Question
I recently transplanted many shrubs into my yard.  I have moved them from another home to where I am.  I moved holly trees, hostas, boxwoods, abelias, and I am told Japanese Hawthornes.  I was going to put pine mulch around them but I was made aware that pine mulch is very acidic and it would kill these things.  Can you please clarify for me?  I did put pine straw around some mums once and they all died and I was told it was from the pine straw.  Is pine mulch safe or not?  Also can you tell me if it is true that holly trees need to be within thirty feet of each other and how you tell a male holly from a female holly?  You can also call me if necessary at 919-773-2237.  Thank you.

Answer

Tammy,

Wow.  Sounds like quite a project.

If all this transplanting was mine, I would mulch with compost.  It's readily available in small quantities at garden centers, and large quantities at recycling companies.

Pine straw can gradually turn areas acidic, but my problem is that it uses up  available nitrogen during its long, slow process of breaking down.  That's nitrogen that my plants will be missing.  Compost on the other hand supplies lots of nutrients, as well as protecting root areas and retaining moisture.  

Now about holly.  Females have berries.  I've never heard the 30 foot rule, actually, but I do know that I have isolated holly trees, covered with berries, that are blocks away from others.

Hope this helps.
Mark in Portland Oregon