Luckie Straw(LS) Compared to Pinestraw(PS)
-Abrasion and Crumble Resistance
(LS)Highly resistant to foot traffic and handling
(PS)Becomes increasingly brittle with age
-Availability
(LS)Dependable year-round production
(PS)Seasonal; spotty
-Bed Preparation / Weeds
(LS)Rake out old straw once; pre-emerge once; less weeds
(PS)Rake out old straw annually; pre-emerge annually; more weeds
-Breathability
(LS)Maintains breathability; helps oxygenate soil and deter mold and fungus growth
(PS)Mats, thatches and becomes spongy; decomposes and acts like second soil layer, causing roots to grow “up”
-Chemical Resistance
(LS)Not affected by herbicides or pesticides
(PS)Absorbs chemicals
-Color
(LS)Consistent longleaf pine reddish-brown “spring” needles, the most prized
(PS)Inconsistent; depends on season, species, freshness, weather
-Color Retention
(LS)UV-stabilized; tested; warranted to retain color for 4 years
(PS)Decomposes immediately; turns brown; bleached gray in 6-12 months
-Contaminants
(LS)None, always clean, pure, sterile bales
(PS)Even when hand-combed, contains weeds, grass seed, mold spores, pine pollen, insects, fungus, mildew, sticks, twigs, leaves and pine cones
-Coverage/Unit
(LS)50 sq ft @ 3.5″ depth
(PS)Depends on bale size
-Environment / Harvesting
(LS)Post-industrial recycled product; clean product can be recycled at end of useful life
(PS)Unregulated; mechanized raking increases tree mortality; over-harvesting negatively affects forest growth and soil productivity, causes erosion and loss of wildlife habitat
-Flammability
(LS)Requires sustained exposure to flame to burn; will melt
(PS)Highly flammable when dry
-Insects
(LS)Does not attract insects
(PS)Damp environment attracts insects, especially ants, roaches and termites
-Installation
(LS)Clean, easy, quick
(PS)Gloves recommended
-Maintenance
(LS)Turns, fluffs easily; extends life
(PS)Crumbles when turned or fluffed; top-dress every 4-6 months
-Moisture Retention
(LS)Passes moisture to soil and helps prevent evaporation; patented concave needle profile funnels all moisture to soil
(PS)Needles absorb and trap moisture
-Needle Quality
(LS)Consistent mixture of 9-10″ strand lengths to simulate highly-desired old, original longleaf pine needles
(PS)Highly variable by species on pine; mostly loblolly and slash, with 6-10″ needles
-Rain/Water-Resistance
(LS)Will not absorb water; lighter than water and will float; not recommended for low-lying areas subject to flooding or run-off
(PS)Will wash-away if used in areas subject to flooding or run-off Soil
-Nutrition
(LS)Over years, breaks down into harmless carbon, hydrogen, calcium carbonate and iron oxide
(PS)Increases acidity
-Volume Loss
(LS)None; does not decompose
(PS)100% loss; most in first six months
-Warranty
(LS)Yes
(PS)No