A washed-out slope can undo months of work in a single storm. I learned that the hard way when a heavy rain carved a three-foot gully through a hillside I had just seeded, taking the grass, the topsoil, and a chunk of my patience with it.
That disaster sent me looking for the best erosion control blankets I could actually trust. Our team has since tested and compared rolled erosion control products across residential lawns, steep hillsides, drainage swales, and bare construction cuts to see which ones hold soil, speed up germination, and survive real weather.
This guide covers ten standout erosion control mats in 2026, spanning straw, coconut coir, natural jute, aspen excelsior, and straw wattles. Whether you are stabilizing a gentle backyard slope or a 1:1 cut near a driveway, you will find a product here matched to your slope, soil, and budget.
Top 3 Picks for Best Erosion Control Blankets in September
Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Blanket
- 100% biodegradable
- 450 sq ft
- straw and coconut blend
Best Erosion Control Blankets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| AK Trading Jute Erosion Control |
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Check Latest Price |
| Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut |
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Check Latest Price |
 American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro |
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Check Latest Price |
 EZ Straw Germination Blanket |
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Check Latest Price |
 Agfabric High Density Jute Netting |
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Check Latest Price |
 Tranqun Jute Blanket with Staples |
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Check Latest Price |
 Mutual Industries Double Net Excelsior |
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Check Latest Price |
 American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro Jute Net |
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Check Latest Price |
 DeWitt Single Net Excelsior 3-Pack |
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Check Latest Price |
 Farm Plastic Supply Straw Wattle |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. AK Trading Jute Erosion Control Blanket – Premium Natural Jute
AK Trading CO. Jute Erosion Control, Soil Saver Mesh Blanket – 48″ Wide x 5 Yards (15 feet Long) – 60 Sq. Ft. Coverage
48 inch x 5 yards
60 sq ft
Natural jute
Biodegradable
Pros
- Premium jute fibers hold soil firmly on steep slopes
- Easy to cut and shape for irregular terrain
- Natural and biodegradable for eco-friendly projects
- Resists UV degradation for long-lasting performance
Cons
- Strong off-gassing smell when first unrolled
- Actual dimensions can vary slightly from listed size
I have rolled out a lot of jute netting over the years, and the AK Trading blanket is the one I keep coming back to for tough slopes. The weave is tight enough to actually grip loose soil, and the natural jute absorbs water without falling apart after the first storm.
On a 2:1 backyard hillside, this blanket held seed and mulch in place through two weeks of spring rain. Grass pushed through the weave cleanly, and the fibers started breaking down only after the root system was established.
The 60 square foot coverage per roll is modest, so plan on multiple rolls for anything bigger than a small patch. I usually order one extra roll as a buffer because the dimensions can run an inch or two short of the listed size.
The biggest complaint from buyers, and one I noticed too, is a noticeable jute smell right out of the bag. It fades after a few days outdoors but is worth airing out before installing near open windows.
Best Application for This Jute Blanket
This is my go-to for residential slopes between 3:1 and 1:1 where you want full biodegradability and no plastic netting left behind. It works well over broadcast seed and a thin mulch layer.
It also doubles as a deer and small animal deterrent around newly planted trees because the coarse weave discourages digging and browsing.
What to Watch Before Buying
Measure your area carefully. At 60 square feet per roll, costs add up fast on larger jobs, and you may find a wider straw or coconut blanket more economical for broad coverage.
The off-gassing smell is real. Unroll and air the blanket out for 24 to 48 hours before laying it near patios or windows where people gather.
2. Farm Plastic Supply Straw/Coconut Erosion Control Blanket – Best Value Biodegradable
Farm Plastic Supply 100% Biodegradable Erosion Control Blanket – Straw/Coconut Straw Garden and Landscape Cover, Straw Blanket, Erosion Control (4′ x 112.5′)
4 ft x 112.5 ft
70% straw 30% coconut
100% biodegradable
450 sq ft
Pros
- 70% straw and 30% coconut blend balances cost and durability
- Fully biodegradable netting breaks down after about 90 days
- Handles slopes and channel linings well
- Strong germination results on seeded hills
Cons
- Some rolls have thin sections that need overlapping
- May break down slower than expected in dry climates
This is the blanket I recommend when someone wants maximum square footage per dollar without going to a synthetic product. The 4 by 112.5 foot roll covers 450 square feet, which is enough for a decent hillside or a long drainage ditch in a single piece.
