Pine straw works great in areas you don't want weeds but some plants don't like it(which is why it works to keep the weeds away) . I also use oak leaves since i have oaks and the leaves fall on the driveway. Wood mulch attracks rodents to nest in it if you use a lot of it but its ok in spots, make sure you get the kind that doen't float or it will float away in a summer afternoon downpour.

Is "pine straw" pine needles? I have 3 oaks so I do have leaves. Do you add lime to compenate? I did a soil test & my soil is acid 5.5 do I will be adding lime.

A lot of Florida soils are acidic. Why do you want to add lime? I've never in 20+ years found a rodents nest in the mulch - of course doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Yes, pine straw is the needles. Makes a good mulch if thick enough.

Never added lime to my yard. And don't take all the leaves away from your oaks as they need the leaf fall too. I just take the leaves that fall on the pavement and use it to surround plants about a foot all the way around them. But not citrus...citrus doesn't like mulching.

I use wood mulch. It lasts about a year. I replenish it each Spring.

Never had a problem with bugs or rodents due to the mulch. It just doesn't last and you need to budget it each year.

Jane

what kind of wood mulch doesn't float away? Most plants that aren't acid loving prefer a more neutral ph . FL State University/extension svc recommended I add lime.

re: ph What plants are growing there? Or what would you like to grow there?

re: mulch Is this a space that floods? I don't have too much mulch draining away from rainfall. But if the bed fills up with water, then floating may occur.

Melalucia(not sure if i spelled i right) mulch doesn't float.