Imagine a sudden downpour washing away precious topsoil from a newly seeded hillside. It’s a frustrating sight, and sadly, a common one in construction and landscaping projects. Keeping that soil in place while new plants take root is a big challenge. Choosing the right Erosion Control Blanket seems simple at first, but the sheer variety—straw, coconut fiber, synthetic—can quickly become overwhelming. Which one works best for your slope? How long will it last? Getting it wrong means wasted time and money.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We explain exactly what these blankets do and break down the key differences between the most popular types. You will learn how to match the right blanket to your specific site conditions, ensuring your soil stays put and your vegetation thrives. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect Erosion Control Blanket for your next project.
Top Erosion Control Blanket Recommendations
- 100% Biodegradable - The top of each blanket is covered with photo-degradable or biodegradable netting. The blankets are naturally seed-free and contain no chemical additives.
- Safeguard Topsoil - Excelsior netting is intended to safeguard topsoil from water and wind erosion while also promoting the perfect growth environment for grass seed. Wet curled excelsior fibers increase slightly in-depth and connect to form a robust fiber matrix with a built-in swell.
- Versatile Product - Many industries use excelsior netting, particularly landscaping and road construction businesses and contractors working on residential, industrial, and commercial developments. They’ve also been used to improve drainage and waterways, and even landfill operators use them.
- Strong Wooden Fibers - Wet curled excelsior fibers slightly expand in thickness and interlock to form a strong, fiber matrix and creating a built-in swell factor. This allows the fibers to have close contact with the area it is placed upon. Basically, the mat clings to the soil with “barbed” fibers to reduce soil loss and strengthen the foundation.
- Provides Soil Nutrience - Aspen wood fibers are a renewable resource and act as mulch providing nutrients to the soil during breakdown. The fibers can be either natural or dyed green for instant color.
- Premium Jute Construction: Our Soil Saver Erosion Control Fabric is made from premium-quality jute, a natural and biodegradable material renowned for its superior erosion control capabilities. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this 48-inch wide and 20-yard long fabric ensures a sturdy, reliable solution for preventing soil erosion.
- Extensive Coverage for Soil Protection: With a length of 20 yards, this roll of fabric covers an approximate area of 240 square feet, delivering extensive coverage for your landscape. It acts as a shield, safeguarding soil from erosion, reducing sedimentation, and mitigating the adverse impact of wind and water, ensuring the integrity of your landscape and garden areas.
- Environmentally Sustainable Solution: Harness the power of nature with our eco-friendly jute erosion control fabric. As a natural and biodegradable material, it promotes environmental sustainability by seamlessly integrating with the soil, enriching its quality, and eventually decomposing without leaving harmful residues.
- Versatile and Adaptable Design: The 48-inch width provides a versatile solution that can be easily tailored to your landscaping needs. Whether you're covering embankments, stabilizing slopes, or nurturing garden beds, the easy-to-cut design allows for seamless customization, adapting effortlessly to various terrains and shapes.
- User-Friendly Installation: Engineered for hassle-free installation, this erosion control fabric is user-friendly and straightforward to set up. Its manageable weight and pliability make it easy to handle and lay down, allowing for a quick and efficient application, reducing installation time and effort.
- Aspen Wood Fiber Blanket: Made from natural curled aspen wood excelsior with long fibers distributed evenly throughout the blanket to support soil retention on disturbed ground areas
- Single Net Construction: Features a photodegradable top net designed to hold fibers in place during installation on slopes, embankments, ditch bottoms, and grading sites or roadside drainage areas
- Supports Soil Stabilization: Helps reduce surface soil movement on areas affected by recent excavation, landscaping work, or drainage flow, offering temporary coverage while vegetation develops
- Green Dyed Surface: Dyed green for a more blended appearance in outdoor settings, giving a finished look on slopes, channels, and open soil areas during early project stages and initial seeding
- Coverage for Slopes and Banks: 4' x 112.5' roll sized for slopes, stream banks, drainage channels, roadway edges, and other areas requiring controlled ground coverage across extended lengths
- Extensive Coverage for Effective Soil Protection: the erosion control blankets measure about 40 inches wide and 15 feet long, offering broad coverage to secure large areas; This size ensures comprehensive protection against soil loss and destructive effects of wind and water
- Durable Material: crafted from naturally decomposable jute, the erosion control blanket is both safe and durable; In addition, it can protect seeds in the soil from being eaten by birds and protect plants from the effects of weather
- Versatile Use for Diverse Landscaping: whether you're working on embankments, stabilizing slopes, or cultivating flower beds, these erosion control blankets are versatile enough to meet diverse landscaping needs; Their adaptable design makes them an indispensable tool for any gardening project
- Natural Resistance: thanks to their jute construction, these erosion control blankets ensures your soil is safeguarded against various threats, offering reliable, long-term support to prevent erosion; It can also wrap trees to keep them warm and moist and prevent frost damage.
