Soil erosion can be a big problem when not properly addressed. To ensure optimum results, it is necessary to identify the right erosion control products. In this article, we offer the best tips for that.
While soil is a vital natural resource that helps support plants’ growth, soil erosion can have devastating effects. It threatens the proper growth of plants and the quality of our water resources and aquatic life. Loose soil sediments can be washed away by water and wind into our freshwater sources, lowering this water quality.
Suppose the soil sediments contain toxic materials like bacteria, sulfides, or other heavy metals, like those from mining sites. In that case, they lower the water’s quality and alter the aquatic ecosystem. For this reason, preventing soil erosion becomes a vital procedure.
Multiple erosion control products are ideal for catering to different situations. If you are struggling with soil erosion, here are some of the best erosion control products in the market that you can try out.
Best-Of by Category
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Best for Slope Erosion Control | Erosion Control Matting |
| Best for Eco-Friendly Homeowners | Erosion Control Grass |
| Best for Large Projects | Geotextiles Erosion Control Fabrics |
| Most Cost-Effective | Erosion Control Wattles and Logs |
Best Erosion Control Products
To get a better understanding of how these products work, we will categorize them according to the situations they best fit:
Erosion Control Matting
Erosion control matting includes several great products, such as Straw Blankets and Coir Mats. These soil stabilization fabrics help support banks before your vegetation can take root.
Some are made of biodegradable materials, while others are made of synthetic geotextile. Some excellent examples of these products include the following:
This is made from 100% natural and biodegradable material, Jute, and it is ideal for soil stabilization and mulch retention. If you want to control some short-term erosion, then this is your product. The product has a lifespan of between 6 and 12 months.
This erosion control mat is an excellent option for fast re-vegetation of waterways and slopes. The 4ft by 112.5ft biodegradable erosion control blanket is double-netted, offering the best erosion prevention for your land. The product has a lifespan of between 90 and 120 days, thus ideal for one growing season.
If you are looking for hillside erosion control products, erosion control matting offers some of the best solutions. It is widely available in the market, and you can even order it online on Amazon.
Erosion Control Wattles and Logs
Choosing the right erosion and sediment control products depends on various factors. You’ll choose a product based on the project type, your site’s conditions, and other on-site requirements.
Erosion control is necessary, especially in locations or job sites where soil and natural vegetation are cleared, disturbed, or moved. The soil has become loose and more susceptible to wind and runoff erosion.
Erosion control products, such as wattles and logs, are some of the most effective ways to ensure that you have control over your site or farm. Some good examples of such products here include:
These soil filter socks are ideal for sediment control in construction sites. This perimeter erosion control filter helps contractors control or reduce pollutants released to the environment and slow down water flow rates.
If you are looking for an efficient way to control erosion, water runoff, and pollutant removal on a construction site, this product serves you best. In addition, you’ll have eliminated the cost of trenching or staking.
Since it’s made of organic compost, it’s environmentally friendly and eliminates the disposal cost. To dispose of the mesh, you just need to cut open the filter socks and spread the compost over the surrounding area.
This erosion control sock is also quite flexible, meaning that it can fit in uneven grounds or contours to offer maximum protection. You can simply shape it the way you want, based on the area you are working on.
With this filter sock, you can filter TSS, trash, sediment, and debris from runoff water.
These are fiber rolls perfectly designed to control erosion, sediment, stormwater runoff, and filtration. A straw wattle not only helps to filter out sediments, but it also does it while allowing the sediment-free surface water to flow into the storm sewer.
You can choose from a wide range of sizes, from 9”, 12”, to 20” diameters. These straw wattles contain a 100% wheat straw interior and a synthetic PP netting exterior. They are lightweight, flexible, and can work in almost any ground shape.
Straw wattles are ideal for drain protection, inlet protection, steam stabilization, bank stabilization, perimeter erosion control, and other applications.
The product is made of natural, biodegradable material, making it easy to dispose of and friendly to the environment. It’s a perfect solution for sediment filtration and allows water to seep through effectively.
Coir wattles are all-natural, environmentally friendly erosion control products. They are ideal for controlling silt and sediment in almost any project. They are made of mattress coir fiber, with an exterior of coconut fiber twine.
