by Landscaping is an important component of maintaining the yard. When it is done right, it can do a lot to add an aesthetic appeal to your house and can also effectively increase its market value. With such, it is important for landscape beds to be kept fresh.
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Pine Straw vs. Shredded Mulch: Choosing the Best for Your Landscaping Needs
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More often than not, once the sprin
g season kicks many, many homeowners will already be busy thinking of different ways by which they can keep the landscapes fresh. In this case, there are generally two options – pine straw and shredded mulch. Which should you choose? At the end of the day, the decision is all yours. Keep on reading to learn more about these two options to help you make a well-informed decision.
Pine Straw
As the name implies, pine straws are derived from the fallen needles of pine trees. They can be used in flower beds to cover the ground for landscaping purposes. They provide the insulation that is needed by the soil to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Pros:
- It has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, which is generally better than shredded mulch. It has a bronze/orange look, although such will depend on sun exposure and quality of the straws.
- Compared to shredded mulch, pine straws are also good because they are cheaper.
- The process of installation can be completed easily. It is easy to handle, and you will not create mess.
Cons:
- It does not provide the nutritional content that is needed by your plants. You still need to have the plants fertilized to ensure its healthy growth.
- Can be a fire hazard
- Slippery when it is dry
Shredded Mulch
Like pine straw, shredded mulch will be another viable option for landscaping. Shredded mulch is typically sourced from hardwood. One of the important things to keep in mind is that they can make the soil more alkaline when they break down, and hence, may not be good for plants that love acid.
Pros:
- Has the better ability to manage moisture
- Compared to pine straw, it has the better ability to stay on its place
- Provides better protection from weeds, making the latter easier to pull out
- They can last longer as they do not break down easily
Cons:
- Reduces the amount of nitrogen that is present in the soil
- Can possibly be a breeding ground for termites
- Can be a risk of fire in dry climates
At the end of the day, when it comes to landscaping, regardless of what materials will be chosen, the more important thing to do is to work with trusted landscaping professionals. With such, if you are from Daphne, Spanish Fort, Fairhope, and nearby areas in Alabama, call Xtreme Turf Lawn Care today to know more about their services and to get free estimates.[/fusion_text][/fullwidth]
