Pine Straw Journal

Tips, guides & pine straw know-how.

Straight talk on keeping Baldwin County beds looking sharp — from a family that rakes its own longleaf straw right here in Fairhope.

August 29, 2026

A Late-Summer Bed Cleanup for Fairhope AL Landscapes

Late summer is the time to clean up your Fairhope beds before fall. Here is what I clear out, cut back, and refresh so your landscape looks sharp again.

August 26, 2026

Refreshing Faded Mulch Beds Before Fall in Baldwin County

Faded mulch beds turn gray by late summer here in Fairhope. I'll walk you through when to refresh, whether to top off or strip out, and what to look for first.

August 22, 2026

Pine Straw on Slopes and Around Drainage in Coastal Yards

Pine straw on a Fairhope slope stays put if you prep the bed and install it right. Here is how I handle grades and drainage in Baldwin County yards.

August 19, 2026

Mulching Around Trees and Shrubs Without Hurting Them

The right way to mulch trees and shrubs in Fairhope so you protect them, not smother them. Here is how I do it and the mistakes I fix on Baldwin County jobs.

August 15, 2026

Edging and Bed Lines That Keep Pine Straw in Place

A clean bed edge is what keeps pine straw where you put it. Here is how I cut, shape, and maintain bed lines around Fairhope so your straw stays put.

August 12, 2026

What Drives the Cost of a Pine Straw Installation in Fairhope AL

I break down what actually moves the price on a pine straw install in Fairhope, from bale count to bed size, so you know what to expect before I quote you.

August 8, 2026

Long Leaf vs. Slash Pine Straw for Fairhope AL Beds

I break down long leaf and slash pine straw for Fairhope beds, how each one looks, holds up, and works with our Gulf Coast weather so you pick right.

August 5, 2026

Getting Landscape Beds Ready for Fall in Baldwin County

Fall is the right time to clean out and refresh your landscape beds in Fairhope. Here is how I prep beds for cooler weather so they hold through winter.

July 29, 2026

A Mid-Summer Landscape Bed Checklist for Fairhope Homeowners

Mid-summer is when Fairhope beds start slipping. Here is what I check for weeds, mulch depth, drainage, and heat stress before fall planting season.

July 25, 2026

How Often to Replace Mulch in Baldwin County Landscapes

I explain when mulch actually needs replacing in Fairhope and Baldwin County, what our Gulf Coast weather does to it, and how to tell it is time to refresh.

July 22, 2026

Why Pine Straw Works Well in Fairhope's Coastal Climate

Pine straw holds up to Fairhope's heat, humidity, and downpours better than most folks expect. Here is why I use it and how it works on the Gulf Coast.

July 18, 2026

Keeping Weeds Out of Landscape Beds in Coastal Baldwin County

Weeds keep coming back in your Fairhope beds for a reason. Here is how I keep them out with the right prep, clean edges, and a proper straw or mulch layer.

July 15, 2026

Best Mulch Types for Fairhope AL Flower Beds in Summer

I break down which mulches hold up in Fairhope summer heat and humidity, how each behaves in your beds, and how to pick the right one for your yard.

July 11, 2026

How Much Pine Straw Your Baldwin County Yard Actually Needs

Figuring out how much pine straw your Fairhope yard needs comes down to bed size and coverage depth. Here is how I measure it right the first time.

July 8, 2026

Summer Landscape Bed Maintenance Tips for Fairhope Yards

Summer beds in Fairhope take a beating from heat and humidity. Here is how I keep pine straw, mulch, and plantings healthy through a Baldwin County summer.

July 4, 2026

Pine Straw vs. Mulch for Baldwin County Landscape Beds

I break down pine straw versus mulch for Baldwin County beds, how each holds up in our heat and rain, and how to pick the right one for your Fairhope yard.

July 1, 2026

When to Refresh Pine Straw in Your Fairhope AL Landscape

Wondering when to refresh pine straw at your Fairhope home? Here is how I tell when straw is done and how our Gulf Coast weather drives the timing.

June 20, 2026

Pine Straw vs. Mulch in Fairhope: Which Holds Up Better on the Gulf Coast?

A straight comparison of pine straw and wood mulch for Fairhope, AL yards — cost, longevity, erosion control, and which one actually looks better through a Gulf Coast summer.