They are erosion control products that can offer solutions in various areas, including dams, drains, etc., as sediment or silt filters.
Coir wattles are available in 6″ and 9″ diameters and 10’ and 20’ lengths. In terms of benefits, these products are biodegradable, made of sturdy materials, offer durable erosion barriers, and are easy to install.
Whether you want to control erosion in a riverbank, stream, slope, or hillside, Coir logs are perfect erosion control products. The products are made to offer soil support and stabilization in all erosion-prone areas.
These coir fiber rolls are made from compact mattress coconut fibers and are enclosed in tubular coir string netting. This makes them sturdy while still biodegradable. Coir logs are, therefore, one of the most environmentally friendly ways to control erosion.
If you are looking for a coir log, the size will be mainly determined by the amount of water flow and the incline of your site. You can find coir erosion logs of 12’’ by 10’ and 20’’ by 10’.
Several coir logs can be joined together by twine to fit larger areas.
Geotextiles Erosion Control Fabrics
Geotextile fabrics are designed to offer optimal results for erosion control, filtration, or separation purposes. When choosing a geotextile erosion control fabric, you have two options: nonwoven and woven geotextile fabrics.
Nonwoven fabrics are sturdy and highly permeable, making them ideal for both high-flow and low-flow filtration. They also work well for aggregate separation.
On the other hand, woven geotextiles are sturdy stabilization fabrics ideal for stabilizing and supporting roads, hills, rip rap, and multiple other erosion-prone sites. They are also used to offer support and separation between aggregate layers.
Examples of geotextile erosion control products include:
This heavy-duty 6-ounce geotextile fabric is one of the best in its class. It can be used in numerous situations, including erosion control, driveway underlayment, shoreline erosion control, stabilization and separation, and construction underlayment.
So, whether you are searching for shoreline erosion control products or general landscaping ones, this product covers you. It is a durable, nonwoven geotextile fabric ideal for almost any location or site.
The product is also easy to install and use and is available in different sizes. It can withstand harsh conditions and is resistant to UV, Rot, and Mildew.
Don’t go for lightweight products! These heavy-duty erosion control products offer the best solution.
While mostly used for weed control, this woven geotextile fabric by Agfabric is also pretty much ideal for soil erosion control.
The product is durable and sturdy, helping to keep the soil from being washed away to other places. It is made of sturdy PP woven fabric and can be used for separation, stabilization, or road construction.
If you are a contractor working on a site that needs erosion control or just wants to control weeds on your lawn or garden, this 3.0oz product can do any of that.
Woven geotextiles are usually made from sturdy, high-quality fabric to offer the best support. Geotextile 150 is just that.
This erosion control product is constructed from polypropylene (PP) slit film, which ensures better stabilization strength. The product comes in a 15’ by 300’ roll and is resistant to UV, rot, or chemical exposure.
The 150 woven geotextiles are designed to offer the best solution in erosion control, stabilization, separation, road construction, aggregate separation, etc. Their permeability is around 0.05 per sec-1, and they have a tensile strength of 150 lbs.
The best thing is that these products are available in the market and you won’t have to worry too much about where to get them. If erosion or any areas mentioned concern you, this woven geotextile fabric offers the right solution.
This is a unique landscaping product that will work perfectly in erosion control. It is ideal for weed and erosion control and can be used in small—or large-scale projects.
Regarding weed control, this fabric offers the best solution without chemicals. And, regarding soil erosion control, you have a sturdy, durable, heavy-duty product to ensure optimal results.
This 4.4-star-rated product on Amazon can be shipped anywhere in the US. So, if erosion has been your big problem, make sure to make an order.
Woven geotextiles are perfect erosion control products as they can hold soil and sediments in place, preventing them from being washed away. This 74.93’ x 20.32’ W x 24.13’ geotextile fabric from Mutual Industries is no different.
The product can construct gabions, precast blocks, or rip rap. Geotextile fabrics are a great option for economically managing erosion. They are a cheap alternative to conventional soil erosion control methods, such as sand filters or graded aggregate.
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Benefits of Geotextile Fabric Erosion Control Products
- Easy to install – All these products are flexible and follow the ground shape for easy installation.