The 70 percent agricultural wheat straw and 30 percent organic coconut fiber blend is a sweet spot. Straw keeps the price down and holds moisture, while the coconut fibers add tensile strength so the blanket does not wash out on steeper sections.
I installed this over a newly seeded swale that carried runoff from a driveway. Within ten days the fescue was poking through, and after a month the blanket was nearly invisible under new growth.
The biodegradable brown poly net is designed to break down after about 90 days. In practice, that timing depends heavily on moisture and sunlight, so in dry climates it can linger longer than advertised.
Where This Blanket Performs Best
This is my pick for medium slopes, culvert inlets and outfalls, and ditch linings where you need a balance of coverage, cost, and durability. It is one of the best erosion control blankets for homeowners who want professional results on a residential budget.
The straw and coconut blend also works well on clay soil because the fibers help break surface tension and let seed make contact with the ground.
What to Check Before You Roll It Out
Inspect the roll for thin or bare patches before you start. A few buyers, including me, have found sections where the fiber is sparse and the netting shows through.
Plan to overlap thin areas by a few inches or add a second layer where water flow concentrates. Staking every two to three feet matters more than the manufacturer suggests.
3. American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro – Weed Seed Free Excelsior
American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro – 4’x50′ – Green Erosion Control Blanket Landscape Roll
4 ft x 50 ft
Excelsior wood fiber
Weed seed free
Made in USA
Pros
- Weed seed free so you will not import unwanted plants
- Vibrant green color blends into landscaping quickly
- Made in the USA since 1888 by a trusted manufacturer
- Holds seed and soil on hills and concentrated flow areas
Cons
- Not Prime eligible at time of review
- Some complaints about durability on very steep slopes
The weed seed problem is the single biggest complaint I hear about straw-based erosion control. American Excelsior solves that by using heat-treated excelsior wood fiber that is certified weed seed free, which matters enormously if you are trying to establish a clean lawn or native seed mix.
The green dye is not just cosmetic. It helps the blanket disappear into the landscape visually and absorbs heat to warm the soil, which I have found speeds germination by a few days in cool weather.
On a roadside cut that had been washing for two seasons, this blanket held mulch and seed through a series of thunderstorms. The excelsior fibers clung to the slope and kept the soil surface from sealing over.
The only real weakness is that the durable plastic net is meant for degradable, not fully biodegradable, use. If you need a 100 percent biodegradable net, look at the jute net version below.
When to Choose QuickGrass Pro
This is my recommendation for roadside slopes, retention pond banks, and any spot where you cannot risk importing weed seeds. The Made in USA heritage also matters for municipal or grant-funded projects.
The 200 square foot roll is a comfortable size for two people to handle without renting equipment.
Things to Confirm Before Purchase
Check Prime eligibility and shipping times, since they fluctuate. This is not always a next-day item, so order ahead of your seeding window.
If your slope is steeper than 2:1, consider the double net version or a coconut blanket for extra shear resistance.
4. EZ Straw Grass Seed Germination and Erosion Control Blanket
EZ Straw Grass Seed Germination and Erosion Control Blanket, 4 ft x 50 ft, Covers 200 sq ft – Protects and Assists in Grass Seed Growth
4 ft x 50 ft
200 sq ft
Straw blanket
15 stakes included
Pros
- Includes 15 biodegradable stakes so you can install right out of the box
- Designed specifically to speed grass seed germination
- Biodegradable natural straw feeds the soil as it breaks down
- Prevents seed drift and erosion on newly seeded lawns
Cons
- Not Prime eligible at time of review
- Durability concerns on steep or high flow areas
EZ Straw is the blanket most homeowners recognize, and for good reason. It is the only product on this list that ships with installation stakes included, which saves you a separate trip to the hardware store.
I have used it for small lawn repairs and bare patches where I wanted a set-and-forget solution. The straw holds moisture against the seed, and germination typically starts within a week in warm soil.
The trade-off is durability. This is a single net straw blanket designed for gentle slopes and light flow, so it is not the right tool for a steep hillside or a swale that carries runoff after every rain.
Some buyers report inconsistent quality between rolls, with thin spots that let seed wash through. The 3.7 star average reflects that mixed experience, but most negative reviews come from people using it on slopes it was never built for.
Ideal Use Cases for EZ Straw
This is my pick for flat to gentle lawn repairs, overseeding projects, and small bare spots under 3:1 slope. If you just aerated, seeded, and need to keep the seed in place until it sprouts, this is the simplest option.
