Frequently Asked Questions

Textraw® 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. Textraw® 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

As odd as it may seem, even in the pine-laden area of the Southeast, good fresh pine straw is in short supply. Only 2% of the original range of long leaf pine growth remains. Even when pine straw is available, the color, quality, price, etc. are inconsistent. Bales typically contain sticks, cones, insects, mildew, weed seeds, etc. Bales usually vary in quality from vendor to vendor, and with the season. And as pretty as pine straw is, its only nutritional value is a slight increase in soil Ph. Since it decomposes and is absorbant, it’s an attractive environment for pests, requires additional water and chemicals, and imports weed seeds into the garden.

Commercial and industrial properties that want high curb appeal and understand landscape maintenance use Textraw®. Commercial and industrial owners understand the savings in labor and materials on a life-cycle cost basis. Textraw® is perfect for:

• Office and Industrial Parks
• Multifamily developments
• Strip shopping centers
• Apartments
• Fast food restaurants
• Motels Convenience stores
• Banks
• Gas stations
• Corporate headquarters
• Churches
• Property managers
• Commercial landscapers
• Developers

Homeowners who want the best appearance and health for their plants and flowers, as well as reduced chemicals and water needs. Textraw® produces a breathable area around foundations, which does not lock in the moisture and decomposition conducive to termites, roaches, mildew, and other problems. Rainfall from rooflines under eaves is dispersed by Textraw®, reducing the need for gutters. Government facilities, highway ramps requiring erosion control.

Textraw® contains ultraviolet inhibitors to keep its color from fading due to sunlight, just like indoor-outdoor carpet does. Textraw® has been tested in a xenon arc accelerated weatherometer to the equivalent of more than 10 years outdoor exposure in South Florida without any significant color loss. We estimate the surface layer of Textraw® will easily maintain its color for 10 years. Areas not exposed to sunlight will last indefinitely. As Textraw® is occasionally flipped and fluffed, needles on the surface are turned under, and the life of Textraw® is increased. Isn't natural pine straw better for my plants and soil?

Actually, natural pine straw contains virtually no nutrients, other than acidity. For some plants, that acidity is a small plus. For others, it is a minus. Since Textraw® does not mat down or thatch like natural pine straw, it maintains its breathability, which helps oxygenate soil and deter mold and fungus growth.

Since Textraw® does not decompose, insects are not attracted to it. Natural pine straw creates a dark, moist environment that attracts insects, particularly roaches and termites.

Actually, natural pine straw contains virtually no nutrients, other than acidity. For some plants, that acidity is a small plus. For others, it is a minus. Since Textraw® does not mat down or thatch like natural pine straw, it maintains its breathability, which helps oxygenate soil and deter mold and fungus growth.

Dry pine straw is highly flammable. While Textraw® is not inflammable, it will melt. It requires exposure to a sustained flame to burn.

Textraw® 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. Textraw® 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.

Textraw® 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. Textraw® photodegrades into carbon, hydrogen, calcium carbonate and iron oxide, all harmless components.

Textraw® 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 Textraw® Stay-Put 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 Textraw® does not crumble like natural pine straw, groundcovers like liriopes should not be cut back using a lawn mower or weed whacker.