Do you remove clumps if built up dead pine needles on branches of black pine
Long Island NY

I do. If those lower branches don't get sun, they die.

How old of a tree; just shake it.

I literally have to climb into my black pine to get fallen needles out. They really pack in.

I have an approx. 20 footer and they fall by them selves but I have rake , or mow, them up.

Yes I had to dive into the thick of it to pull a pickup trucks 8 foot bed worth of needles so light and air can get in

Great mulch though!