There are a wide variety of substances that can be used as an erosion control blanket. Most of the current erosion blankets come in roll form. In days gone by most landscapers and contractors applied loose straw to a hill side along with grass seed. The modern applications provide a firm foundation to not only prevent erosion from occurring but invite plant life to flourish.

The modern roll type of erosion control blanket is almost exclusively biodegradable. The length of time necessary for the degrading of the material depends on which type is used. The steeper the slope, the longer the blanket is made to last. Most will degrade from 12 months up to three years from first application and exposure to the elements. The materials come from Mother Nature herself. The right material to use would depend on the amount or angle of the slope that is to be covered.

For an area to be covered with the a slope of 3:1 or less, there are erosion control blankets made out of single layered stray netting that will last up to 12 months. A double-netted blanket consisting of straw can handle a slope of 2:1 which protects the slope for up to 24 months. A blanket that has a little more firmness is one that is made of a combination of straw and coconut fiber. The percentage of the mixture will determine the firmness.

For those that need coverage on a steep 1:1 slope, 100 percent coconut is the best biodegradable material that is natural. This is held together with a double-netted blanket that is also biodegradable. This type of cover will be in place for up to three years.

If a longer period of coverage is needed, there is manmade biodegradable netting available. This is made of a biodegradable poly fiber that can provide protection and stability for over three years.

The right erosion control blanket for your purposes would depend on the slope and conditions of the soil.

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