Ez Straw With Tack

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Innovative Mulch and Erosion Control Product

Mulching and erosion control are critical elements of landscaping and gardening. Applying an effective groundcover helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent soil erosion. But finding the right product can be tricky with so many options on the market. One innovative solution is Ez Straw with Tack – a patented mulch product that combines straw with a natural plant-based tackifier.

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Ez Straw with Tack:

How Does Ez Straw With Tack Work?

Ez Straw with Tack consists of 90% certified weed seed-free agricultural straw and 10% plant-based tackifier. The tackifier contains a natural adhesive that helps the strands of straw bond together and stick to the soil surface. This prevents the mulch from blowing or washing away after application. The straw provides all the traditional benefits of mulching like moisture retention and weed suppression. The tackifier takes it a step further by improving slope coverage and staying put even in windy or wet conditions.

What Are the Benefits of Ez Straw With Tack?

There are many advantages to using Ez Straw with Tack instead of regular straw or other mulches:

• Superior erosion control – The tackifier adheres the straw to steep slopes and ditches, preventing runoff and soil loss during storms.
• Excellent mulch for landscapes – The straw suppresses weed growth and insulates plant roots while the tack keeps it in place in garden beds and around trees and shrubs.
• Easy application – Ez Straw with Tack can be spread by hand or blown using a mulch blower machine without any pegging or netting required.
• Quick greening – The straw offers immediate erosion protection and starts breaking down within a few months to enrich the soil.
• Safe for plants and pets – Made from 100% biodegradable materials, Ez Straw with Tack won’t harm plants or animals.
• Dual function – It works for temporary erosion control and provides long-term landscape mulching in one product.
• Cost-effective – The tackifier makes the straw more efficient by maximizing slope coverage using less product.

How to Apply Ez Straw With Tack

One of the biggest benefits of Ez Straw is how quick and easy it is to apply:

• For small areas, simply hand apply the strands evenly across the soil surface at a rate of 1.5-2 bales per 1,000 sq ft.
• For larger areas, use a mechanical mulch blower to launch the straw and get maximum spreadability on slopes and hard to reach areas.
• Apply at a rate of 2,500-4,000 lbs per acre. Heavier application rates are better for severe erosion issues.
• The tackifier will activate with moisture within 6-8 hours after application to stick the straw in place.
• No anchoring, crimping or special equipment is required. Just apply and let the tack do its job!

Where Can I Buy Ez Straw With Tack?

Ez Straw with Tack is available at various landscaping supply stores across the United States. You can also purchase it online and have it delivered directly to your door. Some popular places to buy include:

• Amazon: Search for “Ez Straw Tackifier” and find multiple listing with Prime delivery options.
• Home Depot: Select stores, mainly in the West Coast region, stock Ez Straw seasonally. Check online inventory for your local store.
• Ewing Irrigation: A leading supplier of landscaping products, Ewing stocks Ez Straw online and in their retail locations across 20 states.
• SiteOne Landscape Supply: With over 450 locations nationwide, SiteOne carries Ez Straw with Tackifier in many stores and online.

How Much Area Does Ez Straw With Tack Cover?

The coverage rate for Ez Straw with Tack depends on the thickness of application and severity of erosion issues. Here are some general guidelines:

• 1.5-2 bales covers approximately 1,000 sq ft for routine landscape mulching.
• For erosion control on moderate slopes, plan for 2,500-3,500 lbs per acre.
• Severe slopes and drainage ditches may require up to 4,000 lbs per acre.
• In wet climates, use higher application rates to account for decomposition.
• One pallet contains 10 bales averaging 35 lbs per bale, so 1 pallet covers 350-500 sq ft.

Is Ez Straw With Tack Biodegradable?

A major benefit of Ez Straw is that it is 100% biodegradable and safe for the environment. The straw is made from wheat, rice or other agricultural residues. It starts breaking down within a few months after application.

The Ec Tac tackifier is derived from natural plant starches. It will gradually decompose over 1-2 seasons but helps the straw remain in place throughout that initial erosion control period. The end result is clean soil once the materials fully decompose.

How Long Does Ez Straw With Tack Last?

When applied at the recommended rates for erosion control and mulching, Ez Straw with Tack typically lasts 6-12 months before completely breaking down.

Factors like climate, exposure to moisture, and application thickness can impact longevity. The tackifier helps prolong effectiveness by resisting decomposition and keeping the straw anchored even as it starts to break down.

Reapply annually, or more frequently for high precipitation regions, to maintain effectiveness. The spent straw will improve your soil tilth and texture.

Can Ez Straw With Tack Be Used for Erosion Control?

