Jute matting is an organic and eco-friendly geotextile used to protect young trees and shrubs by reducing thriving weeds. This erosion control fabric is also designed to stabilise topsoil and regulate the volume of stormwater (or water runoffs) which potentially damages plants.

Jute matting encourages plant growth on poor slopes as it improves water absorption and protects topsoil.

Before starting the installation, make sure that you have all the right equipment at hand. All which can be found online at www.allstakesupply.com.au.

You will need:

• Shovel or trowel – this serves as a trench digger.
• BioPin and Applicator. Biodegradable alternative.

- 100mm
- 150mm
OR

• U-shaped pins- to securely fasten the mat to the ground. Sizes of the pin vary depending on the slope.

- 300mm- for loose and sandy soil

- 200mm- for undulating slopes

- 150mm- for flat surfaces

• A rubber mallet- to drive the pins to the ground
• Tackler Gun- this is optional. A tackler gun is equipped with a set of pins fixed in a cartridge. This is especially useful for wider areas to make the job a lot quicker and easier.

Step 1 – REMOVE IMPEDIMENTS & LEVEL THE GROUND

For site preparation, take out objects such as stones, weeds or scraps levelling the ground according to the slope grade you want.

You may need to supplement soil treatments on the surface by distributing fertiliser or soil conditioners depending on the finish you want to achieve.

Step 2 – EXCAVATE AND PIN

Dig a trench with a recommended depth of 8 inches and a width of 6 inches at the top of the area you have seeded. After you do this, insert the top edge of the matting into the trench and pin the fabric into the ground using a rubber mallet. Backfill the trench.

Step 3 – UNROLL JUTE MATTING AND BACKFILL

Carefully unroll the jute matting down the slope. Make sure that the top end of the mat is compacted on the trench by backfilling the area you have dug. This will help the erosion control product to be securely held. (See Step 2)

The jute matting should be pinned using 3 U-shaped pins to be placed on the right end, centre, and left the end of the fabric. It is recommended that you use 3 pins per square meter to ensure that the fabric remains fully intact to the ground.

Step 5 – OVERLAP BETWEEN GEOTEXTILES

When laying the next roll, you have to overlap the ends of the mat across the preceding mat by at least 100mm and pin it into place. Continue doing this on the next rolls.

After the overlapping mats were successfully fastened altogether, spray the jute matting with water and it will conform to the land surface to make the planting much easier.

Step 6 – USE TERRAFORM FOR PLANT GROWTH

You can purchase both Slitted and Non-Slitted Jute Mattings. Non Slitted jute requires you to cut any slits for planting using scissors or a suitable cutter.

Dig a hole through the cut fabric, and pour a teaspoon of Terraform Plant Establisher into the hole. This mixture will facilitate the development of the plant while it grows.

Step 7 – THE FINAL TOUCH

Place the plant in the mixture-filled hole.

All Stake Supply also offers a variety of geotextiles such as Advanced Jute Matting which are pre-slit and less flammable. Check out our range of jute matting products, erosion control products, and a wide selection of landscaping supplies at www.allstakesupply.com.au.