In the South, pine straw and deciduous leaves begin to fall from the trees and cover the ground as early as mid-August. Before long, piles of leaves and pine straw begin accumulating and matting down the grass and soil beneath.
It is generally recommended that pine straw be raked up on a regular basis to avoid matting, which may suffocate the growth underneath. If left unattended, turf grass often becomes smothered and damp, as the straw restricts the passage and flow of air and sunlight.
Pine straw can also make your lawn appear unkempt or untidy, causing many home and business owners to remove the needles for simple aesthetic reasons.
With a few simple tools and simple steps, your lawn can be healthier and happier!