Straw is an agricultural by-product, the dry stalks of cereal plants after the grain and chaff have been removed. It has a variety of uses, including livestock bedding and fodder, thatching and basket-making.

Pine Needles intertwine and mat firmly making them more resistant to being blown or rained away. Pine Needles are an excellent deterrent to weeds. Slow to decompose, Pine Needles make an excellent path mulch, .