask and still coughed a lot even though I do not have any asthma or other breathing problems. Now we have the reddish color stones in our new home, and the plants are thriving and the stones will last forever. Love them!

[TicoTexan]

You might consider Rubber Mulch ... made from recycled tires ... Has 12 year warrantyn... maybe a little pricey at $6 for .8 cubic foot ... BUT apply once and done. Available at Home Depot and other outlets.

Here is the Home Depot description:
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/outdoors/landscaping-supplies/vigoro/0-8-cu-ft-premium-rubber-mulch-brown-53938.html

[GolfandSun]

Have you removed those nesting pine needles from your landscaping and replaced them with stones or rocks and what is the advantage/disadvantage of doing so? How often do you replace those nesting pine needles? I do not know their proper name. Thanks! And who is the best type of company or person to do this?

We used stone for our landscaping and our landscape company was super creative in the design. They actually chose two contrasting colors of stone and were very knowledgeable about putting the right plants in the right places. We havent had any problems with plants burning or moisture retention because of the moisure fabric and weed fabric they used. It also added value to our home when we had it reappraised. Saved us alot of money on replacement costs and pest control too.

[GolfandSun]

Have you removed those nesting pine needles from your landscaping and replaced them with stones or rocks and what is the advantage/disadvantage of doing so? How often do you replace those nesting pine needles? I do not know their proper name. Thanks! And who is the best type of company or person to do this?

If you are interested in the best company pm me and I will let you see our job. KGL Landscaping is very affordable and guarantee their work. Designer knows her stuff. They also have a website to get great ideas and see their work. 352-347-8307

[Tiger Lady]

We have had rock for three years and our plants are thriving. As for pine straw, bark, or nuggets, they do wash in the rain and the wind will also blow them all over the place.

[applesoffh]

If you are interested in the best company pm me and I will let you see our job. KGL Landscaping is very affordable and guarantee their work. Designer knows her stuff. They also have a website to get great ideas and see their work. 352-347-8307

KGL Landscaping did my home, also. Kevin and Jeannie are great!

[jane032657]

I think Jeannie went out to our place today to get me an estimate! Waiting to hear from her, thanks everyone for thre referral, detail and thoughtfulness of all your replies.

[asianthree]

lawn guys charge more to weed if there is stones, not sure but they just put down pine staw at our house

[jimbo2012]

Sure they charge more, they are making up for not selling you mulch:evil6:

How about using low growing ground cover plants instead!

Ground Covering Plants For Central Florida

Asparagus Fern, Full Sun, Part Shade
Asiatic Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Beach Morning Glory, Full Sun
Begonia, Full Sun, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Blue Daze, Full Sun, Part Shade
Boston fern, Shade
Bromeliad, Shade, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Carolina Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Chinese Juniper (Parsoni, Varigata) Full Sun
Creeping Juniper (Bar Harbor, Blue Rug) Full Sun, Part Shade
Dichondra, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Daylilly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Dwarf Lantana, Full Sun
Dwarf Lilly, Shade
Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Full Sun
English Ivy, Shade
Heather, Full Sun, Part Shade
Holly Fern, Shade
Japanese Holly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Liriope, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Lippia (Match Weed) Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Mondo Grass, Full Sun, Shade
Mimosa, Full Sun, Part Shade
Minema Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Periwinkle (Vinca) Full Sun
Society Garlic, Full Sun
Shore Juniper (Compacta,Blue Pacific) Full Sun, Part Shade
Trailing Lantana. Full Sun

[CarGuys]

I switched to rock laid over weed blocking material about a year and a half ago and my plants are doing fine.

I switched because I live on an elevated site and got tired of my straw being washed away periodically by the heavy rains we get at times. The straw also looks really drab, really quickly.

BUT, the most important reason is I live in a wood frame vinyl sided house and pine straw when dry is extremely flammable.

Excellent Point. I was looking at my Pine straw beds and also the cigarette butts :yuck: from the road blowing in my yard thinking- Hmmmmmmm in this heat and dry spell. Poof is a possibility!

[graciegirl]

Sure they charge more, they are making up for not selling you mulch:evil6:

How about using low growing ground cover plants instead!

Ground Covering Plants For Central Florida

Asparagus Fern, Full Sun, Part Shade
Asiatic Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Beach Morning Glory, Full Sun
Begonia, Full Sun, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Blue Daze, Full Sun, Part Shade
Boston fern, Shade
Bromeliad, Shade, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Carolina Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Chinese Juniper (Parsoni, Varigata) Full Sun
Creeping Juniper (Bar Harbor, Blue Rug) Full Sun, Part Shade
Dichondra, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Daylilly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Dwarf Lantana, Full Sun
Dwarf Lilly, Shade
Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Full Sun
English Ivy, Shade
Heather, Full Sun, Part Shade
Holly Fern, Shade
Japanese Holly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Liriope, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Lippia (Match Weed) Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Mondo Grass, Full Sun, Shade
Mimosa, Full Sun, Part Shade
Minema Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Periwinkle (Vinca) Full Sun
Society Garlic, Full Sun
Shore Juniper (Compacta,Blue Pacific) Full Sun, Part Shade
Trailing Lantana. Full Sun

Jimbo. You are just a walking encyclopedia. AND you don't even live here yet. Excited, Huh???

[jimbo2012]

Now that we reserved a lot the planning is a hell of a lot of fun.

[perrjojo]

I love the look of pine straw and it is good for the soil as it breaks down. However; pine straw fades Very quickly in our Florida sun and is a great nesting site for insects. The stone is nice but many people use it thinking it requires no maintenance. Even with weed block, seeds and dirt will lodge in the rock and germinate. We currently have pine straw and will be replacing it with stone. Each has it pros and cons. Go with the look you love.

[jimbo2012]

Someone suggested using a small propane torch to burn any weeds that get thru the stones.

http://www.flameengineering.com/Assets/torch_images/MiniDragonAction1.jpg

[asianthree]

and good for smores...

[jane032657]

We hired KGL Landscaping, they did a fabulous job, no more pine straw. Just nice stone!!! Jeannie and Kevin are awesome as recommended to me on TOTV.

[justjim]

Rock cost more in the short run but is less expensive in the long run. This has been my experience. Like many things its a matter of personal preference. Pine straw----fire hazard maybe so-----never thought about it.

[George Bieniaszek]

ditto: Also, bugs and critters don't tend to stay in the rocks like they do in organic cover. I have had rocks for over two years with no ill effects nor replacement cost.

Agree!!! I have rocks over a weed block and have had no problems with my plantings. I agree that the bugs and other critters will look for some cooler places to hang out as well.

The rocks also help keep dogs off your plantings and shrubs as well. The rocks are hard and hot on their feet and also eliminates or lessens the extra "watering" of your plantings.

[Shimpy]

Like they say, "Pays your money and takes your choice." I was afraid of the fire hazzard and sucked it up and paid for white rock (white went good with my house colors). Do it once and forget about it.

[luvtheloop]

Have had river rock at a villa that we rent out and there have been no problems at all. Very low maintenance and the plants are all doing just fine.