I have used shredded leaves before and they work perfectly fine....they break down very quick

Shredded leaves work very well as mulch between the strawberry plants and pine boughs (branches) will work quite well as covers over the plants. I have done both.

kimmq is kimmsr

My preference is to add some pine needles to settle down on the ground and to cover with wheat straw. Further south, you may get by with less. Of course, you might relent and buy some straw. A healthy patch with loose soil likely will not be hurt as much by winter to begin with.

Thanks guys. I've never blanket mulched for winter before, and haven't had a problem. But, I planted a couple new beds this fall and figured I oughta give them a little protection. I have ample volunteer pine saplings to git r done.