Erosion control is essential for protecting soil, landscapes, and construction sites. Straw rolls and blankets offer fast, natural protection against water and wind erosion while supporting seed germination and vegetation. This guide highlights five top-rated straw-based erosion control products and related alternatives, with practical pros, typical uses, and key considerations to help you choose. Each product is selected for availability, material composition, and performance in American landscapes.
| Product | Brand | Key Material | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket (8′ x 112.5′) | Farm Plastic Supply | 70% straw, 30% coconut fiber | Temporary rolled erosion control for landscape projects |
| Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket (2′ x 112.5′) | Farm Plastic Supply | 70% straw, 30% coconut fiber | Small-scale erosion control blanket for tight spaces |
| Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Blanket (5′ x 112.5′) | Farm Plastic Supply | 70% straw, 30% coconut fiber | Medium-range erosion control blanket |
| Farm Plastic Supply American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro (4′ x 112.5′) | Farm Plastic Supply | Excelsior netting with biodegradable aspects | Grass-friendly erosion control blanket |
| Riakrum Erosion Control Burlap Netting (48″ x 60 ft, 2 rolls) | Riakrum | Burlap netting | Long, wide rolls for large areas |
Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket – 8′ x 112.5′
The 8′ x 112.5′ straw/coconut erosion control blanket combines 70% agricultural wheat straw with 30% coconut fiber inside a biodegradable brown poly net. The net and materials are designed to biodegrade after about 90 days, enabling temporary protection while vegetation establishes. This blanket is suitable for larger landscape or construction projects seeking quick ground cover and erosion mitigation.
Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Blanket – 2′ x 112.5′
This smaller blanket mirrors the same 70/30 composition and biodegradability concept as the larger version, offering a compact solution for tighter spaces or spot-erosion projects. The 2-foot width makes handling easier for precision applications along slopes, near walkways, or around plant beds that require targeted protection.
Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Blanket – 5′ x 112.5′
With the same 70/30 straw-to-coconut mix, this 5-foot-wide blanket provides a versatile mid-range option for landscape slopes, garden beds, and construction sites. The 90-day biodegradability of the net and materials supports temporary stabilization with minimal long-term residue, appealing to projects prioritizing natural processes and rapid vegetation establishment.
Farm Plastic Supply American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro – 4′ x 112.5′
QuickGrass Pro uses excelsior netting over a biodegradable matrix to safeguard topsoil, promote seed germination, and support vegetation. This blanket’s netting helps capture soil and moisture, creating a stable seedbed. Its versatility makes it suitable for residential lawns, commercial sites, and road projects seeking reliable erosion control with a natural fiber base.
American Excelsior QuickGRASS Pro – 4’x50′
QuickGRASS Pro features biodegradable jute netting and seed-friendly composition. It is designed to cling to soil, reduce erosion on slopes, and support seedling establishment. The USA-made heritage since 1888 reflects a long-standing focus on durable erosion control solutions for varied landscapes and construction settings.
Riakrum Burlap Netting Erosion Control Blanket – 48″ x 60 ft (2 rolls)
Riakrum offers burlap netting rolls with a broad footprint, ideal for beach, riverbank, and hillside stabilization. The pair of 48″ x 60 ft rolls provide extended coverage and straightforward installation. Burlap-based systems help slow runoff, trap sediment, and support long-term stabilization in varied soil conditions.
American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro Erosion Control Blanket – 2-1/2′ x 50′
This smaller variant preserves the QuickGrass Pro concept with sturdy biodegradables and seed-friendly properties. It’s well-suited for compact slopes, residential soil protection, and retrofit projects where a lighter, more maneuverable blanket is beneficial.
Buying Guide
- Material balance: Look for blends like straw with coconut fiber or excelsior netting. These combinations balance erosion control, seed retention, and biodegradability for temporary use.
- Biodegradability timeline: Consider how quickly the netting and base materials break down. Shorter timelines suit rapid vegetation establishment; longer timelines may be better for extended cover in harsher sites.
- Project size and slope: For large areas, wider blankets with longer rolls reduce seams and installation time. Narrow options fit around beds and along pathways.
- Soil and climate compatibility: Straw-based blankets work well in loamy soils with adequate moisture. In very wet or windy climates, consider blends and netting designed to resist uplift and drying out.
- Installation method: Evaluate ease of unrolling, staking, and securing in windy conditions. Some products include biodegradable netting that aids anchoring without heavy hardware.
- Seed compatibility: If vegetation establishment is a goal, check that the blanket supports seeding and moisture retention, enhancing germination rates.
- Reusability and disposal: Reusable wattles offer longer-term use but require removal in some projects. Biodegradable options simplify disposal after establishment.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure the selected product complies with local erosion control regulations and environmental standards for your area.
- Cost vs. performance: Weigh upfront material costs against expected lifespan, soil protection, and seed establishment outcomes to determine value over the project duration.
In summary, straw- and burlap-based erosion control products provide natural, effective means to stabilize soil, conserve moisture, and promote vegetation. When selecting a product, balance material composition, project scale, and environmental conditions to maximize performance and minimize long-term impact. The options above cover a range of sizes, materials, and application contexts to help contractors, landscapers, and homeowners make informed choices.