[American Constitutionalist]

Pine needles can be used a mulch.
But Pine needs are more on the acidic side so use it only in areas with plants that shrive on acidic soil.
Pine needles that have degraded a bit are less acidic.
Some local dumps or landfills do grind of old wood and have a pile of mulch for free so if you have a truck you can get free mulch.
Buying used stuff is one way of saving money so as long it's fixable.

[RKBA Democrat]

For my fellow beekeepers, pine needles are a great fuel for your smoker, toss in some pine cones to extend the smoke, use dryer lint as a fast lighter.