Allen, we cannot turn the pine needles under each year because they are used in permanent shrubbery beds. It looks to me as if they never disintegrate --- Jimmie and I surveyed the area today and decided that we should not add more needles on top of what is already there... I'll add them to the compost. Penny, NY ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]