When starting a landscaping or construction project, the most common question is: “Which erosion control blanket should I use?” While plastic (synthetic) netting is a common sight on many construction sites, it is often a “quick fix” that leads to long-term problems. Choosing nature-based erosion control, like woven coir (coconut fiber), is an investment in the future of the soil. Understanding the differences between these two materials is the first step in ensuring your project succeeds without harming the environment.
1. Soil Bonding vs. Tenting
The primary job of an erosion control blanket is to stay in direct contact with the dirt.
- The Synthetic Problem: Plastic netting is often stiff and smooth. When it rains, water can easily flow underneath the plastic, causing the blanket to lift off the ground—a problem called “tenting.” Once a blanket tents, the soil underneath washes away, leaving the project a failure.
- The Coir Advantage: Woven coir blankets, such as the BioD-Mat® 40 or 70, are heavy and flexible. When they get wet, they become even more pliable, “hugging” the curves of the ground. This tight bond prevents water from getting under the mat, keeping the soil exactly where it belongs.
2. Wildlife Safety: The “Snake Trap” Factor
Environmental safety isn’t just about the soil; it’s about the creatures that live there.
- The Synthetic Problem: Most plastic blankets use a “fixed” mesh, meaning the holes are melted into place and cannot move. This creates a deadly trap for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. If an animal tries to crawl through, they get stuck in the plastic “noose,” leading to unnecessary wildlife mortality.
- The Coir Advantage: RoLanka’s woven mats are made of independent twines. If a snake or bird moves through the mat, the fibers can shift and move aside, allowing the animal to pass through safely. Products like the BioD-Mat® 90 are completely “wildlife-friendly” because they lack the rigid plastic knots that cause entanglement.
3. Lasting Support vs. Permanent Trash
What happens to the material once the grass grows?
- The Synthetic Problem: Plastic does not disappear. It eventually breaks into tiny “microplastics” that stay in your soil forever. These plastic bits can get caught in lawnmowers, trip up hikers, and pollute local waterways.
- The Coir Advantage: Coir is 100% biodegradable. It is designed to work hard for 4 to 6 years—long enough for trees and grass to grow deep roots—and then it simply turns into organic mulch. Instead of leaving behind trash, coir enriches the soil with nutrients.
4. Cooling the Soil for Better Growth
For seeds to grow, they need a “nursery” environment that stays cool and moist.
- The Synthetic Problem: On hot days, black or green plastic netting can absorb heat, “cooking” the soil and drying out young sprouts before they can take root.
- The Coir Advantage: Because it is a natural plant fiber, coir acts like a sponge. It absorbs water and provides shade for the soil. Using a BioD-Straw or BioD-OCF mat keeps the ground cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which leads to faster, thicker grass growth compared to synthetic alternatives.
5. Handling Water Velocity
- The Synthetic Problem: Plastic is non-absorbent. Water slides over it quickly, gaining speed and erosive power.
- The Coir Advantage: Woven coir yarns are rough and porous. They create natural “micro-dams” that slow down water velocity. This allows more water to soak into the soil, feeding the plants rather than stripping away the hillside.
Doing It Right the First Time
While synthetic netting might seem cheaper upfront, the cost of fixing a failed slope or cleaning up plastic waste later is much higher. By choosing a high-quality, freshwater retted coconut fiber blanket, you are choosing a solution that works with nature, not against it.
Implementing best biodegradable erosion control blankets like the BioD-Mat series is the only way to protect your property and the environment for years to come. If you are looking for an eco-friendly erosion control supplier USA, RoLanka provides the technical expertise to ensure your project stays stable and green from start to finish.