Pine cones as mulch? - Ask Extension
Hello,
Do pine cones add acidity to soil as pine needles do? I was thinking of adding cones to raised beds. Is it better to mix them into the soil o...
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Pine cones as mulch? #895550
Asked March 26, 2025, 8:44 PM EDT
Hello,
Do pine cones add acidity to soil as pine needles do? I was thinking of adding cones to raised beds. Is it better to mix them into the soil or use as mulch on top?
Thank you very much
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Luba:
Well, I think the best use would be as a mulch on the surface. It would be especially good if you could run over the cones first with a power mower, to detach the scales from the rachis. This would maintain moisture in the bed.
However, this woody material is very slow to break down, and will rob the soil of nitrogen as it does so.
If you don't choose to put materials like these in the yard debris cart (assuming you live in town), maybe you could identify a spot in the yard where they could be piled up and left without management for several years.
I am not recommending any of these products, I am merely finding an easy photo online to give you ideas. Leaf storage like these are generally inexpensive and have a large capacity:
Well, I think the best use would be as a mulch on the surface. It would be especially good if you could run over the cones first with a power mower, to detach the scales from the rachis. This would maintain moisture in the bed.
However, this woody material is very slow to break down, and will rob the soil of nitrogen as it does so.
If you don't choose to put materials like these in the yard debris cart (assuming you live in town), maybe you could identify a spot in the yard where they could be piled up and left without management for several years.
I am not recommending any of these products, I am merely finding an easy photo online to give you ideas. Leaf storage like these are generally inexpensive and have a large capacity:
- https://thethirstyearth.com/products/geobin-composter?variant=<personal data hidden>514&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7pO_BhAlEiwA4pMQvHqYs6cJsRSUvrfGNxEReJE5_L50obj-eEkNqLqPqURa9CvqR_N9dBoC0FcQAvD_BwE
- https://www.wayfair.com/Bosmere--Bosmere-135-Gal.-Stationary-Composter-K765-L3348-K~MRE1001.html?refid=GX<personal data hidden>7- MRE1001&device=c&ptid=<personal data hidden>48&network=g&targetid=pla<personal data hidden>248&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=37849880&fdid=1817&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7pO_BhAlEiwA4pMQvBLJjs8EdtrEv254NA_Xxre_sOVw6Z0KxTSXfv2jpq_yN79f9DMJqhoCLc4QAvD_BwE
- Finally, you could make your own out of wooden pallets nailed or tied together at the corners.
- Storage like #2 above can also be made from chicken fencing, etc., tied in a circle.
