Selling timber can be a great source of financial satisfaction to a landowner, however, timber sales are not the only form of return provided by a tree farm. The Florida Forest Service states that the sale of pine straw has become a significant source of revenue for the tree farmer.
Not all pine straw or pine forests are merchantable. Success requires careful planning and preparation. Harvesting of pine straw typically begins when tree stands are about 8-10 years old and yields are maximized at about age 15. Longleaf or slash pine are the preferred species because of their longer needles. Since needles are shed more during the fall, winter is a good time to gather the straw, which is harvested by hand or machine. Landowners who are interested could receive up to $100 or more per acre for their “merchantable” straw.
While selling pine straw sounds like a great cash crop, it is important not to deplete or over-harvest the forest floor. Pine straw serves many purposes in the forests. The decomposition of pine needles provides nutrients that are absorbed by the tree’s roots and acts as insulation for the soil, tree, and roots from harsh weather conditions. The pine straw protects the soil from erosion, improves water absorption into the soil and increases soil moisture.
If considering pine straw around your own home, be aware that pine straw is highly flammable. In our efforts to protect homeowners from the threat of damage in a natural fire-dependent environment, the Florida Forest Service, based on Firewise principles, recommend replacing highly-flammable plants with less flammable shrubs and material; creating a “defensible space” around your home.
For more information on this topic, including a list of pine straw contractors, you may contact the Florida Forest Service’s Jackson County Senior Forester, Barry Stafford, at 850-482-9509 or Barry.Stafford@FreshFromFlorida.com.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. For more information about the Florida Forest Service, visit www.FloridaForestService.com or call Hannah Bowers at (850) 625-6621.