Answering the common need for reliable, soil-stabilizing blankets that also support grass growth, these erosion control blankets with seed are designed to protect bare soil and accelerate turf establishment. They’re ideal for new lawns, hillside seeding, and area stabilization projects. This guide highlights five top choices and clarifies who each product is best for, along with practical buying tips to help you compare quickly and confidently.
Buyer quick reference:
- Best for large-area slope stabilization: Farm Plastic Supply QuickGrass Pro in 8′ x 112.5′.
- Best for smaller sections or tighter budgets: Farm Plastic Supply QuickGrass Pro in 4′ x 112.5′.
- Best all-in-one seed solution for bare spots: Jonathan Green SeedRoll or Growtrax option (seed, mulch, and mat in one).
- Best for soil retention with simple installation: DeWitt Single Net Excelsior Blanket.
- Best biodegradable straw option for temporary cover: EZ Straw Grass Seed Blanket (4′ x 50′).
| Product | Size | Best For | Biodegradable & Seed-Embedded |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro (8′ x 112.5′) | 8 ft x 112.5 ft | Large projects, long slopes | Yes |
| American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro (4′ x 112.5′) | 4 ft x 112.5 ft | Residential or mid-size areas | Yes |
| Growtrax Biodegradable Grass Seed Mat | 100 sq ft | Small patches, quick greens | Yes |
| DeWitt Single Net Excelsior Blanket | 4 x 112.5 ft | Slope stabilization, seed establishment | Yes |
| EZ Straw Grass Seed Germination and Erosion Control Blanket | 4 ft x 50 ft | Temporary cover, fast germination | Yes |
Farm Plastic Supply QuickGrass Pro — 8′ x 112.5′ Green Erosion Control Blanket
The product is 100% biodegradable with a photo-degradable or biodegradable netting on the top. It is seed-free by default and contains no chemical additives. The large 8′ x 112.5′ size is designed to cover expansive areas, offering a strong topsoil safeguard and a robust fiber matrix that promotes grass seed germination. Best for contractors and landscapers working on residential, industrial, or commercial developments where long runs are needed. A practical limitation is the shipping-dependent dimension that may affect exact coverage if not aligned with project measurements.
Who it’s best for: ideal for large landscape renovations, road projects, and sites needing rapid stabilization over long slopes. Choose this if you have a sizable area and want a single-roll solution that reduces installation time.
Farm Plastic Supply QuickGrass Pro — 4′ x 112.5′ Green Erosion Control Blanket
This smaller footprint option shares the same biodegradable netting and excelsior fiber matrix with topsoil protection. It’s particularly suitable for bounded residential projects or mid-size commercial sites where shorter lengths are advantageous. Best for clients needing a manageable roll without compromising soil retention or seed growth. A potential limitation is fewer square feet per roll, which may require more pieces for large projects.
Who it’s best for: homeowners and contractors working on medium-area projects or where install speed matters. Opt for this if you want similar performance in a lighter, easier-to-transport roll.
Growtrax Biodegradable Grass Seed Mat — 100 Sq Ft Year Round Green
Growtrax combines seed and mulch in a single biodegradable fabric roll. It supports fast germination and uniform growth, with seed types selected from Oregon growers. It’s designed for year-round use and performs well in light to full sun and some shade. Best for DIY projects and smaller landscapes where a ready-to-roll seed mat eliminates intermediate steps. A limitation is the 100 sq ft size, which may require multiple rolls for larger patches.
Who it’s best for: homeowners seeding bare spots, lawns, or dog patches where a simple roll-and-grow approach is preferred. Choose this when you want a compact, all-in-one seed solution that’s easy to install.
American Excelsior QuickGRASS Pro — 4’x50′ Green Biodegradable Jute Net Erosion Blanket
This blanket uses natural jute netting with biodegradable fibers to hold seed and soil in place. It is manufactured in the USA and designed for erosion control while supporting grass establishment. It’s best for medium to large projects where a durable, all-natural solution is preferred. A limitation is the shorter length if a long continuous stretch is required.
Who it’s best for: project managers seeking a US-made, biodegradable option with dependable fiber retention for slopes and disturbed ground. Choose this if you value an all-natural composition and domestic production.
DeWitt Single Net Excelsior Blanket — Green, 4 x 112.5 Feet
Aspen wood fiber blanket with a single photodegradable net is designed to stabilize soil on slopes, embankments, and grading sites while vegetation gets established. It supports soil retention and provides temporary coverage to prevent erosion. Best for applications where a lighter, biodegradable net structure is sufficient. A potential trade-off is reduced net strength in heavy rain events compared to multi-net designs.
Who it’s best for: projects prioritizing soil stabilization with a natural fiber blanket. Choose this if you want a straightforward, single-net solution for gradual seed establishment.
Farm Plastic Supply 100% Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket — Straw/Coconut
This blanket blends 70% straw with 30% coconut fiber and uses a biodegradable brown poly net. It’s designed for temporary erosion control during establishment, with a shipping-friendly 7.5′ width. Best for projects emphasizing natural fibers and quick breakdown after vegetation takes hold. A caveat is that the material will biodegrade over time, which may necessitate reapplication in longer-term landscapes.
Who it’s best for: projects requiring a natural fiber, biodegradable option where temporary cover is acceptable until grasses establish. Choose this if you prefer straw and coconut blends for soil protection.
Buying Guide
What size should I choose?
For large commercial or hillside projects, larger rolls reduce seam gaps and installation time. For residential yards or tight spaces, smaller rolls are easier to handle and store. Measure the area and plan for overlaps per installer guidance to ensure full coverage.
What materials matter?
Biodegradable fibers (excelsior, jute, straw) and netting types influence soil retention and seed protection. Excelsior-based blankets often provide strong soil anchoring, while straw blends may offer more temporary cover with quicker biodegradation. Net degradation affects how long the blanket remains in place during establishment.
Is seed content included?
Some products already include seed and mulch, delivering an all-in-one solution. If not, you’ll need to purchase seed separately. All-in-one products can simplify installation but ensure the seed type matches your climate and grass preferences.
How long should the blanket stay in place?
Most erosion blankets are designed to stay until vegetation is established. Check product data for recommended establishment timelines and whether reseeding is needed if weather delays growth.
What conditions affect performance?
Sun exposure, rainfall, wind, and soil type influence how well blankets perform. In windy or very exposed sites, ensure proper staking or securing methods are used, and consider materials with stronger netting for slopes.
Which option is best for my situation?
- Large commercial projects with long slopes: 8′ x 112.5′ QuickGrass Pro.
- Residential lawns and medium areas: 4′ x 112.5′ QuickGrass Pro or DeWitt blanket for soil stabilization.
- Patchy lawns or bare spots: Growtrax Seed Mat or Jonathan Green SeedRoll for ready-to-grow solutions.
- Temporary erosion control with natural fibers: EZ Straw Blanket offers a straw/coconut mix.
FAQ
- What is erosion control blanket? A protective covering placed over soil to prevent erosion while seeds germinate and grass grows.
- Do these blankets include grass seed? Some products include seed and mulch; others are seed-free and require separate seeding.
- Are these blankets biodegradable? Most options shown are biodegradable, using fibers like excelsior, jute, straw, or coconut blends.
- How do I install? Roll out the blanket, align seams, secure with stakes if provided, and water thoroughly to start germination.
- Which is best for slopes? Larger rolls with robust netting, such as the 8′ x 112.5′ QuickGrass Pro, are well-suited for slopes and long runs.
- Can I reuse these blankets? Biodegradable blankets are designed to break down after vegetation establishes; reuse is not typical.