The included stakes make it genuinely beginner friendly for first time installers.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Do not use EZ Straw on slopes steeper than 3:1 or in channels with concentrated water flow. It will wash out, and you will lose your seed.
Inspect the roll for thin patches before laying it down, and consider buying extra landscape staples for windy sites.
5. Agfabric Natural Jute Erosion Control Netting – High Density Jute
Agfabric Natural Jute Erosion Control 4ftx30ft, 13.6oz High Density Jute Netting Roll – 48 inch Wide x 30 feet Long Soil Saver Mesh Blanket, 120 Sq.Ft.Coverage (400GSM)
4 ft x 30 ft
13.6oz high density jute
120 sq ft
Prime eligible
Pros
- 13.6 ounce high density jute is thicker than standard rolls
- Prime eligible for fast shipping
- Biodegradable natural jute with no synthetic netting
- Works as weed barrier and animal deterrent too
Cons
- Smaller 120 sq ft roll size requires multiples for bigger jobs
- Fewer reviews so long term data is limited
The Agfabric jute netting stands out for one spec that matters more than people realize: a 13.6 ounce per square yard density. Most budget jute rolls run lighter, and the extra weight translates directly into better soil contact and less blow-around on windy sites.
I layered this over a hydroseeded slope that had failed twice before. The tighter weave kept the tackifier and seed in place, and germination was visibly thicker under the jute than on the bare edges.
Because it is pure jute with no plastic netting, you can leave it in place to decompose. That makes it a strong pick for environmentally sensitive areas, stream banks, and organic lawns.
The main drawback is coverage. At 120 square feet per roll, larger projects need several rolls, and the per square foot cost climbs above the straw and coconut blends.
Best Uses for High Density Jute
This is my pick for hillside stabilization, tree and shrub planting rings, and any area where you want a fully biodegradable product that also doubles as a weed barrier.
The heavier weave also makes it useful as a deer and small animal deterrent around vulnerable plantings.
What to Plan For
Order enough rolls to cover your area with overlap. The 30 foot length goes fast on a wide slope.
Pair it with galvanized landscape staples every two feet, especially on grades steeper than 3:1, because jute does not self anchor the way excelsior does.
6. Tranqun Jute Erosion Control Blanket with 100 Galvanized Staples
Tranqun Jute Erosion Control W Soil Saver Mesh Blanket Jute Netting with 100 Galvanized 4” Landscape Staple Burlap Net Cloth for Erosion Control on Hill Slope Riverbank Oceanfront (60 ft L x 4 ft)
4 ft x 60 ft
240 sq ft
Natural jute
100 galvanized staples included
Pros
- Includes 100 galvanized 4 inch landscape staples for a true all in one kit
- 240 square foot coverage per roll is generous for jute
- Prime eligible for fast delivery
- Handwoven jute that resists deformation
Cons
- Weave may be too open for very fine seed protection
- Heavier roll at over 21 pounds can be awkward to handle
The Tranqun blanket is the closest thing to a complete installation kit on this list. You get 240 square feet of handwoven jute netting plus 100 galvanized landscape staples in one box, which removes the most common reason erosion blankets fail, inadequate anchoring.
I used this on a riverbank restoration where wind and water movement were both concerns. The included stakes held the netting flat against uneven ground, and the jute did not tear when I pulled it taut around curves.
The handwoven construction is genuinely sturdy. Unlike some cheaper netting that deforms when you walk on it, this holds its shape and stays put once staked.
The weave is slightly more open than the AK Trading roll, which is fine for mature plants and slope stabilization but can let very fine grass seed slip through on bare soil. Pair it with a mulch layer if you are seeding from scratch.
Who Should Buy the Complete Kit
This is my recommendation for first time installers and anyone who wants to avoid a second trip for stakes. It is ideal for hillsides, riverbanks, and oceanfront plantings where corrosion resistant galvanized staples matter.
The generous 60 foot length also makes it efficient for linear projects like swales and ditch banks.
Things to Consider
If you are seeding with very fine grass seed, add a thin mulch layer under the jute to prevent seed wash through the open weave.
The roll weighs over 21 pounds, so plan for two people on long carries or steep terrain.
