We have lots of pine trees too. I do a combo of straw and bark. I started with large bark because I like the look, but in the side yard and far back I don't keep it clear, so the straw takes over. You can blow straw off beds if you do it regularly before its matted. Just go lightly so you don't blow the bark too. Once your plants start filling in, you don't see as much of the mulch so I don't worry about using the bark in more established beds. If those beds need extra mulch for winter protection or the like, I just tuck in straw from raking.