Ez Straw with Tack excels at erosion control across many applications:

• Slopes and hillsides – The tackifier adheres the straw to steep slopes to prevent soil loss. It establishes fast erosion control between grading and permanent landscaping.
• Drainage ditches and channels – Lining swales and ditches with Ez Straw keeps soil stabilized during heavy rain events.
• Construction sites – Quickly establishes temporary erosion control on disturbed soils when grading, excavation or utility work is underway.
• Seeding projects – The straw protects newly seeded areas while tackifier keeps everything in place until grass establishes.
• Golf courses – Used on bunker faces, greens slopes and along fairways to prevent washouts and maintain playable surfaces.

The combination of instant groundcover and superior slope adhesion makes Ez Straw one of the most effective solutions for erosion challenges.

Is Ez Straw With Tack Safe for Pets?

Yes! Ez Straw contains no toxic chemicals or materials that could pose a hazard to children or pets.

The straw is simply heat-treated to remove weed seeds and make it safe for agricultural use. The Ec Tac tackifier is derived from natural plant polysaccharides and contains no synthetic polymers.

Pets may try to dig in or snack on the straw mulch. But the product won’t cause any illness or side effects. It’s perfectly pet-friendly once applied and adhered to the landscape.

How Does the Tackifier in Ez Straw With Tack Work?

The Ec Tac tackifier in Ez Straw contains natural binders that activate when moistened. These binders consist of plant polysaccharides that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and highly adhesive.

When wetted, the tackifier becomes slippery and sticky. It adheres the loose straw strands together and causes them to stick tightly to the soil surface below.

This creates excellent slope coverage and strong resistance to wind and water erosion. The adhesion remains strong for months as the straw starts decomposing.

Ec Tac gradually breaks down itself with exposure to moisture and soil microbes. It won’t inhibit plant growth or leave behind any chemical residue in the landscape.

What Do Reviews Say About Ez Straw With Tack?

Ez Straw with Tack earns glowing reviews from both landscaping professionals and homeowners:

• “This stuff is amazing! Saved our hillside from washout and looked great within hours. Way better than regular straw.”
• “Love the tackifier that adheres the straw – I can use it on slopes and drainage channels without netting or pins.”
• “Made a huge difference in controlling erosion on my newly seeded lawn. Grass filled in beautifully thanks to Ez Straw protection.”
• “So easy to spread by hand or equipment. The best way I’ve found to mulch garden beds – stays perfectly in place.”
• “Doesn’t blow away like regular straw. This stuff sticks tight even through heavy storms.”

Users agree that Ez Straw provides superior durability, adhesion, and erosion control compared to regular straw or other biodegradable mulches.

How to Remove Ez Straw With Tack After Use?

One advantage of Ez Straw’s biodegradable design is that removal isn’t necessary in most cases. The straw and tackifier will break down naturally over time without leaving behind residue.

That said, it can be removed manually if desired:

• Use a standard rake or tiller to loosen the straw and slowly sweep it off the area.
• A yard vacuum can help collect debris efficiently after loosening the straw.
• Watering the area first will dissolve the remaining tackifier and allow full removal.
• Expect the process to be more difficult after several months once the tackifier has fully cured and adhered to the soil.
• Remove before replanting garden beds or seeding grass so new plants have direct soil contact.

Otherwise, let the straw biodegrade in place and enjoy the enriched soil!

Can Ez Straw With Tack Be Used in Gardens?

Ez Straw makes an excellent mulch layer between garden rows, around trees and shrubs, and on garden pathways. The tackifier keeps it securely in place for lasting weed suppression and moisture retention.

A few tips for using Ez Straw in garden beds:

• Make sure to remove any existing weeds first so they don’t grow up through the straw mulch layer.
• Apply 2-3 inches deep for best insulation and soil moisture preservation.
• Keep the mulch a few inches back from the base of plant stems to prevent rot.
• Reapply annually as the straw decomposes or use as a supplemental winter mulch cover.
• The straw adds organic matter to enrich the soil long-term as it breaks down.

With proper usage, gardens love Ez Straw for its combination of weed suppression, water conservation, and soil building properties!

Does Ez Straw With Tack Help Retain Moisture?

Definitely! Like any straw mulch, Ez Straw provides exceptional moisture retention for plants and soil. It prevents rapid surface evaporation and keeps the ground under the straw consistently damp.

The Ec Tac tackifier improves these water conservation benefits by:

• Keeping the mulch locked in place so rainfall can properly penetrate the soil.
• Allowing thicker application on slopes where regular straw would slide off.
• Extending the functional life as the straw starts decomposing.

