Stem erosion and soil loss are common challenges in landscaping, construction, and slope stabilization. Straw-based erosion control blankets, wattles, and coir mats offer temporary yet effective protection while vegetation establishes. This guide highlights five reliable straw- and coconut-fiber erosion control products that perform well on American sites, with a focus on biodegradability, durability, and ease of use. Each option blends natural materials with sturdy nets or fibers to reduce runoff, trap sediment, and support ground cover in diverse conditions.
| Product | Size | Material Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Plastic Supply 100% Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket | 8′ x 112.5′ | Wheat straw + coconut fiber | Temporary erosion control on slopes |
| Farm Plastic Supply – 5′ x 112.5′ | 5′ x 112.5′ | Wheat straw + coconut fiber | Smaller projects and garden beds |
| Farm Plastic Supply 2′ x 112.5′ | 2′ x 112.5′ | Wheat straw + coconut fiber | Compact or narrow channels |
| Farm Plastic Supply Straw Wattle (9″ x 12′) | 9″ x 12′ | Straw wattle with durable matrix | Slope stabilization and perimeter controls |
| Greenscapes 4′ x 100′ Straw Blanket | 4′ x 100′ | Straw blanket | Garden beds and hillside slopes |
Farm Plastic Supply 100% Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket — 8′ x 112.5′
This blanket combines 70% straw with 30% coconut fiber, bound in a biodegradable brown poly net. The material is 100% biodegradable, designed to degrade after about 90 days. It is sized at 8′ by 112.5′ for larger projects, offering temporary yet robust erosion control as vegetation becomes established.
Key features include: 100% biodegradable materials, a mix of agricultural wheat straw and coconut fibers, and a netting that biodegrades. This product provides effective surface protection and sediment capture on moderate-to-steep slopes while supporting seed germination and soil stabilization.
Farm Plastic Supply — 100% Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket — 5′ x 112.5′
This smaller variant retains the same 70% straw and 30% coconut fiber composition with biodegradable netting. The 5′ width makes it suitable for garden borders, small slopes, and terrace areas where quick installation and removal are advantageous. Its biodegradable components ease cleanup once vegetation is established.
Highlights include consistent biodegradability, a durable mix of straw and coconut fibers, and a loose-structured net that supports soil retention and early-stage plant growth without leaving persistent residues.
Farm Plastic Supply 100% Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket — 2′ x 112.5′
A compact option in the same biodegradable straw-coconut fiber blend, sized 2′ by 112.5′. Its narrow width makes it ideal for linear channels, drainage swales, or along long, slender slopes where wider blankets are impractical.
Pros include biodegradability, ease of handling in tight spaces, and consistent performance in temporary erosion control. It supports sediment capture and seed establishment during early vegetative growth.
Farm Plastic Supply Straw Wattle — 9″ x 12′
Straw wattles provide multi-year erosion suppression, with an estimated 2 years of direct erosion prevention and 4–6 years of use. These wattles help decelerate runoff, trap sediment, and filter water before it reaches storm drains. They are reusable across multiple sites and suitable for slope stabilization and perimeter control on lots or construction sites.
With a robust straw core and protective outer layers, this option offers reliable performance on longer slopes and in settings where reapplication of blankets is less convenient.
Farm Plastic Supply Straw Wattle — 9″ x 8′
This straw wattle variant mirrors the longer 9″ x 12″ model with similar erosion control longevity and reuse potential. It offers flexibility for tighter spaces and shorter stretches where slope stabilization or perimeter control is required.
Key considerations include reusability, duration of effectiveness, and compatibility with other erosion control methods on complex sites.
Sandbaggy Coir Mat — Erosion Control For Slopes And Riverbanks
Made from dense coconut coir fibers, this mat lasts 2–5 years and covers extensive areas—6.5′ by 165′ (over 1,000 square feet). It outperforms traditional straw blankets in durability while supporting vegetation growth and slope recovery. It is ideal for riverbanks, oceanfronts, and hillside stabilization projects requiring long-term cover.
Its expansive coverage and enhanced durability make it a strong option for large restoration tasks, where long-term soil retention and habitat restoration are priorities.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing straw- or coir-based erosion control products, consider project timeline, slope steepness, soil type, and maintenance needs. Biodegradable blankets are excellent for short-term stabilization and seed establishment, while coir mats and wattles offer longer-term performance in high-flow or high-sediment areas. Durability, versatility, and ease of installation also influence total project cost and labor.
- Material composition: Wheat straw, coconut fiber, and coir offer varying degradation rates and sediment filtration capabilities. Biodegradable nets influence soil interaction and breakdown timelines.
- Project duration: Short-term projects may benefit from faster-degrading blankets; long-term sites may require reusable wattles or durable coir mats.
- Site conditions: Slopes, channel flow, perimeters, and vegetative establishment areas each respond differently to blanket or wattle products. Consider wind exposure, precipitation, and runoff volumes.
- Installation and maintenance: Some products are easier to install in narrow spaces; others demand more staking or mulching. Reusability is a factor for long-term projects.
- Environmental impact: Choose products with biodegradable components when cleanup post-vegetation establishment is a priority; for permanent stabilization, consider longer-lasting options.
For comprehensive site planning, balance product durability with ecosystem benefits. Pair blankets and wattles with compatible seed mixes, mulch, or erosion-control fabrics to optimize vegetation recovery and soil health over time.