If you love getting a real Christmas tree, you know just messy they can become once the pine needles start falling. But did you ever think about the different and creative ways you can use pine needles in your home!

Pine essential oil not only has antibacterial properties but also anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and an antioxidant. You can make your own DIY pine oil at home.

DIY Pine Oil Infusion

You will need pine needles, a mortar and pestle, carrier oil (refined coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil), mason jar, cheesecloth, dark bottle for storage.

  • Gather some fresh pine needles.
  • Wash the pine needles in warm water with a mild soap, and allow them to air dry for a few minutes.
  • Place the pine needles in the mortar, and gently scrape and crush the leaves.
  • Pour your carrier oil into the mason jar.
  • Take your pine needles and pour them all into the jar. Put the lid back onto the jar and shake the jar.
  • Store the jar out of sunlight, in a room with at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Shake the jar once a day, for about a week. After doing this, place the jar in a dark cupboard to age for 15 days.
  • After the 15 days, sift the oil through the cheesecloth to remove the needles and particles. Transfer your homemade pine oil into a dark bottle for storage.

Makes A Great Firestarter
Pine needles burn quickly, putting them to good use as a firestarter for your fireplace.

Use For Mulch

Pine needles are a wonderful choice for mulching. Pine needles decompose slowly, so they’re not the best choice for turning directly into garden soil. Your best option is to utilize them as a top dressing on flower gardens, areas where moisture and weed control is desirable. Pine straw can prevent winter soils from freezing and moderate soil temperature during the summer season. Using too many needles can be detrimental to your garden, you want to aim for a 2-4 inch layer. Keep in mind pine straw is flammable, if you are in the wildfire interface, composted mulch is a better alternative.

Make A Pine Needle Tea

Pine needles are high in Vitamin C, and a great way to utilize its benefits is making a pine needle tea. Take some fresh pine needles and gently crush them with a mortar and pestle, and place them inside a tea infuser/ tea bag. Pour some boiling water and voila!