Spray-On Erosion Control BlanketsFaster, Smarter, More Effective
TurfMaker hydroseeders apply erosion control materials up to 10x faster than hand-laid blankets, covering steep slopes, large job sites, and hard-to-reach areas in a fraction of the time.
What Are Erosion Control Blankets?
Erosion control blankets (ECBs) are protective coverings applied to bare soil, slopes, and disturbed land to prevent erosion from rain, wind, and runoff. They hold topsoil and seed in place while vegetation establishes, reducing stormwater runoff and sediment loss. On permitted job sites, ECBs are commonly required to meet DOT and NPDES erosion control regulations.
Traditional erosion control blankets are physical mats made from straw, coir, wood fiber, or synthetic materials, rolled out and pinned by hand. Biodegradable options are available for environmentally sensitive areas. TurfMaker hydroseeders offer a hydraulic alternative: spraying bonded fiber matrix (BFM) and hydromulch that forms a protective blanket on contact with the soil surface.
Both methods establish vegetation faster than seeding alone and are widely used on construction sites, highway roadsides, and land restoration projects. TurfMaker’s hydraulic approach covers ground faster, handles difficult terrain, and delivers seed at the same time.
Hydraulic vs. Hand-Laid: How Do They Compare?
Not all erosion control blanket methods are equal. See how TurfMaker’s hydraulic approach stacks up.
| Feature | Hand-Laid Blankets | TurfMaker Hydraulic ECB |
|---|---|---|
| Application Speed | Slow, manual rolling | ✓ Up to 10x faster |
| Steep Slopes & Hard-to-Reach Areas | Difficult & dangerous | ✓ Easy: spray from ground level |
| Seed Application | Separate step required | ✓ Seed & blanket applied simultaneously |
| Labor Required | High, multiple workers | ✓ One operator, one machine |
| Irregular Terrain Coverage | Gaps & overlap issues | ✓ Uniform, complete coverage |
| Cost Per Acre | Higher material & labor cost | ✓ Significantly lower |
| DOT / NPDES Compliant Materials | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
The Best Equipment for Erosion Control Blanket Applications
TurfMaker hydroseeders are purpose-built for high-performance erosion control blanket applications. Our machines handle everything from lightweight straw mulch to heavy bonded fiber matrix with ease.
High-Output Gear Pumps
TurfMaker’s powerful pump systems push thick slurries that standard machines struggle with, delivering more blanket coverage per hour.
Reach Any Slope
With hose lengths up to 500 feet and powerful hydraulics, our hydroseeders apply erosion control blanket material on slopes that hand-laid methods cannot safely reach.
Hydraulic or Mechanical Drive
Choose hydraulic or mechanical agitation to keep your erosion control slurry perfectly mixed from tank to nozzle, every time.
Multiple Tank Sizes
From 325-gallon units for small erosion control jobs to 1,200 gallon trailer models for large DOT and construction projects, we have the right size.
Built to Last
TurfMaker machines are engineered for daily professional use with heavy-duty steel construction, backed by decades of field-proven performance.
Expert Support
Our team has decades of erosion control and hydroseeding experience. We’ll help you choose the right machine and materials for your specific job.
How Hydraulic Erosion Control Blanket Application Works
TurfMaker hydroseeders make erosion control blanket installation simple and fast, even on large or difficult job sites.
Fill the Tank and Mix the Slurry
Add water, seed, fertilizer, and your choice of erosion control blanket material (wood fiber, BFM, or bonded fiber matrix). TurfMaker’s powerful agitation system automatically creates a uniform slurry, ensuring consistent coverage throughout the tank.
Apply to Slope
Spray the erosion control blanket slurry across bare soil. One pass covers seed and protective mulch blanket simultaneously.
Blanket Forms on Contact
As the slurry dries, it bonds to the soil surface and forms a protective erosion control blanket that holds seed in place.
Vegetation Establishes
Seeds germinate through the protective layer as the biodegradable erosion control blanket breaks down naturally.
Where Erosion Control Blankets Are Used
TurfMaker hydroseeders are trusted for erosion control blanket applications across a wide range of industries and project types.
Highway & DOT Projects
Construction Sites
Mine Reclamation
Pond Banks
Residential Slopes
Solar Fields
Land Restoration
Airport Projects
Landfill Cover
Erosion Control Blanket FAQs
What is the best erosion control blanket for steep slopes?
For steep slopes, hydraulically applied bonded fiber matrix (BFM) is often the best choice. BFM creates a thick, tightly bonded erosion control blanket that adheres to steep grades where hand-laid roll blankets are impractical or unsafe. TurfMaker hydroseeders are specifically designed to apply BFM effectively on challenging terrain.
How long do erosion control blankets last?
The lifespan of an erosion control blanket depends on the material. Straw blankets typically last 1 to 2 growing seasons. Coir (coconut fiber) blankets last 2 to 5 years. Hydraulically applied BFM breaks down as vegetation establishes, usually within one growing season, which is all the time needed for roots to stabilize the soil.
How much does erosion control blanket installation cost?
Traditional hand-laid erosion control blankets typically cost $1.82 to $6.71 per square foot installed (materials and labor combined). On larger commercial projects, costs can range from $1.00 to $1.75 per square foot. Labor is the biggest cost driver, as crews spend days manually rolling, cutting, and staking blankets across slopes. TurfMaker hydroseeders apply hydraulic erosion control blanket material in a fraction of the time, covering large areas and steep terrain in hours instead of days, which dramatically reduces labor costs on bigger jobs. For erosion control blanket performance standards, visit the Erosion Control Technology Council.
Can you seed through an erosion control blanket?
Yes, and with a TurfMaker hydroseeder, you apply seed AND the erosion control blanket material in one single pass. The hydroseeder mixes seed, fertilizer, tackifier, and wood fiber or BFM into one slurry that is sprayed across bare soil, eliminating the extra step of seeding through a pre-installed blanket.
What is the difference between erosion control blankets and hydromulch?
Traditional erosion control blankets are pre-manufactured rolls of fiber matting laid by hand. Hydromulch (hydraulically applied mulch) is a slurry of wood fiber, seed, and tackifier sprayed by a hydroseeder that forms a protective layer on the soil surface, functionally similar to an erosion control blanket but applied much faster and more uniformly.
Do erosion control blankets need to be staked down?
Hand-laid roll erosion control blankets require staking with staples or pins to hold them against the slope. Hydraulically applied erosion control material bonds directly to the soil surface, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening and saving significant labor time on large projects.
Ready to Upgrade Your Erosion Control?
Talk to a TurfMaker expert about the right hydroseeder for your erosion control blanket applications. Free quotes, no obligation.
1-800-527-2304