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Can pine needles be used as mulch for fruit and maple trees?

Q:

Is it OK to mulch fruit trees and maple trees with pine needles or are they too acidic?

A:

You are welcome to use pine needles as a mulch around fruit and maple trees and other areas of your garden. The idea of pine needle mulch altering soil pH has been debunked. Any acids in the pine needles will be broken down during the decomposition process.

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