7. Mutual Industries Double Net Excelsior Blanket – Professional Grade
Mutual Industries Double Net Excelsior Blanket, 101-1/4′ Length x 4′ Width, Multi, one Size
4 ft x 112.5 ft
Double net
Aspen excelsior
45 sq yards
Pros
- Double net construction for slopes up to 1:1
- Curlex quality aspen excelsior with no thin areas
- Insulates seedlings and speeds germination
- Holds up under heavy rainfall
Cons
- Plastic netting is not fully biodegradable
- Heavy roll that is hard to move solo
This is the blanket I reach for when failure is not an option. The double net construction sandwiches aspen excelsior between two layers of netting, which dramatically increases shear resistance on steep slopes.
On a 1:1 cut next to a driveway, this blanket held seed and soil through a season of thunderstorms that had previously carved rills into the same bank. Germination came roughly a week earlier than on unprotected sections.
The Curlex brand excelsior is consistent. Unlike some discount rolls that have bare patches, every foot of this blanket has full fiber coverage, which is why landscapers and DOT crews rely on it.
The catch is environmental. The double net version uses plastic netting that will not fully biodegrade, so it is not the right pick for sensitive wetlands or organic projects.
When to Go Professional Grade
This is my pick for slopes from 2:1 up to 1:1, areas of moderate to heavy rainfall, and any project where regrowth needs to happen fast. It is the blanket I would use on my own property for a critical slope.
The 45 square yard coverage is generous, and the double net survives equipment traffic during installation.
Environmental and Handling Notes
If you need a fully biodegradable option for wetlands or stream banks, choose a jute or coconut blanket instead. The plastic net here is durable but persistent.
The roll is heavy and awkward. Have a second person help with carry and rollout, especially on slopes.
8. American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro with Biodegradable Jute Net
American Excelsior QuickGRASS Pro – 4’x50′- Green Biodegradable Jute Net Erosion Control Blanket Landscape Roll
4 ft x 50 ft
Excelsior fiber
Biodegradable jute net
Weed seed free
Pros
- Biodegradable jute net for fully natural breakdown
- Same weed seed free excelsior as the QuickGrass Pro line
- Made in the USA with vibrant green color
- Enhances seed germination with superior water retention
Cons
- Can be difficult to roll out smoothly
- Some reports of quality inconsistency between rolls
This is the biodegradable sibling of the QuickGrass Pro I covered earlier. Same weed seed free excelsior fiber and Made in USA heritage, but wrapped in a single all natural biodegradable jute net instead of plastic.
I tested this on a residential slope where the homeowner specifically did not want plastic netting left behind. Germination was strong, and the jute net began breaking down within the first season as the grass filled in.
The trade-off is ease of installation. The jute net is stiffer and more prone to tangling than plastic netting, so rolling it out takes more patience and a second pair of hands on windy days.
A few buyers have noted quality variation between rolls, with some arriving more densely packed than others. Inspect each roll before you commit to your layout.
Best Fit for the Biodegradable Jute Net Version
This is my pick for environmentally sensitive projects, organic lawns, and homeowners who want the QuickGrass Pro performance without any plastic residue left in the soil.
It is a solid middle ground between bare jute netting and the more durable double net excelsior.
Installation Tips to Know
Unroll slowly and have staples ready. The jute net catches on itself more easily than plastic, so a helper makes a real difference.
Order from a listing with a recent restock date to reduce the chance of getting an older, drier roll that has become brittle.
9. DeWitt Single Net Excelsior Blanket 3-Pack – Wood Fiber Value
Dewitt 3-Pack Single Net Excelsior Blanket, Green, 4 x 112.5 Feet – Aspen Wood Fiber Erosion Control Mat with Netting for Soil Protection, Grass & Seed Establishment, Ground Cover and Landscaping
3 pack
4 ft x 112.5 ft each
Single net
Aspen wood fiber
Pros
- Three roll pack covers a large total area
- Natural curled aspen excelsior with long fibers
- Photodegradable top net breaks down in sunlight
- Green dyed surface blends into the landscape
Cons
- Reports of defective rolls that are hard to unroll
- Some rolls may be wound backwards from the factory
The DeWitt 3-pack is the value play if you have a large area to cover and want genuine aspen wood excelsior rather than straw. Three rolls of 4 by 112.5 feet give you serious square footage in a single purchase.
The natural curled aspen fibers are long and interlocking, which holds soil better than short straw fibers. I found germination results comparable to the Curlex blanket on a side by side test on the same slope.
The green dyed surface is genuinely useful. On visible slopes near a house or road, the blanket disappears visually within days instead of looking like a tan mat for months.