- Flexible Adaptation: the easy-to-cut design of these erosion control blankets allows for seamless customization to fit various terrains and shapes; This adaptability ensures that you can tailor the blankets to suit your specific landscaping requirements without hassle
- 100% Biodegradable - The Material and Netting in this Blanket is 100% Biodegradable. Both the agricultural Wheat Straw and Coconut Fibers are 100% Biodegradable and they are held together by a Biodegradable Brown Poly Net that will biodegrade after 90 days. This product comes as a 7.5' Width for shipping purposes.
- 70% Straw - Our 100% Biodegradable Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blankets are a temporary rolled erosion control product composed of 70% agricultural wheat straw.
- 30% Coconut Fiber - Our 100% Biodegradable Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blankets are a temporary rolled erosion control product composed of 30% organic coconut fiber.
- Germination: Our Erosion Control Blankets also aid in the germination of newly planted seeds by shielding seeds from erosion and harsh weather which makes it easier for them to grow.
- Versatile: Erosion Control Blankets are very versatile as they are widely used on riverbeds, hills, culvert inlets and outfalls, and channel and ditch linings. They are great for construction projects as well as they are a contractors dream.
- Aspen Wood Fiber Blanket: Made from natural curled aspen wood excelsior with long fibers distributed evenly throughout the blanket to support soil retention on disturbed ground areas
- Single Net Construction: Features a photodegradable top net designed to hold fibers in place during installation on slopes, embankments, ditch bottoms, and grading sites or roadside drainage areas
- Supports Soil Stabilization: Helps reduce surface soil movement on areas affected by recent excavation, landscaping work, or drainage flow, offering temporary coverage while vegetation develops
- Green Dyed Surface: Dyed green for a more blended appearance in outdoor settings, giving a finished look on slopes, channels, and open soil areas during early project stages and initial seeding
- Coverage for Slopes and Banks: 4' x 112.5' roll sized for slopes, stream banks, drainage channels, roadway edges, and other areas requiring controlled ground coverage across extended lengths
- 100% Biodegradable - The top of each blanket is covered with photo-degradable or biodegradable netting. The blankets are naturally seed-free and contain no chemical additives.
- Safeguard Topsoil - Excelsior netting is intended to safeguard topsoil from water and wind erosion while also promoting the perfect growth environment for grass seed. Wet curled excelsior fibers increase slightly in-depth and connect to form a robust fiber matrix with a built-in swell.
- Versatile Product - Many industries use excelsior netting, particularly landscaping and road construction businesses and contractors working on residential, industrial, and commercial developments. They’ve also been used to improve drainage and waterways, and even landfill operators use them.
- Strong Wooden Fibers - Wet curled excelsior fibers slightly expand in thickness and interlock to form a strong, fiber matrix and creating a built-in swell factor. This allows the fibers to have close contact with the area it is placed upon. Basically, the mat clings to the soil with “barbed” fibers to reduce soil loss and strengthen the foundation.
- Provides Soil Nutrience - Aspen wood fibers are a renewable resource and act as mulch providing nutrients to the soil during breakdown. The fibers can be either natural or dyed green for instant color.
- Abundant to Choose: you will receive 3 rolls of burlap erosion control blanket, suitable for beach erosion, shoreline protection, to address erosion near oceans, rivers, streams or lakes, sufficing your daily needs and replacement demands
- Maintain Stable: burlap rolls for gardening are also ideal for keeping the cover and soil stable, to revegetate plants, and keep soil from erosion on the hillside, convenient and practical
- Proper Size: each erosion control fabric measures about 48 inch in width, 30 ft in length, large size, easy to roll, lay flat, carry and store, not bringing a burden, suitable for various ground and soil
- Simple Usages: burlap erosion control netting is easy to install, just spread the blanket from the hillside and fixed with landscape nails, enabling the slope not to be affected by winter storms
- Reliable Material: our plant liner roll is made of quality burlap material, not easy to deform or break, no synthetic materials, natural and dependable, not causing cleaning trouble, bringing you fluent using experiences
Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Erosion Control Blanket
Erosion control blankets are essential tools for keeping soil in place, especially on slopes or disturbed areas. They act like a protective blanket for the earth. Picking the right one saves you time, money, and prevents big messes later. This guide helps you understand what to look for before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an erosion control blanket, several features really matter. These features determine how well the blanket will work for your project.
1. Biodegradability and Longevity
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Some blankets break down quickly (short-term), while others last much longer (long-term). Choose based on how long it takes for grass or plants to grow and hold the soil themselves.
