Facts about Pine Straw in our Center Islands 

The Landings Association has long used pine straw as a landscape fixture on our center islands for a variety of reasons, one of which is its aesthetic appeal. However, beneath the visual appeal lies several factors that make pine straw a sustainable and cost-effective tool. 

Pine straw is an all-natural, locally sourced product used to deter weeds on our center islands. Furthermore, pine straw is high in nitrogen, which will eventually decompose into fertilizer. It helps insulate tender roots from temperature extremes while helping to retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Also, pine straw helps prevent erosion because it is not easily washed away and encourages water infiltration into the soil. 

Ultimately, pine straw serves a critical role in the functionality of our center islands due to the lack of irrigation infrastructure. The Landings Association plans to continue its annual pine straw application to all primary and secondary center islands this spring to maintain the functionality of the islands.