Thick blankets of Ez Straw keep landscape beds hydrated for months longer than bare soil. This also means less frequent watering is required, saving time and money on irrigation costs.

How Effective is Ez Straw With Tack for Seed Germination?

Ez Straw with Tack creates the ideal conditions to help newly seeded areas germinate and establish. It acts like a cover crop during this early growth phase in several ways:

• Protects seeds from washing out during storms and heavy rainfall.
• Insulates soil and regulates temperature fluctuations that can prevent germination.
• Preserves moisture so tender new seedlings don’t dry out.
• Blocks light to inhibit weed seed germination during the critical establishment period.
• Aerates and loosens the soil as the straw decomposes over time.

The combined protection, insulation, and moisture preservation lead to faster, thicker, and healthier grass stands from seed.

Is Ez Straw With Tack Treated With Any Chemicals?

Ez Straw is a 100% natural and chemical-free mulch product. No synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers are used in production.

The agricultural straw is simply thermally heat-treated to remove weed seeds and pathogens. This prepares it for safe use in gardens, farms, and landscapes.

The Ec Tac tackifier is derived from natural plant polysaccharides. It contains no acrylic polymers or latex binders.

You can use Ez Straw in organic gardens without fear of chemical contamination. It leaves no toxic residue as it breaks down – just beneficial organic matter.

How to Store Leftover Ez Straw With Tack?

Like regular straw, Ez Straw with Tack can be conveniently stored for later use if you have leftovers after a project:

• Keep unused bales in a dry, covered area away from moisture. The tackifier may begin activating if it gets wet prematurely.
• For partial bales, rebundle and tightly tie back up. Store upright on a pallet if possible.
• Leftover bags of loose straw mulch can be folded over and secured with clips or twine until the next use.
• Avoid compressing or crushing the straw bales to maximize loft and performance when reapplied later.
• Use within the next 12 months before the straw starts decomposing and losing tackiness.

Proper dry storage will help Ez Straw retain maximum effectiveness when it’s time to use those leftovers!

Can Ez Straw With Tack Be Used on Slopes?

One of the biggest advantages of Ez Straw is its unmatched performance on slopes and hills. The tackifier allows it to be spread on steep grades without sliding or washing away.

Factors like soil type, slope angle, and expected precipitation will determine optimal application depth and technique. But in general:

• Ez Straw can adhere to slopes up to 2:1 grade (50% slope angle).
• Apply uphill using a side-discharge mulch blower for efficient coverage.
• Heavier application rates are recommended – up to 4,000 lbs per acre.
• The tackifier will stick the straw to the slope even during rain or irrigation.

With proper use, Ez Straw establishes immediate erosion protection on vulnerable slopes and remains in place all season.

How Does Ez Straw With Tack Compare to Other Mulching Products?

Ez Straw really outperforms other mulch options when it comes to durability, adhesion, and ease of use:

• Better adhesion than regular straw – the tackifier sticks it tightly to the soil even on slopes and during weather events.

-Doesn’t float away like hydromulch – Ez Straw establishes quickly and provides more erosion protection.

• Stays in place better than wood chips or bark mulch on slopes and around plants.
• Covers more area with less product compared to straw blankets or erosion mats.
• No need to peg, staple, or anchor like regular straw – the tackifier does the work.
• Much easier and faster application than straw wattles or erosion control logs.

For versatile mulch and erosion control, Ez Straw with Tack is a top-choice product.

Does Ez Straw With Tack Work in All Climates?

One of the advantages of Ez Straw is that it performs in a wide range of climates and soil conditions:

• The tackifier activates and sticks with just moisture – no specific temperature range required.
• Straw provides insulation against both cold and heat extremes.
• Effective erosion protection in rainy environments as well as drought-prone areas.
• Won’t inhibit soil percolation and drainage like plastic sheeting or fabric.
• Decomposes faster in hot, humid regions versus lasting 2+ seasons in cool, dry climates.
• Works great across various soil types and won’t blow away as easily as lighter hydromulches.

No matter the environment, Ez Straw adjusts and establishes quickly to provide versatile mulching and erosion control.

Conclusion

For landscapers, contractors, or avid gardeners, Ez Straw with Tack delivers an impressive combination of convenient application, superior adhesion, and lasting performance as a mulch and erosion control product.

The natural Ec Tac tackifier built into the agricultural straw locks it in place for effective moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil stabilization where you need it most.

Applied by hand or with standard equipment, Ez Straw establishes fast protection and can be left to biodegrade in place. It’s pet-friendly, chemical-free, and excels on landscapes and challenging slopes.

So for your next mulching or erosion control project, check out Ez Straw with Tack – the innovative solution for durable results and simple application.