Got pine needles? Rake in these ideas

It’s finally fall, and in Spokane, that means it’s time for the ponderosa pine’s annual molt of long, brown needles. Now that our yards are buried, what can you do with them?

Pine needles make an excellent winter mulch for plants that need protection from the cold. They are weed free and allow water to drain through them quickly. A foot-deep layer around tea roses and other tender perennials can protect against the inevitable freeze-thaw cycles that can destroy roots and kill the plants. The gardeners at the Rose Gardens at Manito Park use them to mulch the hundreds of roses they care for.

Tired of paying a fortune for bark? Pine needles can be shredded and used to mulch garden and shrub beds. Shred them with a shredder or lawn mower and put down a thick layer on the beds. They should pack down over the winter into a 3-inch layer. If you are in a fire-prone area though, use them in beds well away from the house. Contrary to a long-held misconception, pine needles do not acidify the soil.

If you have a naturalized or casual garden, shredded needles make good path material. A 2- to 3-inch layer will pack down with some walking on and keep weeds down in the process. The soft, springy footing makes you slow down a bit as you walk so you can enjoy the garden more. Expect them to last about three years.

Pine needles also make great bedding for dogs and wildlife. Needles stuffed in a heavy canvas bag can make a dry place off the ground for the dog. The canvas keeps the needles from poking through. If you are trying to maintain a wildlife-friendly yard, pile some of your needles in sheltered places away from the house. The deer will likely use them as resting places. In my yard (without a dog), we have had as many as eight deer lounging on needle piles at any one time.

A small amount of shredded needles can be mixed into a compost pile as brown material. Don’t expect them to break down quickly, though. They may be recognizable for a year or so, but their coarseness will help improve soil texture.

Try a new craft project with the kids. Pine needles have been used for centuries to make baskets and other fiber articles. Feed bunches of cleaned needles into a piece of large plastic drinking straw. As they come out the other end, use a sack needle to wrap them with raffia or cord. Coil the strands into different shapes.

Lastly, you can always take your needles out to the transfer stations. The first 100 pounds of material is free. The stations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays.