How to Control Erosion: Straw & Jute Netting

Sloped areas are prone to erosion as surface water frequently moves down the slope, washing away soil and vegetation. To properly control erosion, there are several options available, including a straw erosion blanket held together with jute netting. These nets help obstruct water flow and improve the soil environment. Both jute and straw are natural, biodegradable materials, so they are eco-friendly and will eventually decompose. The best use of straw and jute netting is covering small but steep and disturbed slopes.

Shovel
Staple gun
Staples

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a trench along the top of the slope at least 8 inches deep and 6 inches wide.
- 2
  Lay the upper end of your straw and jute netting into the trench. The top end should be folded underneath against the soil inside the trench and the rest of the roll should descend down the slope. Staple the blanket to the soil at the bottom of the trench with a staple gun; use one staple every 12 inches.
- 3
  Fill the trench with soil so that the surface is as level as before.
- 4
  Lay the next rolls going down the slope, overlapping each other by at least 3 feet.
- 5
  Put staples through the blanket and into the soil underneath at a spacing of less than 1 foot across the top and bottom. Staple down both sides and the center of all rolls with about 5 feet spacing.
- 6
  Add further column of rolls with the same procedure, starting at the top of the slope with a trench. Overlap 4 inches for rolls moving across the slope.

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