Erosion control is one of the most important things that you need control of when working on land restoration projects. However, soil erosion can present itself in different ways.
This means there isn't one erosion control product that can fix every type of soil erosion. Choosing the right solution depends on your site conditions, slope gradient, vegetation goals and budget.
Before selecting an erosion control product, you need to assess what type of erosion problem you're dealing with. Different scenarios require different approaches.
Consider these key factors when evaluating your site:
Understanding these elements will help you narrow down which products will work best for your specific project. Each erosion control solution has different strengths suited to particular conditions.
If you're looking to prevent soil erosion of sloped land, coir matting is the perfect erosion control product. The matting is a weaved sheet of completely biodegradable coconut fibre.
It is designed to provide additional strength to the soil to prevent any further erosion, while it also helps encourage and support the growth of new plant life. Coir matting is biodegradable however, it is a permanent solution.
When installed correctly it will provide long-lasting protection against erosion. For moderate slope applications, this 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'll 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 won't hold up.
Coir logs are cylindrical erosion control products made from densely packed coconut fibre wrapped in coir netting. They're 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're commonly used along creek banks, drainage channels and the base of slopes.
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 of a completely natural fabric, which is designed to prevent the growth of weeds, as well as to help control erosion. As the matting is porous, water and air still pass through.
It provides support for the growth of new plants while restricting the growth of weeds. Jute matting is also used on sand dunes to help with land care erosion control.
It is used to protect the sand movement underneath while allowing the natural fauna to grow and inhibiting weed growth. The key difference between jute and coir is the decomposition rate.
Jute breaks down faster than coir, typically within 1-2 years, making it ideal for short-term erosion control while vegetation establishes. This faster decomposition means jute releases nutrients into the soil more quickly, which can benefit plant growth.
Jute matting applications include:
The natural tan colour of jute blends well with most landscapes and doesn't create the visual impact of synthetic erosion control products. It's an excellent choice for projects where aesthetics matter alongside functionality.
Geotextile is made up of non-woven fabric and is available in two different forms – filter tubes and filter fabric. Both are used to combat soil erosion but in different ways.
Geotextile fabric is used to stabilise soil and prevent erosion from wind and water. The fabric is porous and allows the natural flow of water while holding the soil in place.
This will help to prevent any further damage from soil erosion. Geotextile tubes are designed to combat one of the biggest problems of soil erosion – sediment runoff, which happens when the eroding soil washes away.
The sediment is generally washed away in the water and into stormwater drains. The tubes are used to prevent sediment from entering nearby drains and reduce pollution to natural water sources.
Geotextile fabric can be installed under roads, footpaths and other structures to prevent soil movement and provide separation between different material layers. It's also 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, many native plants have root systems that are designed to quickly spread out in order to source more water.
The root growth of some plants can become invasive. This means the roots spread where they 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.
Barriers are best installed when the plant or tree is young. If you have an established tree causing issues from its invasive roots, contact 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.
They also provide a barrier to prevent the runoff of topsoil into storm water 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.
They 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.
These are just some of the products that you can use in order to prevent soil erosion. 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 for your project, talk to All Stake Supply. We've got an extensive range of erosion control products and we will work with you to ensure that you get the right items for your project.
Our team can help you assess your site requirements and recommend the most cost-effective solutions. Whether you're tackling a small residential slope or a large-scale commercial development, we have the products and expertise to support your project.
If you'd like to learn more about which erosion control products are right for your specific application, give us a call on 1300 130 123 today. We'll help you select the most appropriate products to protect your site and ensure long-term stability.
