I think you might get lots of opinions on this one, but here's mine.

I have lots of pine trees in my yard, so I let it stay where it falls in those planting areas. But I've mulched all the beds first with screened mulch from our local landfill as my soil needs to be improved big time. All other beds in the yard are mulch only, as I like the way it looks as I want great soil someday. Just my 2 cents.

I think pine straw looks very nice, and it's so much easier and less back breaking to put out. However, I like the shredded bark because I think it does make your soil better. Also, in the past when I've used pine straw, it seems to disappear faster than the other. Of course, by this time I think it's just too dang hot to shovel the other and I'd go with the pine straw and in the fall, put the shredded on top.

I think both are great, but I also like shredded leaves best for soil improvement. I used deep triple shredded hardwood last fall, and I am amazed at how few weeds I have now.

I like the shredded better but I think it's just a personal preference. I find it easier to work around the smaller plants and it lasts longer, but mostly I just prefer the look. It is heavier work though. -Ais.

Thanks for the input!
In the past we always ordered the shredded bark mulch, 25 yards or more, in early May. That was really a labor intensive job. This year, being that we waited so long to apply the mulch; the gardens are filling in with ground cover, the Shrubs are larger, the Perenials are larger, at last...the plants are taking over. I remember my Grandma telling me "First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap!"
If it is easier (less work) to spread the pine straw then I am all for it. We will be grinding it all up again in the Late Fall, Early Winter with the leaves from 14 large Oak trees...and reapply as winter mulch to enrich the soil. I think we are "Crazy" To work so hard!.........But it seems to be paying off!...........Dianne

Although pine straw is super for acid-loving plants, it really should be freshened twice a year. Shredded bark also breaks down and enriches the soil and doesn't need the twice-a-year change. The shredded bark breaks down more easily than the pine straw.

Well it's all over now.........Forty Bales of Pine Straw will be delivered tommorow. We will see how far that goes. I know what I will be doing all weekend!........Thanks for the Input........Happy Gardening.........Dianne