Erosion control is one of the most important things you need to manage when working on land restoration projects. Soil erosion can present itself in different ways, from sheet erosion on exposed slopes to channel scouring along waterways.
No single erosion control product fixes every situation. Choosing the right landscaping supplies for your project depends on your site conditions, slope gradient, vegetation goals and budget.
Before selecting an erosion control product, assess what type of erosion problem you are dealing with. Different scenarios require different approaches.
Consider these key factors when evaluating your site:
Understanding these elements will help you narrow down which erosion control products and supplies will work best for your specific project. Each solution has different strengths suited to particular conditions.
An erosion control mat is a rolled fabric sheet, usually made from natural fibres such as coir or jute, that is pegged over exposed soil to hold it in place while vegetation establishes. These mats are also referred to as anti-erosion mats or soil stabilisation matting, and they are among the most widely used products on slopes, embankments and revegetation sites across Australia.
Erosion control mats work in three ways:
The two main natural-fibre options are coir matting (coconut fibre) and jute matting. Which one you choose depends on how long you need protection and how steep the site is. Both are 100% biodegradable and break down into the soil once vegetation takes over.
If you need to prevent soil erosion on sloped land, coir matting is one of the most effective erosion control mat options available. The matting is a woven sheet of completely biodegradable coconut fibre.
Coir matting provides additional strength to the soil to prevent further erosion, while also encouraging and supporting the growth of new plant life. Coir matting is biodegradable, yet it is a long-lasting solution because coconut fibres resist decomposition far longer than other natural materials.
When installed correctly, coir matting provides three to five years of protection according to the International Erosion Control Association, giving vegetation enough time to fully establish root systems that take over the stabilisation role permanently. For moderate slope applications, 400gsm coir matting offers excellent coverage at 50 square metres per roll, making it ideal for residential and light commercial projects.
Coir matting benefits include:
For steeper slopes or areas with high water flow, you will need a heavier grade product. The 900gsm coir matting roll provides more than double the fibre density, making it the right choice for challenging terrain where standard matting will not hold up.
Coir logs are cylindrical erosion control products made from densely packed coconut fibre wrapped in coir netting. They are particularly effective for waterway protection and channel stabilisation.
These logs work by slowing water flow, trapping sediment and creating stable surfaces for vegetation to establish. They are commonly used along creek banks, drainage channels and the base of slopes. If you are working on an erosion control project in the Sydney region, local councils often specify coir logs in their erosion and sediment control plans.
Coir logs are available in different diameters depending on the size of the area you need to protect:
For standard drainage channel work, a 200mm coir log provides the right balance of size and manageability for most revegetation and bank stabilisation projects. All logs come in 3-metre lengths that can be staked into position and joined end-to-end for longer runs.
Installation typically involves excavating a shallow trench, placing the log and securing it with wooden or steel stakes driven through the centre. Multiple logs can be stacked for additional height and protection in areas with severe erosion.
Similar to coir matting, jute matting is made from a completely natural fabric designed to suppress weeds and control erosion. Because the matting is porous, water and air still pass through to the soil beneath.
Jute supports the growth of new plants while restricting weed germination. Jute matting is also used on sand dunes for coastal land care and erosion control.
On dune sites, jute protects against sand movement while allowing native vegetation to grow and suppressing weed species. The key difference between jute and coir is the decomposition rate.
Jute breaks down faster than coir, typically within one to two years according to NSW Government coastal erosion management guidance, making it ideal for short-term erosion control while vegetation establishes. Faster decomposition means jute releases nutrients into the soil more quickly, which can benefit plant growth in the early stages of revegetation.
Jute matting applications include:
The natural tan colour of jute blends well with most landscapes and does not create the visual impact of synthetic erosion control products. For projects where you need dedicated weed suppression without the erosion control function, see the weed mat range.
Geotextile is a non-woven synthetic fabric available in two main forms: filter fabric and filter tubes. Both are used to combat soil erosion, but in different ways.
Geotextile fabric stabilises soil and prevents erosion from wind and water. The fabric is porous and allows the natural flow of water while holding soil particles in place.
The fabric prevents further damage from soil erosion. Geotextile tubes are designed to combat one of the biggest problems of soil erosion: sediment runoff, which happens when eroding soil washes away into waterways.
