Using pine needles and leaves as mulch supports this sustainable agenda. These organic materials help the soil retain moisture by reducing evaporation, directly addressing HB 322’s goal of lowering supplemental water use. As they break down, they not only add vital organic matter and nutrients to the soil without relying on synthetic chemicals but also contribute to a cost-effective, maintenance-friendly approach. This is particularly important because the bill is intended to dismantle unreasonable barriers that would otherwise restrict environmentally beneficial practices. Moreover, natural mulches like pine needles and leaves foster a healthier ecosystem by creating a microhabitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms, leading to a more biodiverse and resilient garden environment.

The legislative intent of HB 322 is to prevent constraints on low-impact landscaping practices, even those that might diverge from traditional aesthetic norms that this Board believes are more beautiful, in favor of long-term environmental benefits.

In my own experience over the last 22 years, low-impact landscaping using these methods has demonstrated its effectiveness on my heavily wooded property. It has helped build up low-lying areas, reduced the need for mowing, kept yard waste out of the public works yard, saved money, reduced flooding for both my property and neighboring homes, and supported a diverse native plant landscape featuring various holly and pine specimens and mountain laurel.

This practical, proven success reinforces the argument that halting the use of organic mulches like pine needles and leaves, especially in areas such as Ocean Pines where pollinator gardens are championed, runs counter to both the spirit and the letter of HB 322.