Frequently Asked Questions

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Luckie's Artificial Straw is synthetic pine straw made from recycled polypropylene. Polypropylene does not absorb water or chemicals. It recycles easily, from bottle scrap, carpet backing, fiber and yarn. Luckie's Artificial Straw has been designed to simulate a consistent mixture of 10–14” reddish-brown pine needles that fall in the spring from the old, original long leaf pine trees, which are just about gone. Most natural pine straw today comes from loblolly or slash pine species, with needles that are shorter, typically 6–10”. Because they don’t contain as much resin, loblolly and slash decompose and lose their color quickly. 

Luckie's Artificial Straw contains ultraviolet inhibitors to keep its color from fading due to sunlight, just like indoor-outdoor carpet does. Luckie's Artificial Straw has been tested in a xenon arc accelerated weatherometer to the equivalent of 7 years outdoor exposure in South Florida without any significant color loss. We estimate the surface layer of Luckie's Artificial Straw will easily maintain its color for 7 years. Areas not exposed to sunlight will last indefinitely. As Luckie’s Artificial Straw is occasionally flipped and fluffed, needles on the surface are turned under, and the life of straw is increased. 

Since Luckie's Artificial Straw does not decompose, insects are not attracted to it. Natural pine straw creates a dark, moist environment that attracts insects, particularly roaches and termites. 

Dry pine straw is highly flammable. While Luckie's Artificial Straw is not inflammable, it will melt. It requires exposure to a sustained flame to burn. 

Luckie's Artificial Straw holds moisture in the soil better than natural pine straw, which absorbs it, particularly as it decomposes into thatch. In fact, under low water conditions, natural straw can actually prevent moisture from reaching plant roots in the soil. Luckie's Artificial Straw is extruded in concave strands, with a cross-section identical to natural straw. The shape increases the surface area, producing greater volume and soil moisture retention, since its patented design funnels moisture to the soil. 

Luckie's Artificial Straw is safe for the environment. It is made from post-industrial recycled product. After its useful life is over, clean product is capable of being recycled. Luckie’s Synthetic Straw photodegrades into carbon, hydrogen, calcium carbonate and iron oxide, all harmless components. 

Luckie's Artificial Straw is not recommended for low-lying areas or areas subject to flooding or runoff, since it is slightly lighter than water. On the other hand, natural pine straw will also wash away in similar conditions. On steep slopes, an application of StayPut is beneficial. 

After the old natural straw has been raked out, a pre-emergent should be applied to the soil to treat any latent water seeds. After that, you won’t be adding natural straw with its untreated weed and grass seeds, so you should get less weeds. 

Since Luckie's Artificial Straw does not crumble like natural pine straw, groundcovers like liriope should not be cut back using a lawn mower or weed whacker.