Which Erosion Control Blanket Should I Use?

A close-up image of the intricate patterns of erosion control blanket netting.

If you’ve ever had a slope wash out after a big rain or fought to get grass to take hold on bare soil, you already know how important the erosion control is. It’s not just about keeping inspectors happy; it’s about keeping your project stable and preventing delays.

At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ve been helping construction crews, project managers, and contractors find the right erosion control supplies in Solano County for over a hundred years. Whether you’re working a hillside subdivision or a roadside ditch, here’s what to keep in mind when picking the best blanket for the job.

1. Start with Your Site

No two jobsites are the same. Before you even grab a roll of blanket, take a good look at your slope, soil, and drainage.

Ask yourself:

  • What’s the slope like?
    • For gentle grades (3:1 or flatter), straw or light straw-coconut blankets usually do the trick.
    • For steeper slopes (2:1 or greater), you’ll want something heavier like coir (coconut fiber) that won’t give out after the first rain.
  • How long does it need to last?
    • Short-term jobs under a year can use straw or excelsior (wood fiber) blankets.
    • Long-term stabilization? Go for coir or jute, they stick around for years.
  • What’s growing underneath?
    • Fast-growing grasses pair well with lightweight blankets.
    • Native mixes or shrubs need stronger protection to give roots time to establish.


The better you match your blanket to your site, the fewer headaches you’ll have down the line.

2. Pick the Right Material for the Job

Here’s a quick guide to help narrow it down:

Material

Best For

Lasts About

Why It Works

Straw

Gentle slopes, quick vegetation

6–12 months

Great for fast germination

Excelsior (wood fiber)

Moderate slopes, ditches

12–18 months

Holds moisture and breaks down clean

Coconut (Coir)

Steep or high-flow areas

24–36 months

Tough and long-lasting

Jute Mesh

Landscaping or light erosion

Up to 12 months

100% natural and easy to install

Synthetic (Polypropylene)

Channels and long-term sites

Indefinite

Doesn’t rot or break down

In Solano County, we see a lot of crews leaning toward straw-coconut blends. They’re durable enough for our rain seasons but still let vegetation grow through naturally.

3. Make Sure You’re Staying Compliant

Between SWPPP requirements and Caltrans standards, the right blanket can keep you off the radar of regulators.

Look for products that:

  • Meet California and local watershed specs
  • Are biodegradable or recyclable whenever possible
  • Come from trusted sources that know your area


Working with a local team that specializes in erosion control supplies in Solano County (like us!) means you’ll get products that meet every box, without slowing down your schedule.

4. Don’t Cut Corners on Installation

Even the best blanket won’t do its job if it’s slapped down in a hurry. Follow these field-tested tips:

  • Grade your slope smooth and firm before rolling anything out.
  • Lay seed and fertilizer first (unless it’s pre-seeded).
  • Overlap each section 3–6 inches to prevent gaps.
  • Staple or pin everything securely, more staples for steep slopes.
  • Check your work after big rains and repair any damage right away.


If you can, try using biodegradable staples. They hold just as well and save you cleanup time later.

5. Help Your Vegetation Do Its Job

Your blanket’s main job is to give plants a fighting chance. Choose one that lets sunlight, water, and air reach the soil.

Once it’s installed:

  • Keep an eye on germination.
  • Touch up any bare or thin spots early.
  • Replace damaged areas before they spread.


With the right blanket and a little care, your vegetation will take root fast and you’ll have a slope that stays put through the seasons.

6. Work with People Who Know the Area

There’s no substitute for local know-how. When you work with Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., you’re not just buying a product, you’re getting a century’s worth of field experience.

We supply erosion control supplies across Solano County and beyond, from straw blankets and geotextiles to hydroseeding materials. Our crew knows what holds up in Bay Area soil and weather, and we’ll make sure you get what you need, when you need it.

7. Think Beyond the Blanket

It’s easy to focus on short-term fixes, but smart planning saves money and effort over time. The right erosion control blanket helps you:

  • Avoid costly rework after storms
  • Pass inspections without surprises
  • Protect the environment and your reputation


Bottom line: spend a little more up front on quality materials, and you’ll spend a lot less replacing them later.

Ready to Lock Down Your Slope? Let’s Get You Set Up.

If you’re gearing up for a new job and need help picking the right blanket, come talk to us. At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ll walk you through the best erosion control supplies in Solano County for your site and budget.

We’ve been helping builders, surveyors, and project managers get the job done right since 1908 and we’re here to help you do the same.

Stop by one of our Bay Area locations, contact us online, or give us a call at (707) 575-3335 today.

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