The sediment is generally carried in stormwater and into drains. The tubes capture sediment before it enters nearby drains and reduce pollution to natural water sources. For finer sediment filtering on construction sites, silt mesh is another option worth considering alongside geotextile.
Geotextile fabric can also be installed under roads, footpaths and other structures to prevent soil movement and provide separation between different material layers. It is commonly used in retaining wall construction and drainage systems.
When deciding between coir and jute matting, understanding the key differences helps you make the right choice. Both products are 100% biodegradable and effective, but they suit different applications.
| Feature | Coir Matting | Jute Matting |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 3-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Best for | Steep slopes, high flow areas | Gentle slopes, revegetation |
| Strength | High tensile strength | Moderate strength |
| Weed control | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Moderate to high | Lower |
| Water absorption | Excellent | Very good |
Your choice between these materials should be based on how long you need protection and the severity of erosion risk. Coir is the better investment for permanent installations on challenging sites.
Jute works well for temporary protection or areas where quick vegetation establishment is the priority. Both materials can be combined with seeding for optimal results.
Many native plants require a lot of water to grow properly. As a result, their root systems spread out quickly in order to source more moisture.
The root growth of some species can become invasive. This means the roots encroach on other plants, stealing their water and nutrients.
Invasive roots can also spread under paths, driveways and building structures, potentially causing lifting or cracking of concrete and damage to foundations. Root barriers are easy to install and inhibit the spread of roots by forcing them to grow in a downward direction. For a closer look at how they work and where to position them, read our guide on how root barriers work.
Barriers are best installed when the plant or tree is young. If you have an established tree causing issues from its invasive roots, consult an arborist for advice on the best way to maintain the health of your tree while containing the root spread.
Sand bags can be used in many areas to prevent and control erosion. The most common use for sand bags is water redirection.
Sand bags also provide a barrier to prevent the runoff of topsoil into stormwater drains and nearby waterways. Use sand bags to create small retaining walls where eroded soil is creating ledges.
The bags will support the soil until a more permanent solution can be installed. Sand bags are particularly useful for emergency situations like unexpected heavy rainfall or flood events. For a step-by-step deployment approach, see our guide on fighting flooding with sandbags.
Sand bags can be deployed quickly without specialised equipment or skills. While not a long-term solution, they provide immediate protection and buy you time to implement permanent erosion control measures.
All Stake Supply stocks a wide range of erosion control products beyond what is covered here. The key to successful erosion control is matching the right product to your specific site conditions and project goals.
If you need high-quality erosion control products, talk to All Stake Supply. We stock an extensive range from our St Marys NSW warehouse and ship Australia-wide. Our team can help you assess your site requirements and recommend the most cost-effective solutions, whether you are tackling a small residential slope or a large-scale commercial development.
For steep slopes with high water flow, 900gsm coir matting provides the highest fibre density and tensile strength among natural-fibre erosion control mats. It holds soil in place for three to five years while vegetation establishes deep root systems that take over the stabilisation role.
Coir matting lasts three to five years, while jute matting breaks down within one to two years. Both are designed to decompose after vegetation has established, so the timing should match your revegetation plan rather than acting as a permanent structure.
Yes. Geotextile fabric, silt mesh, coir logs and sand bags are all commonly used on construction sites to meet erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) requirements. The right product depends on whether you need to stabilise soil, filter sediment from runoff, or redirect water flow.
Coir is made from coconut fibre, lasts longer and handles steeper slopes and higher water flows. Jute is made from plant fibre, breaks down faster, offers better weed suppression and costs less. Use coir for permanent installations on challenging terrain and jute for short-term revegetation protection.
Flat land is less susceptible to water erosion but can still suffer from wind erosion, especially in exposed or newly cleared areas. Jute matting or light-grade coir matting can protect topsoil and support seed establishment on flat sites until ground cover takes hold.
Roll the mat out across the slope from top to bottom, overlap adjacent rolls by at least 100 mm, and secure the edges and overlaps with steel fastening pins driven through the mat into the soil. On steeper gradients, anchor the top edge in a shallow trench filled and compacted with soil.
If you would like to learn more about which erosion control products are right for your specific application, give us a call on 1300 130 123 or send us a message. We will help you select the most appropriate products to protect your site and ensure long-term stability.