- Strength – They are sturdy, can withstand high pressures, and are tear and puncture-resistant
- Environmentally friendly – They don’t include chemicals, and most of them are also chemical-resistant
- Drainage – Geotextile fabrics ensure a high flow rate and better soil retention.
- Cost-effective—These products offer a cheap alternative to soil erosion control, stabilization, separation, and other methods.
Erosion Control Grass
Planting grass is an effective way to prevent soil erosion on a slope or a place with exposed topsoil. It is easy to grow and offers the perfect natural cover against erosion.
Numerous grass types, such as mondo, yellow foxtail, and blue fescue, are ideal for this purpose. These low-maintenance plants grow fast, flourish under the sun and shady conditions, and develop a strong, extensive root system.
While mondo can grow on any type of soil, blue fescue requires minimal to zero watering as long as the place has frequent stormwater runoff.
You can also buy ready-to-grow grass mats from Amazon, which are easier to plant and perfectly control soil erosion. One good example of such is:
This is an all-in-one solution. It reduces soil erosion and is a great way to make your lawn or backyard green. Whether dealing with soil erosion on a slope or a river bed, this product might be just what you want.
It comes with a grass seed fabric roll with fertilizer and mulch. This grass growth mat contains around 120% of the ideal seeding amount, making it one of the best-rolled erosion control products.
Also, it’s easy to grow: All you need to do is spread it, water it, and wait for it to grow. It’s available in rolls, and every roll comes with covered fertilizer and seeds. The best thing about this product is that it will remain green even in pretty harsh conditions, like the scorching sun or dense shadows.
You’ll see good results with this product within a few days of planting. In addition, this grass-growing mat contains two distinct layers that protect the grass seeds from being carried away by stormwater runoff: the biodegradable fabric and the pelleted fertilizer.
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Commonly called the Creeping Red Fescue, this type of grass is a perfect way to solve erosion problems. Red fescue is a beautiful, dark green, fine-blade grass that is easy to grow and stays green all year round.
These seeds are fully tested and ready for planting. Grass is one of several erosion control plants that won’t disappoint.
And if you are wondering where it is most applicable, the answer is anywhere! You can use it as a soil erosion control method on your farm or lawn.
It will do well even in shady areas, making it perfect for growing under trees. It is pretty resistant to drought and can grow up to 14’’.
Turf builder Bermudagrass is one solution if you want a grass type that will cover erosion-prone areas within the shortest period. It spreads aggressively to cover all the bare areas and prevent further soil erosion.
Buying these seeds will end your soil erosion problems. The grass grows into fine blades that form a green natural carpet in your desired area and can grow up to 3’’ tall.
It is made to withstand drought and scorching sun, offering the best solution to your lawn and erosion problems. It comes in a 3-in-1 pack containing seeds, fertilizer, and soil improver.
The only drawback with getting this type of grass is that it’s only sold in several select Southern States.
Erosion Control Fencing
A silt fence is mostly ideal for controlling soil erosion in various construction sites and other areas prone to silt or sediment displacement. You might consider installing an erosion control fence if you are looking for sediment control, perimeter control, or silt containment solutions. Some great examples here include:
This 4.1-star rated silt fence from Tenax Corporation works perfectly in erosion control, as a safety fence, or as a visual barrier.
The product is 100% US-made and guarantees a lifespan of more than 5 years. It’s made of polypropylene and has a height of 2ft and a length of 100ft. In addition, it comes with 11 stakes for easier installation.
This would certainly fit the requirements if you are searching for erosion control products for a construction site. A 600’’ x 36’’ x 0.1’’ silt fence fabric works perfectly to restrict sediment runoff on construction and other job sites.
The product is made from high-quality materials that allow water to filter through as soil sediments are left on the site. And you don’t have to worry about getting a raw deal. This 4.4-star-rated product on Amazon is genuine and has met DOT requirements in more than 35 states.
This is another great erosion control product that also works well on construction and other job sites. The 36″ x 100′ silt fence is made of strong polyethylene materials with a tensile strength of 109/93 lbs. It is available in black and orange shades.
In addition, it is highly resistant to rapid deterioration, which is mostly caused by UV light, heat, or harsh soil conditions.
Dewatering Bags
Dewatering bags are sediment control products designed to filter silt, sediment, or sludges while allowing clear water to pass through.
