Chipper Shredders and Pine Needles

[RidgeHiker]

Why not leave pine needles alone for mulch?

California has strong regulations for fire safety around homes enforced by Cal Fire. Within the 30' zone around the home dead or dry leaves and pine needles are supposed to be removed. Cal Fire does inspections to make sure that requirements are followed. I would prefer to let a more natural forest duff which supports a healthy forest build up and will see if the shredder will chop the needles down enough to be acceptable if inspected. I have no complaints about the regulations or inspections which help to make our area safer.