How to Use a Permanent Erosion Control Blanket for Lasting Slope Protection
If you’ve ever seen soil washing away from a hillside, ditch, or slope after heavy rain, you’ve witnessed erosion at
work. Erosion happens when wind or water removes soil, and over time, it can cause serious damage to landscapes,
embankments, and waterways. But luckily, there are ways to stop this — and one of the most effective solutions is a
Permanent Erosion Control Blanket, also known as a Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM).
What Is a Permanent Erosion Control Blanket?
A Permanent Erosion Control Blanket is a heavy-duty, long-lasting mesh made from fused nylon monofilaments. Designed
to handle the toughest conditions, these blankets are UV stabilized — meaning they won’t break down in sunlight.
Instead of lasting for just one season, they stay in place for years, providing a durable foundation for plants and
grasses to grow.
Permanent Erosion Control Blanket with Hydroseed
The blanket is shaped like a 3D mesh, designed to let grass roots and plant roots grow through it. As the roots
grow, they create a natural anchor that holds the soil in place. Over time, as plants become established, the
matting gets covered by vegetation, blending into the landscape and locking everything together.
Why Is Erosion Control Important?
Erosion doesn’t just make a mess — it can cause real problems. When soil is washed away, it can lead to:
- Unsafe slopes that collapse or slide
- Damage to waterways from silt and sediment
- Loss of valuable topsoil that plants need to grow
- Weakened foundations for roads, driveways, and buildings
Preventing erosion means protecting your landscape, keeping water clean, and saving money on costly repairs later.
How Turf Reinforcement Mats Help Stop Erosion
Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs), like our Permanent Erosion Control Blankets, are designed to do two important jobs:
- Hold soil in place so it doesn’t wash away before plants are established.
- Support plant growth by providing a strong base for roots to grip and grow through.
The matting works with nature, not against it. As grass, shrubs, and other plants grow, they weave through the nylon
mesh and create a living, growing reinforcement system that gets stronger over time.
This makes TRMs perfect for steep hillsides, drainage ditches, stream banks, and anywhere water or wind might
cause erosion. Since the mats don’t break down, they’re especially useful for places that need long-term
protection.
Plus, once vegetation fills in, the mat becomes nearly invisible — all you see is healthy, green growth holding
everything together.
Grass growing through erosion control matting
Step-by-Step: How to Install a Permanent Erosion Control Blanket
- Prepare the ground — Remove any rocks, debris, or large clumps of dirt so the blanket can lay
flat.
- Roll out the blanket — Place it over the area you want to protect, making sure it covers from
the top of the slope to the bottom.
- Secure it in place — Use landscape staples or stakes along the edges and down the center. For
steep slopes, use more staples to keep it tight against the soil.
- Add soil and seed — Spread a thin layer of soil over the blanket, then scatter grass seed or
wildflower seed over the top.
- Water the area — Keep the soil moist to encourage fast seed germination and root growth.
When Should You Choose a Permanent Erosion Control Blanket?
While temporary erosion blankets are great for short-term needs, a permanent option makes sense when:
- You need long-lasting slope protection.
- The area is hard to reach and maintain later.
- There’s heavy water flow or wind that might damage weaker products.
- You want a solution that becomes part of the landscape over time.
Final Thoughts
A Permanent Erosion Control Blanket is a smart investment when you want to protect the land and let nature do its
work. By giving plants a chance to grow and hold soil in place, you’ll prevent erosion, avoid costly damage, and
create a beautiful, stable landscape that lasts for years.
