Best Ground Cover to Stop Erosion on Slopes and Landscapes
The best ground cover to stop erosion depends on the site: straw and excelsior blankets protect seeded soil, jute mesh offers a natural biodegradable cover, and a gravel grid stabilizes areas designed for gravel. The Farm Plastic Supply straw blanket is best for broad coverage, DeWitt excelsior for disturbed slopes and drainage areas, and the two jute options for natural-fiber protection. The gravel grid is better for driveways, walkways, or other gravel-covered ground than for planting beds.
| Product | Best suited for | Material or format |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Plastic Supply Erosion Control Blanket | Large seeded areas | Stitch-bonded wheat straw |
| DeWitt Excelsior Blanket | Slopes and drainage areas | Aspen wood fiber with single net |
| AK TRADING CO. Jute Mesh | Natural, biodegradable soil coverage | Jute fabric |
| SJPULMO Gravel Grid | Gravel driveways and paths | Two-inch-deep PE geogrid |
| GliCraft Jute Blanket | Smaller garden and slope projects | Jute mesh netting |
Farm Plastic Supply Straw Erosion Control Blanket
Best for: Homeowners and landscapers covering a long stretch of newly seeded ground. This blanket is made from agricultural wheat and mechanically stitch-bonded. Its straw layer helps reduce soil movement from rainfall impact and sheet flow while retaining moisture that supports seed germination and vegetation growth.
The listed product name gives dimensions of 8 by 112.5 feet, while the features state that dimensions may be 7.5 by 112.5 feet depending on shipping. Confirm the delivered roll size before planning coverage. Choose this if you want a straw blanket that combines soil protection with moisture retention; avoid assuming the exact width without checking.
DeWitt Single Net Excelsior Erosion Control Blanket
Best for: Disturbed slopes, embankments, ditch bottoms, and roadside drainage areas. The blanket uses naturally curled aspen wood fibers distributed through the material, with a photodegradable top net that holds the fibers in place during installation. It provides temporary soil stabilization while vegetation develops.
Its 4-by-112.5-foot roll is a better fit for longer, narrower areas than for small patches. Choose it if you need a wood-fiber blanket for a slope or drainage setting. The listed construction has a single net, so it may not suit buyers seeking a double-net product.
AK TRADING CO. Jute Soil Saver Mesh
Best for: Gardeners and property owners who want natural-fiber coverage across a moderate area. This jute fabric measures 48 inches wide by 20 yards long and is listed as covering about 240 square feet. Its mesh helps shield soil from wind and water, limit sediment movement, and integrate with the soil as it biodegrades.
Choose this if biodegradable jute and broad coverage are priorities. Because it is mesh fabric rather than a straw or wood-fiber blanket, consider how the open structure fits the site and installation plan. Its listed coverage is approximate, so allow for overlap and the shape of the area.
SJPULMO Gravel Grid With Metal Stakes
Best for: Buyers controlling movement in gravel on a driveway, parking area, slope, patio, or walkway. The kit includes two 6.6-by-8.2-foot grids for 6.6 by 16.4 feet of total listed coverage. Its two-inch-deep cells are made from high-density polyethylene, with metal stakes, staples, and connectors supplied for installation.
This is a better choice for gravel stabilization than for covering bare soil intended for seed or groundcover plants. Choose it when the finished surface will use gravel. It does not provide the same planting and moisture-retention function as straw, excelsior, or jute blankets.
GliCraft Jute Erosion Control Blanket
Best for: Home gardeners or landscaping crews handling smaller beds, slopes, or restoration patches. This jute mesh measures about 40 inches wide by 15 feet long, with approximately 50 square feet of coverage. The product information describes it as naturally decomposable and suitable for slope stabilization, flower beds, roadside restoration, lawn renovation, and seedling protection.
Choose this if you need a compact jute roll for a defined area. Its listed coverage is substantially smaller than the AK TRADING CO. roll, so it may require multiple rolls for a large project. The product is mesh netting, not a solid barrier.
Buying Guide: Choosing Ground Cover For Erosion Control
Which material suits the area?
Straw and excelsior blankets are options for exposed soil where seed establishment is part of the plan. Jute mesh is a natural-fiber choice for covering soil and reducing erosion. A gravel grid serves a different purpose: it helps stabilize gravel in a finished surface rather than acting as a planting blanket.
How much coverage do you need?
Measure the area, including its length and width, and account for seams, overlaps, slopes, and irregular edges. Compare the stated coverage with the shape of the site. The Farm Plastic Supply listing gives two possible widths, so confirm its roll dimensions before estimating how many rolls to buy.
Is the site steep or exposed to runoff?
For slopes, embankments, or drainage areas, compare products specifically described for those conditions. The DeWitt blanket is listed for slopes, ditch bottoms, embankments, and roadside drainage. The Farm Plastic Supply blanket is described as helping reduce rainfall impact and stormwater sheet flow. Follow the product’s installation guidance for the particular site.
Do you want temporary cover or gravel stabilization?
Choose a fiber blanket or mesh when the goal is to protect soil as vegetation develops. Choose a gravel grid when the finished surface will contain gravel and needs cell-based stabilization. These products are not interchangeable: the grid is not described as a seed-protection blanket, and the blankets are not gravel containment systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ground cover to stop erosion on a slope?
A straw, excelsior, or jute erosion-control product may suit a slope, depending on the surface and planting plan. The DeWitt excelsior blanket is specifically listed for slopes and embankments.
Does an erosion control blanket help grass seed grow?
The Farm Plastic Supply straw blanket is described as retaining moisture to support seed germination and vegetation growth. Check the selected product’s features and installation directions for seed-related use.
Is jute erosion-control fabric biodegradable?
The two jute products are described as natural or biodegradable. The AK TRADING CO. listing says the fabric decomposes without leaving harmful residues.
Can I use a gravel grid instead of an erosion blanket?
Use a gravel grid for gravel-covered areas such as driveways and walkways. For bare soil that will be seeded or planted, compare erosion blankets or mesh instead.
How do I estimate the amount of erosion-control cover?
Measure the area and compare it with each roll’s stated dimensions or coverage. Add allowance for overlap and irregular shapes, and verify dimensions when a listing gives more than one measurement.