Pine needles mulch for bamboo?

[dickshaw5]

I am a new at growing bamboo.
I have a 80 foot pine tree on our property.
Would it's needles..soon to fall..........make good mulch for bamboo.
Or would it be too acid.
Your guidance will be appreciated....by this amateur.
Thank you
Dick

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Dick,
Pine needles make a great mulch for bamboo.

As a general guide, most bamboos like soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH around 5.5 - 6.5.
(A pH of 7 is neutral, above pH 7 is alkaline, and below pH 7 is acidic)
Different bamboos vary ... Some are more touchy, while others can tolerate a wide pH range either way.

If your query is in regard to your new planting (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1512) of Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon' ... According to Ted Jordan Meredith's book - Bamboo for Gardens, he writes that P. nigra and P. nigra 'Henon' are more tolerant of acidic soils.

Pine needles also makes a good mulch because it doesn't soak up all the rain water like some mulches do, but allows the rain to penetrate down into the soil.
Pine needles, also called pine straw when it is sold by the bale, doesn't provide much in nutrients as it breaks down, but fertilizer can be added in other ways.

~ Mark

[dickshaw5]

Mark.
Thanks for the rapid response and information