Why groundcover comes first
The Longleaf Alliance notes that a fully functioning longleaf ecosystem supports wildlife, provides economic benefits, and creates an aesthetically pleasing habitat. They emphasize that healthy groundcover is the underlying force that drives these functions.
Fuel for prescribed fire
Native groundcover species provide the fine fuels needed for prescribed burning. The Longleaf Alliance also notes that healthy native groundcover can help deter invasive species that would otherwise alter (or prevent) the natural role of fire.
Plant diversity drives wildlife diversity
The Longleaf Alliance emphasizes that the longleaf forest is one of the most diverse habitats in North America, and that this extraordinary diversity is rooted in the groundcover plant community. They also note that as groundcover diversity rises, wildlife diversity tends to rise as well.
Many wildlife species require early successional habitats that are maintained by frequent fire—conditions where herbaceous grasses and wildflowers dominate.
How this connects to pine straw
In forests, pine needles contribute to the fine fuels that carry fire. In landscaping, those long needles become pine straw mulch. If you want premium longleaf pine straw for your property in the Columbia, SC area, we can deliver and install it.