Erosion control blankets made from straw and coconut fibers offer a fast-acting solution for stabilizing soil, reducing runoff, and promoting seed germination in new landscapes. This guide highlights five top-performing straw-based blankets from Farm Plastic Supply and related options, with practical insights on their composition, application, and suitability for various projects. Each product section provides a quick overview and key features to help you choose a reliable roll for your soil protection needs.
Summary table of chosen products:
- Farm Plastic Supply 8′ x 112.5′ Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket
- Farm Plastic Supply 4′ x 112.5′ Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket
- Farm Plastic Supply 2′ x 112.5′ Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket
- Farm Plastic Supply – Erosion Control Blanket: Straw Garden and Landscape Cover (8′ x 112.5′)
- Riakrum 2 Pcs 48 Inch X 60ft Burlap Erosion Control Blanket (for comparison)
Farm Plastic Supply 8′ x 112.5′ Straw/Coconut Blanket
Composition and purpose: This blanket is 100% biodegradable, with a blend of 70% straw and 30% coconut fiber bonded by a biodegradable brown poly net. The net is designed to biodegrade after roughly 90 days, making it suitable for temporary erosion control in landscape projects. The product ships with a width of 7.5 feet for handling, and its straw-rich content helps retain moisture while providing a stable seedbed for vegetation establishment.
Key considerations: This roll targets temporary erosion control, ideal for slopes, channels, and disturbed soil areas where quick soil stabilization is needed. The biodegradability of both the material and the netting minimizes long-term residue, which can be advantageous in environmentally sensitive sites. Consider fiber blend and expected decay window when planning long-term vegetation strategies.
Farm Plastic Supply 4′ x 112.5′ Straw/Coconut Blanket
Composition and purpose: This blanket shares the same 100% biodegradable construction as the larger roll, consisting of 70% wheat straw and 30% coconut fiber, held together by a biodegradable brown poly net. The 4-foot width makes it a versatile option for mid-sized slopes, gullies, or patchwork projects where a lighter application is required. The net and fibers are designed to biodegrade after about 90 days, aligning with short-to-mid-term stabilization needs.
Key considerations: Suitable for residential and small commercial sites where a smaller footprint is preferred. The blend supports moisture retention and seed germination while minimizing non-biodegradable waste. When ordering, verify total coverage per roll and plan overlaps to ensure uniform protection across irregular terrain.
Farm Plastic Supply 2′ x 112.5′ Straw/Coconut Blanket
Composition and purpose: This is a compact option with the same 70/30 straw-to-coconut composition and biodegradable netting. The 2-foot width is ideal for narrow channels, planting beds, or edging where erosion protection is needed without large-scale coverage. Like the larger rolls, it biodegrades within a 90-day timeframe, enabling a clean transition to established ground cover or turf.
Key considerations: Best for tight spaces or precision applications. Ensure consistent overlap when butt-connecting multiple strips to avoid gaps. The smaller width can help teams fit edges and contours along slopes and terraced areas while maintaining soil moisture and seed contact.
Farm Plastic Supply Erosion Control Blanket (8′ x 112.5′)
Overview: This blanket is described as an erosion control product designed to prevent soil erosion from rainfall and stormwater, with moisture retention to aid seed germination and vegetation growth. The 8′ x 112.5′ size aligns with larger project needs and includes straw-based materials aimed at stabilization and slope protection. The blanket’s construction focuses on keeping soil moist, improving germination rates, and resisting wind and water erosion over the initial establishment period.
Key considerations: Ideal for larger landscape installations, slope stabilization, and seed protection zones. Review shipping dimensions and ensure proper anchoring to cope with wind uplift in exposed locations. The product emphasizes moisture retention and seed-friendly performance, which can contribute to faster vegetative cover establishment.
American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro — Green Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket
Composition and purpose: This blanket uses biodegradable excelsior netting designed to protect topsoil and support seed establishment. The product is noted for its seed-free and chemical-free composition, with a focus on safeguarding topsoil while promoting a viable seedbed. The 8′ x 112.5′ size makes it suitable for larger lawn and landscape projects that require robust erosion control alongside seed-friendly conditions.
Key considerations: The excelsior-based netting provides a different texture and performance profile compared to straw-based blankets. It can offer enhanced kickback resistance on steeper slopes and areas with strong erosion forces. Assess compatibility with your seed mix and soil type, and plan for installation that ensures the blanket lies flat to maximize contact with the soil.
Buying Guide
- Material composition: Straw/coconut blankets offer excellent moisture retention and seed protection, while burlap or excelsior nets may provide different stabilization dynamics. Choose based on slope, climate, and seed strategy.
- Biodegradability and duration: Most straw-based blankets biodegrade within about 90 days, which supports temporary stabilization but may require reapplication if vegetation establishment takes longer in the site’s conditions.
- Roll dimensions: Larger rolls cover more area per unit but may be harder to handle on tight sites. Smaller widths are ideal for edges, channels, and irregular terrain.
- Installation considerations: Ensure proper anchoring with pegs or staples, overlap seams for continuous coverage, and verify soil moisture at application to maximize mat adhesion and germination.
- Environmental fit: Consider local rainfall, wind exposure, and sun intensity. Straw-based blankets generally perform well in a range of conditions, with coconut fiber adding improved resilience in some projects.
- Long-term goals: If you expect the area to become a lawn or meadow over time, plan for reseeding or overseeding post-erosion control and evaluate whether a longer-lasting alternative is preferable for your site.
- Safety and local regulations: Check for any site-specific requirements or restrictions on biodegradable netting and soil stabilization products in your area before installation.
In summary, the selected straw-based erosion control blankets from Farm Plastic Supply offer scalable options for residential and commercial projects, from small garden channels to larger slopes. When comparing products, prioritize biodegradation timelines, fiber composition, and roll width to match site requirements and vegetation goals. The included alternatives provide a broader view of erosion-control strategies, including burlap and excelsior netting, which can complement straw-based rolls in mixed-use landscapes.