PINE STRAW MULCH

[freemanruss]

Hey, does anyone have any info or experience with the use of pine straw mulch around stressed live oaks? Is it too acidic? I am working on a project on the Mississippi Gulf Coast trying to revitalize some of the magnificent, yet extremely stressed out live oaks along Interstate 90. Any and all input would be appreciated. We are trying to put together a project involving radial trenching and mulching to see if we can't save some of these trees.

 

[Toparboring]

Did you look up anything on compost tea and regular mulch.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Take a look at how and where live oaks grow naturally. Do they thrive in, near or under pines? If not, then it would seem to be a mistake to use pine straw. Replicating the best soil conditions is what you're striving for I'm sure. Can you find composted live oak leaves/chips?

When it comes time to specify radial trenching are you planning on using a trencher or air spade/knife? Using air is much less stressful to the tree and soil too. If you get the high power air tool combined with the large compressor you can move a lot of soil quickly.

 

[bushman]

I would do a completesoil test ,with katrina the soil structure has changed the PH and other thing's.we had the same thing happen with hurricane isabel on tree's and plant's.like tom said airspading is a great way to mix some thing's in.i think pine straw is fine because it will allow water and nutrient's to penatrate the soil.

 

[mdvaden]

I used to tinker with straw mulch in a few spots of our 1 acre landscape, back in the 80s. I quit using it, because it was so flammable compared to barkdust or compost.

 

[Alves]

Where im located, there are alot of Live oaks in Pine straw, and they all seem to be doing quite well, the canopy cover around here tends to be slash pine, loblolly pine, laurel oak, and live oak, all generally growing in proximity to each other