No idea about specifics of this product but 'transforms to humus as it ages' is completely meaningless. Everything does. What they wrote sounds like a general description of compost.

Feel it by hand and smell etc, try some, if it works for you, great, compare to the other stuff for sale. Don't pay too much. Don't be afraid of asking if they have better prices in volume or pickup truck load or whatever.

"Spoiled" or discarded compost or bulk animal feed can be great. Who cares if compost is 'spoiled'? Usually just means it got wet and anaerobic, spread around will be fine. Sometimes spoiled just means the bag had a tear.

If the price isn't that different between the two... it could be better in your situation since the product is broken down more and will integrate into your existing soil quicker then shredded wood chips will. With that said though, that also means you will need to replenish it sooner then wood chips.

Fall is also the time that you can collect leaves from your own property.. the neighbors... etc. Once run over with a lawn mower, they make the perfect (free) mulch and will break down a good rate to improve clay soil. The worms go nuts for for them as well.

Great thanks. Yeah I figured it was a lot of wording for basic mulch. I just can't really get fresh manure till I have a real truck....hesitant to fill my car up with it, even bagged.

I'll keep looking for cheap stuff that I can add to the beds and compost pile. Good idea to check for better pricing, especially now that fall is here. Thanks!

Thanks @Nevermore44 - 6a

I've been thinking about the fact that the "sweet peet mulch" had manure, which I can't seem to get easily around here. Bit of a drive for some, and not sure how to get it home without my car smelling.

Maybe I'll give some yards a try for it....do you think the manure that might be in it can damage plants if it touches their crown or branches?

Thanks for the tip on leaves, I actually spent all morning out there raking up some giant piles on my drive way to run over with my mower tomorrow.Going to spread those out with coffee grounds I've been collecting every morning. Probably should keep the shredded leaves away from crowns too now that I think of it.