ok well i've got a question for all you outdoor growers...

That's right, it does.... just use your own common sense. If you test the soil, no matter what tree is next or around your site, and the PH is ok, IT WILL NOT CHANGE DURING YOUR GROW..... k?

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that works as well. lol

Pine needles are commonly applied as a mulch around the dripline of acid-loving ornamentals such as azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies etc. Decomposition is relatively slow compared to hardwood mulches but will definitely alter soil pH over the long term. Ever watch the Masters Golf tournament? Notice the 8-10' azaleas surrounding many of the greens. All are mulched in with pine needles ( a little known fact, they also ice down the azaleas so they will be at peak bloom for the tv cameras if they have an unusually warm spring.) Yes, a soil test is mandatory for pH and other critical soil information but I would be willing to bet the farm that any area with mature, established pine trees will be on the low side of the pH scale. Find another site or amend the soil with a quick-acting product such as Solucal...not lime.

I don't think anyone is talking about growing in a dense pine forest with 6 inches of pine needles...and besides the PH is already going to be stabilized by the previous and constant barrage of pine needles...like I said, if your site is PH nominal...no worries.

The minerals dominate the PH in the soil, not the top mulch. It's like the earth's crust vs. the earth's core.

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