Which Pine Trees Like Coffee Grounds?

While not all of pines (*Pinus spp. *) prosper from the Mediterranean climate, those that do appreciate acidic soil. This may be tough to come by from the frequently “chalky” Bay Area dirt. If your garden is on the neutral to alkaline side, then **java grounds might help acidify the dirt** where the pines are growing. But a few pine species prefer a decrease soil pH than others.

Determining pH Needs

A soil test kit or kit sent to your professional soil test lab can determine the present pH level of the region where pines are already growing, or in which you’d like to establish them. A pH level of 7.0 is deemed neutral, with amounts falling below that believed increasingly acidic as the amounts fall lower. It is important to track the surrounding ground’s changing demands annually. When the pines are already established, as an instance, their falling needles tend to make the soil more acidic with every passing year.

Low pH Pines

Among the pines that most appreciate acid alterations like coffee grounds are white pines (*Pinus strobus*), also known as Eastern or Northern white pines. White pines like a very-to-moderately acid soil, with a **pH of 4.5 to 6.0**. All these pines, which grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8, reach at least 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide, maturing into a nearly oval silhouette.

Moderately-Low pH Pines

The loblolly pine (*Pinus taeda*) includes a marginally wider tolerance for impartial soil than the usual white pine cousin. While it **may thrive in soil with a pH as low as 4.5, it might also prosper in a neutral selection of 7**. The loblolly grows in USDA zones 6 to 9. It attains 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, but a few loblollys reach double that size. The tree is known for its curved canopy and naked, straight lower trunk, and is suitable for swampy places.

Broad-Range pH Pines

The Virginia pine (*Pinus virginiana*) grows in USDA zones 5 to 8, and tolerates soil ranging from quite acidic to slightly alkaline. Particularly, it can manage **pH amounts of 4.6 to 7.9**. While it lacks an elegant silhouette, the tree may be used to screen unsightly views, or as a backdrop in a naturalized garden. It grows at least 20 feet tall and wide.

Adding Coffee Grounds

No matter how alkaline your beginning soil pH may be, **avert adding coffee grounds directly to the soil** about a growing pine. In addition, the reversal is so rich in nitrogen that — coupled with its high acidity — it also can result in a fungal imbalance to this soil. Rather, **add coffee grounds to carbon-rich compost stuff**, such as straw or leaves, in a speed of approximately 4 parts carbon material to 1 part coffee grounds. Leave this mixture to **age for many months** before applying it as a cover mulch beneath the canopies of pine trees. Alternatively, work the compost gently into the top 6 inches of dirt underneath the pines.

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