The sediment or silt is left inside the bag while the pumped water passes through. They are mainly made from woven or non-woven geotextiles and are quite effective.
In terms of application, dewatering bags are used in municipal wastewater, construction sites, agricultural waste pumping, waterway remediation, etc.
Great examples of dewatering bags for sale include:
This is a 4.6-star-rated product on Amazon, meaning that users have loved it. The bag is made of sturdy material that allows it to easily filter and retain oil and sediments inside while letting water pass through.
This dewatering bag measures 6ft by 6ft and can accommodate a discharge hose up to 4 inches in diameter. When used properly, it helps contractors and site managers comply with the NPDES, 40 CFR 122.26 (1999).
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Like many other dewatering bags, SedCatch bags are designed to restrict silt, sediment, or dirt from being pumped out of a site. They are commonly used when water needs to be pumped out of a construction site, especially in low-lying or swampy areas.
These bags offer an economical way of retaining soil and other sediments within the required area. One unique thing about these SedCatch dewatering bags is that they can be put on a trailer as water is pumped. This allows for easy sediment transportation if it needs to be deposited in a different location.
This dewatering bag measures 7.5′ x 10′ and is made of non-woven geotextile fabric (8 ounces). It filters sediment based on the US Sieve of 0.18 mm. It also has a flexible snout that makes connecting it to the discharge hose easy and secure.
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Selecting the Right Erosion Control Products
Choosing the right method or product to solve your erosion problem is not always easy. This is because different products and methods exist for different types of erosions.
For this reason, before you purchase an erosion control product, we want to highlight some critical steps that you should follow.
Site Assessment
This should be your first step. You can’t go looking to buy new erosion control products without first understanding your site’s dimensions and requirements in terms of erosion control.
Therefore, evaluate the factors that might affect the product needed before anything else. This might include your site’s location, the level of erosion, and any potential erosion risks. You should also consider the type of vegetation available, how your actions will affect the environment, the length of your project, etc.
All these factors will play a major role in identifying the best product to solve the problem.
Set Objectives
You have to come up with specific objectives for your project. While various projects might have similar broad objectives, being detailed helps you create specific objectives for your project. This will certainly help you define your project better.
For instance, which soil or vegetation do you want to protect? While this might seem petty, it will go a long way in determining the erosion control method or the product you’ll use.
Assess Future Erosion Potential
While you did this in your first step, you need to go even deeper here. Conduct an in-depth investigation to examine any future erosion concerns you may have. This must be based on the data you collect about the specific site characteristics, including present vegetation, topography, or the area’s climate.
In fact, some regulatory agencies often request such in-depth assessment reports, and some sites might even demand them.
Your final report can easily tell you which erosion control products fit best on your site. This way, you don’t waste time and resources using the wrong methods.
Select Your Product and Method of Control
Armed with all this information, making the right decision is now easy. However, you must also research the available erosion control products to ensure great value for your money.
Remember, while numerous products seem like perfect solutions, some are low-quality and might not offer maximum results. So, take your time and choose a product that won’t disappoint you.
FAQs
What is the most effective form of erosion control?
The most effective form of erosion control is the use of vegetation. Vegetation can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion by holding soil in place with its roots, reducing the impact of rainfall and wind on the soil surface, and absorbing excess water. Additionally, vegetation can improve soil health and biodiversity, supporting erosion control efforts.
What is the best erosion control for slopes?
The best erosion control for slopes combines vegetation and erosion control blankets. Vegetation, such as grass or ground cover, helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Erosion control blankets, made of natural or synthetic materials, protect the soil from wind and water erosion while allowing vegetation to grow. Additionally, retaining walls or terracing can be used with vegetation and erosion control blankets for added stability.
What is the cheapest erosion control?
The cheapest erosion control method is vegetation. This method involves planting vegetation, such as grass or shrubs, to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Vegetation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to control erosion, as it requires minimal maintenance and can be easily incorporated into landscaping or restoration projects.
What is the best source of soil erosion control?
The best source of soil erosion control is vegetation. Vegetation helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion by anchoring the soil in place with roots and reducing the impact of raindrops on the soil surface. Additionally, plants can absorb excess water and nutrients that might otherwise contribute to soil erosion.