- Decomposition Rate: Check how fast the blanket breaks down. If it lasts too long, it might smother new growth. If it breaks down too fast, it won’t protect the soil long enough.
2. Web Density and Thickness
This is how thick and tightly woven the blanket is. A denser blanket offers better protection against heavy rain and fast water flow. Thicker blankets usually provide more soil stabilization.
3. Netting Type and Spacing
Most blankets have a net structure holding the fibers together. Synthetic netting (like polypropylene) lasts longer than natural netting (like jute or coir). The spacing of the net holes also matters; smaller holes offer better immediate surface protection.
Important Materials Used in Blankets
Erosion control blankets are made from different natural or synthetic materials. Your choice depends on your budget and the environmental goals of your project.
Natural Fiber Blankets (Temporary Use)
- Straw/Hay: These are the most common and affordable. They offer good short-term protection but break down fast, usually within 12 to 24 months.
- Coconut Fiber (Coir): Coir is very strong and lasts longer than straw, often up to 3 years. It is excellent for steep slopes.
- Wood Fiber (Excelsior): Made from wood shavings, this material lasts longer than straw but usually less than coir.
Synthetic Blankets (Long-Term Use)
Synthetic blankets, often made from polypropylene or nylon, do not decompose. They are used when vegetation establishment takes a long time or for very harsh conditions. They offer superior durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
High-quality blankets perform better and last longer. Low-quality blankets might fail early, leading to costly repairs.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Staple Length: Longer fibers (or “staples”) lock together better, creating a stronger mat that resists washing away.
- Uniform Coverage: A blanket that spreads its fibers evenly across the surface offers consistent protection.
- UV Resistance (for Synthetics): If synthetic blankets sit exposed to the sun before vegetation covers them, good UV resistance prevents them from becoming brittle.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
Thin, loosely woven blankets reduce quality. If the netting is weak or spaced too far apart, heavy rain can easily pull the underlying soil through the gaps. Also, blankets made from poor-quality straw might contain weed seeds, which defeats the purpose of controlled planting.
User Experience and Use Cases
Understanding how others use these blankets helps you choose the right type for your job.
Installation Ease:
Most blankets come in rolls, making them easy to unroll over an area. However, thicker, heavier coir blankets require more people and effort to handle than lighter straw blankets. Always check the weight of the roll.
Common Use Cases:
- Roadside Slopes: Straw or wood fiber blankets are often used here because grass grows back relatively quickly.
- Storm Water Channels: These areas have fast-moving water. They require heavy-duty coir or synthetic blankets to hold the soil during high flows.
- Construction Site Reclamation: When a site needs protection until final landscaping is done, durable synthetic blankets might be necessary.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Erosion Control Blankets
Q: What is the main difference between a blanket and a mat?
A: Generally, “blanket” refers to loose fiber materials like straw or wood, while “mat” often implies denser, more structured materials like coir or heavy synthetic rolls. Functionally, they both control erosion.
Q: Do I need to use staples or pins with the blanket?
A: Yes, almost always. You must anchor the blanket firmly to the soil using erosion control staples or wooden pegs to prevent the water from getting underneath and lifting the edges.
Q: How do I know which material is best for my slope angle?
A: Steeper slopes (greater than 2:1 ratio) need stronger materials like coir or synthetic options. Gentler slopes (3:1 or flatter) can usually use less expensive straw blankets.
Q: How long does a straw erosion control blanket usually last?
A: A standard straw blanket typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, depending on local weather and sunlight exposure.
Q: Can I use these blankets in dry, desert areas?
A: Yes, but you must choose a blanket with high UV resistance if using synthetics. For natural fibers, ensure they are installed just before the rainy season begins.
Q: Do erosion control blankets stop weeds from growing?
A: No. They protect the soil, but they do not stop existing weed seeds from sprouting. Some low-quality straw blankets might even introduce new weed seeds.
Q: What is the best way to secure the edges of the blanket?
A: You should overlap the edges slightly and use staples more densely along the seams—about every 2 feet—to ensure a tight seal against the ground.
Q: Are synthetic blankets safe for the environment?
A: They are safe because they do not break down into harmful substances. However, they remain on the landscape permanently, so they should only be used where vegetation will struggle to establish on its own.
Q: What is the “open area” of a blanket?
A: Open area refers to the percentage of the blanket that is empty space, allowing soil and water to interact. A lower open area means better immediate soil coverage.
Q: Should I cover the blanket with soil after installing it?
A: No. Erosion control blankets are designed to lie directly on top of the prepared soil surface. Covering them prevents them from working correctly and can smother new seedlings.