Erosion Control


Erosion Control Matting

Erosion Control Matting in Use

Erosion control matting is generally made using organic materials such as jute, wood, coir (coconut husk), straw or a combination of these fibres. Sometimes a synthetic mesh or strand will be used to hold the matting together.

The aim of this matting is to reduce the effect of erosion and to assist in the establishment of the permanent vegetation. Different types of matting have varying uses and features, but all have similar benefits.



Benefits of matting

Installing Erosion Control Matting

Two categories of erosion control matting

  1. Vegetation Suppression Matting
  2. Vegetation Enhancement Matting

1 - Vegetation Suppression Matting

This type of matting is dense and consequently restricts light penetration. As a result, vegetation suppression matting inhibits weed growth whilst the permanent vegetation establishes.

Care should be taken when selecting which matting to use as some types of matting degrades too quickly. All matting is designed to breakdown, however, it is vital that the matting chosen stays viable long enough for the planted vegetation to mature, and become self mulching.

Vegetation Suppression Matting Diagram
  1. New plants
  2. Photodegrable polypropylene membrane with percolation holes still providing full weed control
  3. Soil moisture retained
  4. Attached 7mm natural-fibre matrix (coir-fibres) permits solar heating of soil and subsequent heat-retention for maximum growth rates
  5. Plant insertion by flap method
  6. Plant insertion by edge method
  7. Protected soil


ESI offers the following Vegetation Suppressant Mattings:

A - Greenfix Biomulch Blanket. Type 9J

Weight 750gsm
Roll Size 1.2m x 30m
2.4m x 30m
Materials 100% Coir Fibres
Top-Biodegradable Mesh
Bottom-Photodegradable Twin Slit Foil

B - Jutemaster TM

Weight 620gsm
Roll Size 1.83m x 30m
4m x 30m
Materials 100% Jute Fibres
Felted onto a Hessian Backing

2 - Vegetation Engacement Matting

This is a lighter matting which is usually installed over a seeded area to protect the seed and the soil whilst the vegetation establishes.

The matting is generally biodegradable, although some synthetic blankets are now available. The use of synthetic products should be closely monitored as many have polymer meshes that may entrap native fauna.

Correct specification and installation are vital to the success of these products. The surface of the area to be protected must be prepared, and correct seeding procedures should be followed.

Vegetation Engacement Matting Diagram
  1. Established grass sward
  2. GREENFIX-Eromat
  3. Protected soil
  4. Natural fibre matrix
  5. Sandwiching polypropylene netting or jute-meshes
  6. Vulnerable soil


ESI offers the following Vegetation Enhancement Mattings:

A - AGL101

Weight 750gsm
Roll Size 2.2m x 30m
2.4m x 42m
Materials 100% Coir Fibres
Top-Biodegradable Jute Mesh
Bottom-Fine PP Mesh

B - Jutemaster FM

Weight 620gsm
Roll Size 1.83m x 30m
4m x 30m
Materials 100% Jute Fibres
Felted onto a Hessian Backing