This is the time of year when people are outdoors raking up the fallen leaves from deciduous trees and shrubs. These leaves are very beneficial and when recycled add nutrients to the soil as well as making a good mulch.

Deciduous trees and shrubs are not the only plants that shed their leaves. Evergreen trees such as pine trees also shed their needles annually, but not all at one time.

In the fall the oldest needles which tend to be in the inner sections, turn yellow and fall off. A pine needle stays on the tree, two to three years and then falls off. New needles are grown in the spring. When you look under pine trees you will notice brown needles under the trees and this is natural. The fallen needles are beneficial and can be recycled back into the landscape. If left on the ground they will slowly break down but when the layer of pine needles becomes too thick it will stop grass and other plants from growing.

Pine needles are slow to decompose and make good mulches, as they are lightweight and weigh less than other mulches. The needles are stiff and do not compact down allowing air and water to filter through to the soil. A thick layer of pine needles in pathways or around trees and shrubs will help keep weeds down, first by suppressing the weeds under the mulch, as well as preventing air borne seeds from being able to make contact with the soil.

Mulch also aids in the prevention of topsoil loss from wind and rain erosion. A good mulch will help keep moisture in the soil, which in turn leads to less watering. It also insulates the soil, keeping plants cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Pine needles make an attractive mulch as they are uniform in size, shape and colour.

The old pine needles can also be raked up and used in the compost. Small amounts (no more than 8-10 percent of total compost makeup) can be mixed in with other garden debris and leaves, in the compost.

Pine needles are covered in a waxy substance, slowing down the breakdown. It is suggested that you rake the needles into a wind row and then run the lawn mower over them to break them down into smaller pieces and this will cause them break down faster. Place the compost pile in an area of the yard where it receives lots rain and moisture.

When you are raking leaves this weekend, don’t forget the pine needles.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 West at Kimball Road

• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road