When using pine needles or pine chips in compost, does it kill certain plants?

Question

When using pine needles or pine chips in compost, does it kill certain plants?

Answer 1

Pine needles or chips will not make compost acidic. They do take time to breakdown and decompose but the finished compost will be nearly neutral in pH. One of the big benefits of the composting process is its neutralizing ability - not just of pH but also of any chemials, most pesticides and disease pathogens. The needles are considered a 'green' and the chips a 'brown' and they will add nutrient content to the pile just as will any other organic matter.