Jute matting is a biodegradable geotextile made from natural plant fibres. It protects exposed soil from erosion, suppresses weeds around young trees and shrubs, and stabilises topsoil on slopes. Because jute breaks down over time, it enriches the soil while your vegetation establishes itself.
This guide covers the full installation process, from site preparation through to pinning, overlapping, and post-install maintenance.
The weight and style you need depends on site conditions and how long the matting must last before vegetation takes over.
For gentle slopes (3:1 or flatter) and flat areas, a 620gsm jute roll provides reliable coverage and biodegrades naturally over 12 to 24 months. For steeper slopes, the heavier 750gsm option offers greater durability and extended protection.
If your project involves planting tube stock through the matting, a pre-slitted 620gsm roll or pre-slitted 750gsm roll saves time because the planting openings are already cut at regular intervals.
Consider these factors when selecting your matting:
Gather all equipment before starting. Having the right tools on hand reduces the risk of leaving sections unsecured overnight.
You will need:
Good site preparation is the single biggest factor in a successful installation. Skip this step and the matting will lift, air pockets will form, and erosion will continue underneath.
Remove all rocks, weeds, stumps, and loose debris. Level the ground according to the slope grade you need. Rake the surface smooth so the matting sits flush against the soil with no gaps.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment recommends loosening the top 50 to 75mm of soil before laying erosion control matting, as this improves root penetration once seeds germinate.
For areas where you are establishing vegetation from seed, broadcast your seed mix onto the prepared soil before laying any matting. The jute will protect seeds from washout while allowing water and light through for germination.
Step 1: Excavate and anchor the top edge
Dig a trench at the top of the slope, 200mm deep and 150mm wide, across the full width of the area. Place the leading edge of the matting into the trench and pin it using 150mm U-pins spaced every 300mm. Backfill and compact.
Step 2: Unroll and position the matting
Unroll the jute matting down the slope, keeping it in full contact with the soil surface. Do not stretch the matting tight. Allow it to conform naturally to the ground contours.
Step 3: Secure with pins
Pin at three points across the width: left edge, centre, and right edge. Use a minimum of three U-shaped pins per square metre.
Drive pins at a slight angle pointing upslope for better holding power. On steeper slopes or windy sites, increase to four or five pins per square metre.
Step 4: Overlap adjoining rolls
Overlap the edges of adjoining rolls by at least 150mm and pin through both layers. On slopes, always overlap in the downslope direction (like roof tiles) so water sheds over the join rather than under it.
Step 5: Anchor the bottom edge
At the toe of the slope, dig a second anchor trench (300mm deep x 150mm wide). Tuck the bottom edge of the matting in, pin every 300mm, then backfill and compact. This bottom anchor stops the matting from peeling up in heavy rain.
Step 6: Settle the matting
Spray the installed matting thoroughly with water. The jute will soften and conform tightly to the soil surface, closing any remaining gaps.
For tube stock or seedlings, a pre-slitted jute roll saves time because the openings are already cut. For non-slitted matting, cut an X-shaped slit at each planting point using scissors or a utility knife.
Dig through the slit to the appropriate depth, position the root ball at the correct level, backfill, and firm gently. Water each plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
These errors lead to callbacks and rework on jute matting projects:
Jute matting requires minimal maintenance once installed correctly. Inspect the site within the first week, then after each significant rainfall event during the first two months.
Standard 620gsm jute begins to break down after six to twelve months. Complete decomposition typically occurs within 12 to 24 months. The heavier 750gsm matting lasts longer, particularly in drier climates.
According to the International Erosion Control Association (Australasia), jute and coir erosion blankets are among the most widely specified biodegradable erosion control products for revegetation projects across Australia.
Monitor these aspects during establishment:
Jute matting suits most revegetation and erosion control projects, but some sites need a different product.
For longer-lasting erosion control where vegetation may take more than two years to establish, 400gsm coir matting provides a lifespan of three to five years while remaining fully biodegradable. Coir is particularly effective on steeper slopes and along waterways where jute would break down too quickly.
All Stake Supply stocks a full range of erosion control products and landscaping supplies. Family-owned since 1976, with 1,000+ products in stock at the St Marys NSW warehouse and guaranteed complete delivery Australia-wide. Contact the team for trade pricing and bulk orders.
Use a minimum of three U-shaped pins per square metre on gentle slopes. For steeper slopes (steeper than 3:1), sandy soils, or windy sites, increase to four or five pins per square metre.
Yes. Jute matting works on slopes up to about 2:1 gradient. Use heavier 750gsm matting, increase pin density, and always install a bottom anchor trench. For very steep or high-flow areas, consider coir matting instead.
Standard 620gsm jute biodegrades within 12 to 24 months. The heavier 750gsm option lasts longer. By the time it has fully decomposed, vegetation should be established enough to hold the soil.
Broadcast seed onto prepared soil before laying the matting. The jute protects seeds from washout and bird predation while allowing water and light through for germination.
Jute biodegrades in 12 to 24 months. Coir is made from coconut husk fibres and lasts 3 to 5 years. Choose jute for quick-establishing vegetation and coir for steeper slopes or longer establishment periods. Read the full comparison in our guide to jute matting vs coir matting.
No. Jute is fully biodegradable and does not need removal. The fibres break down naturally, adding organic matter to the soil. If you used BioPin fastening pins, those will also biodegrade completely.
