When it comes to landscaping, one of the most important challenges is controlling erosion and protecting your planting areas. Whether you’re working on a sloping site, alongside water, or a new commercial project, the right ground cover will provide soil stability and allow your plants to establish quickly and thrive.
When you’re on-site, you don’t want to be second-guessing whether the ground cover you’ve chosen will actually perform. The wrong matting can mean erosion issues, poor plant establishment, or wasted time and money.
That’s where we make it simple. We stock a full range of natural fibre matting options, including Jute, Wool, and Coco Fibre (Coir) matting. Each has their own unique benefits, and we’ll help you match the right product to your project so you can install with confidence.
Let’s explore the options:
- SmartGro Jute Matting – Reliable and Cost-Effective
If you’re working to budget on a large-scale project, SmartGro Jute Matting is a go-to for many landscapers. It’s practical – quick to roll out, eco-friendly (made of 100% natural jute fibres), and holds the soil in place long enough for your planting to establish, while allowing moisture and air to pass through. It’s a great option when you need a biodegradable solution that holds the soil long enough for plants to establish, typically lasting 12–24 months depending on site conditions.
Best for: Large-scale projects on a budget, roadside planting, embankments.
Key benefit: Quick to install, blends into surrounds, cost-effective while also eco-friendly.
Available in 750gsm and 550gsm weights. 550gsm is good for areas of intensive plantings where canopy closure is epected within 12 months. While the 750gsm will supress weeds for longer than the 550gsm.
- SmartGro Wool Matting – Premium Performance and Soil-Enhancing
Made right here in NZ! SmartGro Wool Matting is a natural option that not only controls erosion but also enriches the soil as it breaks down. Wool retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds—helping new plants establish quickly without competition. This makes it a favourite for projects where plant health, fast establishment, and long-term soil improvement matter.
Best for: High-value landscaping projects, urban spaces, native revegetation projects.
Key benefit: Acts as both erosion control and a natural soil conditioner.
Sold in easy to apply rolls of varying lengths and weights – with up to 36 months life expectancy depending on weights. This product is also available in wool squares which can be handy for using with newly planted trees where a tree guard is used to protect the plant while it establishes.
- Coco Fibre (Coir) Matting – Durable and Strong
For sites exposed to heavy rain, wind, or water flow, Coco Fibre Matting brings serious strength. Made from coconut husk, it’s tough, long-lasting, and provides reliable soil stabilisation in the harshest conditions. It provides excellent erosion control on exposed or high-flow sites where durability is critical. Coir fibres interlock tightly, giving strong soil stabilisation while still allowing water infiltration and root penetration.
Available in three weights: 300gsm, 450gsm, and 1200gsm – talk to us about choosing the right Coco Fibre Matting for your projects.
Best for: Coastal projects, waterways, challenging sites, or sites with heavy rainfall.
Key benefit: Long-lasting and resistant to breaking down, ideal for harsher conditions.
Choosing the right matting isn’t just about erosion control—it’s about giving your planting project the best possible chance to succeed.
Which Matting Should You Choose?
As a general rule of thumb:
- Budget-conscious, large projects = Jute
- Premium soil health and weed suppression = Wool
- Durability in tough conditions = Coco Fibre
Our team can help you select the right erosion control matting for your site and its unique challenges. Talk to us today about your next landscaping project – because when the ground is stable, your plants (and your reputation) thrive!
