Straw-Coconut Erosion Control - Biodegradable

FAQs about Straw Coconut Erosion Control Blankets

• What are erosion control mats?

  Erosion control mats are rolls of natural fiber, like straw or coconut, sewn between layers of netting. You roll them out over bare soil to stop wind and rain from carrying it away. They also hold seeds and moisture in place so grass and other plants can grow. Browse the full erosion control collection here.

• Do erosion control blankets work?

  Yes, when installed correctly they work well. The blanket softens the impact of rainfall, slows water moving across the surface, and traps seeds against the soil. This gives vegetation a real shot at taking root. Most projects see strong grass cover within one full growing season.

• What is the best erosion control blanket?

  The best blanket depends on your slope and how long you need protection. Here is a quick guide:

  • Straw erosion blanket: short term jobs, gentler slopes, lower cost
  • Straw and coconut blankets: moderate slopes up to 2:1, medium-flow channels, about two years of coverage
  • Coir erosion control blanket: steeper slopes and longer projects

  For most yards, driveways, and roadside slopes, the straw and coconut blend hits the right balance of price and performance.

• How long does an erosion blanket last and when does it break down?

  This is one of our longer-lasting erosion control products, designed for up to about 24 months of functional longevity. The straw breaks down faster, acting like a mulching layer that feeds the soil. The coconut fiber holds on longer, giving the netting time to support new grass.

  After the netting photodegrades, what is left turns into organic matter that enriches the ground. By then, your vegetation should be strong enough to handle erosion on its own.

• What size area does one roll cover?

  Each roll measures 8 feet by 113 feet, which works out to about 100 square yards or 900 square feet of coverage per the project specifications. That is enough for a small backyard slope or a section of drainage channel.

  For bigger jobs, plan to order multiple rolls and overlap the edges by 4 to 6 inches. To find the right number of rolls, measure the length and width of your site, then divide by 900 square feet. Contact us if you need assistance.

• What are the disadvantages of using an erosion control blanket?

  Erosion control blankets are not a fix-all. A few things to keep in mind:

  • They do not replace proper grading or drainage planning
  • You need staples or stakes to anchor them properly
  • Wildlife can sometimes get caught in plastic netting, so photodegradable or biodegradable options are safer

  This product uses photodegradable netting, which breaks down with sun exposure to lower that risk.

• Will grass grow through erosion control blankets?

  Yes, that is part of the point. Seeds go down first, then the blanket goes over them. Sunlight, water, and air still reach the soil through the open weave of the blanket. New shoots push right through and root underneath. If you need help picking the right seed, our guide to the best grass seed for Colorado is a good place to start, and you can also pair the blanket with hydro seeding for faster coverage.

• How do you install a straw coconut erosion control blanket?

  Installation is simple if you take it step by step:

  1. Prep the site. Clear debris, smooth the soil, and spread your seed.
  2. Trench the top. Dig a 6-inch trench at the top of the slope to anchor the leading edge.
  3. Roll downhill. Lay the blanket in the direction water flows, not across it.
  4. Overlap the edges. Side seams overlap 4 to 6 inches in a shingle pattern.
  5. Stake it down. Use staples or stakes at the corners, seams, and middle of each roll.

  For perimeter sediment control on bigger jobs, a straw wattle works well alongside the blanket.

• How do I get this delivered or picked up?

  You have a few options. Online orders ship through FedEx or USPS, with rates calculated at checkout. Contractors buying by the pallet can ask about local truck delivery across the Western Slope.

  Visit our store at 3961 County Road 114, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. For quotes, address changes, or pickup questions, reach out through our shipping information page or contact us directly.