Choosing biodegradable netting helps protect newly seeded lawns while minimizing environmental impact. This guide reviews five top options for soil stabilization, erosion control, and seed germination, all designed to break down over time. Each product highlights different materials, application ease, and eco-friendly features to help you select the best fit for your landscape project.
| Product | Brand | Material/Type | Typical Coverage | Biodegradable / Eco Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch with Tackifier | EZ Straw | Biodegradable straw with tackifier | Up to 500 sq ft | Natural tackifier bonds straw; protects seeds; safe around pets |
| Jute Erosion Control Cloth | Farm Plastic Supply | Jute matting/netting | 4′ x 225′ roll | 100% biodegradable; photodegradable; supports germination |
| Erosion Control Edging Roll | Farm Plastic Supply | Excelsior fiber blanket with netting | 1′ x 112.5′ roll | Biodegradable excelsior; safeguards topsoil |
| Excelsior Blanket, Single Net | Dewitt | Aspen wood fiber with top net | 4 x 112.5 ft | Photodegradable top net; soil stabilization |
| Biodegradable Paper Weed Barrier | DECOHS | Biodegradable paper landscape barrier | 3 x 50 ft per roll | Biodegradable kraft paper; improves soil health |
Note: Coverage and usage may vary by product and field conditions. Always follow manufacturer instructions for installation and disposal.
EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch With Tackifier
EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch combines organic processed straw with a biodegradable tackifier that creates a light, adherent layer over seedbeds. The tackifier helps reduce washout and wind displacement during establishment, while remaining pet- and child-safe. The product is bagged for easy handling, with UV-protected packaging suitable for outdoor storage. Application is simplified by the straw being twice-cut for even distribution and quick coverage of currently bare soil. This option is ideal for slope protection and seed retention in low to moderate erosion scenarios.
Farm Plastic Supply Jute Erosion Control Cloth
This 4′ x 225′ jute matting serves as a temporary erosion-control blanket that stabilizes soil on shallow slopes and low-flow channels. Its 100% biodegradable construction minimizes environmental impact while helping to germinate grass seed by shielding from erosion and reducing weed growth. The natural jute fibers offer a breathable, soil-friendly texture that supports root development and moisture retention, making it a versatile choice for establishing new turf and hillside plantings.
Farm Plastic Supply Erosion Control Edging Roll
This 1′ x 112.5′ green erosion-control blanket is designed for edging and soil protection along sidewalks, driveways, and landscape borders. Made from strong Aspen wood fibers, it forms a durable matrix that resists erosion, stabilizes topsoil, and creates a favorable microenvironment for seed establishment. The product features a robust fiber network that expands, binds, and slows water movement, helping grasses take root in challenging edge areas.
Dewitt Single Net Excelsior Blanket
Dewitt’s single net excelsior blanket uses natural curled aspen wood fibers with a photodegradable top net to hold the fibers in place during installation. It is designed to stabilize soil on slopes, embankments, and grading sites, reducing surface movement while vegetation establishes. The mat supports seed germination by protecting seeds from washout and rich topsoil disturbance, providing temporary coverage as roots develop in disturbed ground.
Dewitt 2-Pack Single Net Excelsior Blanket
The 2-pack Dewitt option provides additional coverage for larger projects. Like the 4-foot-wide variant, it uses aspen wood excelsior fibers with a photodegradable top net. It supports soil stabilization, reduces erosion, and offers temporary protection for newly seeded areas, helping to maintain seedbed integrity until vegetation becomes established across broader sections of a landscape.
DECOHS Biodegradable Paper Weed Barrier
This 3 x 50 ft biodegradable paper weed barrier is designed to suppress weed growth while maintaining soil health. Made from recyclable kraft paper, it can be ploughed back into the soil to improve moisture retention and nutrient cycling. While primarily marketed for weed control, its permeability and biodegradability make it a suitable option for protecting young grass seedlings during the early establishment phase in garden beds and landscape areas.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Material compatibility with grass seed: Consider whether your aim is seed retention, erosion control, or weed suppression, and choose a material that aligns with that goal.
- Biodegradability timeline: Some products biodegrade quickly while others persist longer. Match this to your lawn’s establishment timeline and local climate.
- Soil and moisture tolerance: Materials like excelsior fibers and jute support moisture retention and root growth, which is critical in hot or windy locales.
- Ease of installation: Lightweight mulches that are easy to spread or roll out can save time on large lawns.
- Environmental impact and safety: Look for pet- and child-safe options when used around outdoor living spaces.
- Coverage vs. project size: Confirm the product’s coverage area to avoid shortages or waste on medium to large lawns.
- End-of-life disposal: Favor products that break down without leaving persistent residues or requiring special disposal steps.
- Planting compatibility: Some barriers may affect seed germination timing; ensure the chosen product supports timely germination for your grass species.
- Cost and availability: Compare unit costs and bulk options for ongoing lawn projects or frequent renovations.