Erosion Control Blankets

Erosion control blankets (ECBs) are rolled mats that stabilize soil, protect seed, and manage runoff on slopes, drainage channels, and disturbed ground. By reducing raindrop impact and slowing surface flow, they keep topsoil, mulch, and seed in place so vegetation can establish quickly and evenly.

Common materials include straw for short-term projects, straw/coconut blends for moderate durations, and 100% coconut (coir) for longer service life and higher shear stress sites. You will also find excelsior wood fiber, jute netting, and products with photodegradable or UV-stabilized netting. Options range from single-net to double-net and stitch-bonded designs to match site conditions and compliance requirements.

Typical applications span construction sites, roadside embankments, culvert outfalls, detention basin slopes, drainage swales, shorelines, wildfire rehab, and residential landscaping. Selecting the right blanket depends on slope steepness, expected flow velocity, project duration, soil type, and climate. As a rule, heavier-weight coir blankets handle higher shear and last 24–36 months; straw blankets usually perform for 6–12 months. For permanent high-flow channels, consider a turf reinforcement mat instead.

Roll sizes commonly include 4 ft x 112.5 ft and 8 ft x 112.5 ft. Pair blankets with sod staples, pins, or biodegradable stakes. For proper installation, grade and firm the seedbed, apply seed and amendments, trench the upslope edge 6–12 inches, anchor the trench, and staple on a 2–3 ft grid. Overlap 4–6 inches, shingle-lap in the flow direction, and create check slots in channels. Inspect after storms, re-staple loose sections, patch damage, and water as needed to support germination.

Erosion control blankets help projects meet stormwater and sediment control goals, reduce turbidity, and protect adjacent waterways. They save money by preventing rework and fines while accelerating vegetation establishment. Explore straw blankets, coir mats, jute, and high-performance ECBs to match your site’s demands and schedule requirements, budgets, and site logistics.