|
Pine straw's benefits cited |
||||||
|
By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition |
||||||
Juen 27, 2002 -- Pine straw is gaining popularity as a mulch and as an income source when it's baled. Clay Alverson of Timberland Pinestraw Specialists LLC told those gathered at a recent forestry field day in Overton about his pine straw baling machine, as well as the products effectiveness as a mulch. According to statistics, there are many reasons for using pine straw as a mulch. It enhances the beauty of any landscape by providing a cover of uniform color that is neutral and non-detracting to plants. Pine straw conserves soil moisture by reducing water evaporation from the soil. Weed and grass problems are fewer when the straw is applied deep enough to smother unwanted plants and prevent undesirable seed germination. Because pine needles interlock, it keeps wind and rain from washing or blowing away the topsoil. Soil crusting problems are prevented, and moisture is able to reach the roots of plants. It also insulates the soil. With this reasoning backing the industry, there are two areas of increased enthusiasm - gardens and golf courses. The Tyler Rose Garden is one entity in East Texas that uses pine straw mulch.
"We have good results using the pine straw mulch. We tried other mulches but didn't have as good of results as the pine straw," Craig Reiland, Tyler Rose Garden supervisor, explained. "It helps weed control and seems to keep the roses cooler. The mulch goes down easy and doesn't compact. We are constantly getting inquiries about why we use pine straw and where someone can purchase it." The rose garden, which has been using pine straw mulch for about 15 years, purchases their mulch out of Carthage. One of Alverson's customer is Crown Colony golf course in Lufkin. "The head groundskeeper there (Crown Colony) used to live in Florida where pine straw is used readily. When he moved here, he talked them (Crown Colony management) into trying out the pine straw. From all indications, everyone seems to like it," Alverson said. "The straw is used underneath hardwood trees where roots have grown atop the soil surface. You can lay down the straw and make the surface even so that golfers can play from that area." Alverson said, "It is also used anywhere that grass will not grow; around flowers and shrubs, cart paths, etc., and for erosion control." Every time someone walks through the Tyler Rose Garden or plays a round of golf at Crown Colony, they are can see what pine straw mulch can do. Because awareness is increasing, people who have pine plantations now have the opportunity to make additional income in their business. "If an individual already has a pine plantation, why not bale the fallen straw," Alverson continued. "The landowner can make a little extra money by baling their straw." "Pricing depends upon the condition of the straw and how much needs to be done to get that straw in baling condition. The only drawback is you have to wait until the straw falls." Straw falls from September until December. The best time to harvest, according to Alverson, is after a big fall which depends upon weather conditions. Alverson's company,Timberland, does have a baling requirement. The stand must be 10-years-old. If this criteria is met, a contract is drawn up between the company and the landowner. The second step is to clear the old straw out of the way. "We usually push it (the straw) between the tree rows. That way, the straw will continue to break down," he explained about gathering the straw for baling. After the old straw is removed, wait for the new straw to fall. Upon completion of fallen straw, the work begins again: clean up of new straw, windrolling and baling. Clean up consists of getting out any twigs, pine cones, etc. "When I am satisfied that the straw is clean, it is raked into a windroll. I am now ready to bale," Alverson continued. "I like to get 40 to 50 bales per acre. I am shooting for 80 bales per acre. It really depends on what falls." Once the straw is baled, it needs to be removed from the tree area. "I like to make arrangements with the grower to store the bales at their place. We will put the bales on pallets and cover it. Once the bales are sold, they can be picked up or delivered," Alverson replied. "If we are unable to leave them, we do have a storage barn in Nacogdoches. "The bales, which are a standard size (20"x28") in Texas, sell for $14.50. When compared to pine bark mulch, an individual can save money using the pine straw. (See comparison chart.) Plus, it is much easier to place than traditional mulch because all you do is roll out the bale," Alverson added. "This is a market that is really taking off. My business is in its infancy (opened in December), but I am having more and more people call for information," he continued. Pine straw mulch is also being recommended by Master Gardeners. Willie Moore, president of the Henderson County Master Gardeners, uses pine straw in his flower beds. "I harvest my straw from a few pine trees that I have in my yard. I put the pine straw around my azaleas, camellias and other bedding plants," Moore stated. "Acid-loving soil type plants really respond to this mulch and the decomposition process. Many people prefer the look of pine bark mulch or other mulches on the market. If that is what they prefer, then I will add the pine straw as a bottom layer and then put the pine bark over the pine straw." "Pine straw is a great mulch, but it is not easy to find. I think more people would use it if it was available at nursery and garden centers," he said. Moore makes a good point about availability, which is where Alverson's company steps in. "We are willing to sell the bales but an individual would need to call because each case scenario will be different. Right now, I am not prepared to deliver one bale at a time," Alverson stated. "There are two nurseries in Lufkin that carry the pine straw bales." To contact Alverson for information about buying bales, or baling your straw, phone (936)635-3916, fax (936)639-0625 or email address, clayalverson@hotmail.com. |