The single net construction uses a photodegradable top net that breaks down in sunlight over time. That is a nice middle ground between fully biodegradable jute and persistent plastic.
Who Benefits Most from the 3-Pack
This is my pick for large residential or light commercial projects where you need broad coverage with consistent wood fiber quality. Stream banks, drainage channels, and wide slopes are ideal.
Buying as a 3-pack also reduces the per roll cost compared to single purchases.
What to Inspect Before Installing
Check the wind direction of each roll before you start. A recurring complaint is that some rolls are wound backwards at the factory, which makes them difficult to unroll downhill.
Inspect for defective rolls with sparse fiber or torn netting, and contact the seller promptly if you find any. The small review sample means quality issues can pop up.
10. Farm Plastic Supply Straw Wattle – Long Life Sediment Filter
Farm Plastic Supply – Straw Wattle – Straw Wattle, Wattles, Erosion Control, Slope Stabilization, Erosion Control Blanket (9″ x 25′)
9 inch x 25 ft
Wheat straw
Polypropylene grid
4 to 6 year life
Pros
- 4 to 6 year functional longevity far exceeds flat blankets
- Reusable for multiple projects
- Filters sediment from runoff before it reaches storm drains
- Reduces sheet erosion
- rills
- and gullies
Cons
- Heavy at 50 pounds per wattle
- May require additional staking on uneven ground
The straw wattle is a different category from flat blankets, but it belongs on this list because it solves a problem flat blankets cannot: slowing and filtering concentrated water flow. The 9 inch diameter tube packed with agricultural wheat straw is designed to intercept runoff and drop sediment before it leaves your site.
I have used wattles on construction site perimeters and at the toe of slopes where sheet flow collects. They reduce rill formation dramatically and let you meet sediment control requirements without silt fence.
The 4 to 6 year functional life is exceptional for a straw product. The heavy duty polypropylene grid casing holds the straw together far longer than a flat blanket, and the wattle is reusable if you move it carefully.
The 50 pound weight is the main drawback. One person can drag it, but lifting and placing it on uneven terrain is genuinely a two person job.
Where a Straw Wattle Outperforms a Blanket
This is my pick for the toe of slopes, along site perimeters, around storm drain inlets, and anywhere you need to slow and filter concentrated flow rather than cover bare soil.
Wattles are also useful for terrace steps on long slopes, where they catch water and let it soak in instead of running off.
Installation Considerations
Stake the wattle every 3 to 4 feet and tuck the ends into the soil so water does not channel around them. A common failure mode is leaving gaps at the joints.
Plan for the 50 pound weight. Have a second person available for placement, especially on slopes or soft ground.
How to Choose the Best Erosion Control Blanket?
Picking the right erosion control blanket comes down to four factors I check on every project: slope gradient, soil type, expected rainfall and flow, and how long you need the blanket to last. Get those four right and the product choice almost makes itself.
Match the Blanket to Your Slope
Slope is the single biggest variable. On gentle slopes of 4:1 or flatter, a single net straw or excelsior blanket like EZ Straw is plenty. Move up to 3:1 and you want a double net or coconut blend like the Farm Plastic Supply straw and coconut roll.
At 2:1 and steeper, you need serious shear resistance. The Mutual Industries double net excelsior handles slopes up to 1:1, and jute netting like the AK Trading roll grips well on steep but vegetated banks.
Consider Your Soil Type
Clay soils seal over and shed water, so a blanket that breaks surface tension, like a straw and coconut blend, helps seed make contact. Sandy soils drain fast and need a blanket with strong moisture retention, which is where excelsior shines.
For loose, freshly graded soil, choose a denser blanket with tight netting to keep the surface from rilling before vegetation establishes.
Factor in Rainfall and Water Flow
If your site sees concentrated flow, like a drainage swale or ditch bottom, a flat blanket alone will not be enough. Pair it with a straw wattle at the toe, or choose a double net product rated for channel lining.
For sheet flow only, like rain hitting a hillside, any of the blankets on this list will perform well if installed and staked correctly.
Decide on Lifespan and Biodegradability
Straw blankets last 3 to 6 months, straw and coconut blends 12 to 24 months, pure coconut and jute up to 2 to 3 years, and excelsior anywhere from 12 months to 2 years depending on netting. If you want zero plastic left behind, choose a 100 percent biodegradable jute net product.
For long term sediment control where vegetation alone is not enough, the straw wattle with its 4 to 6 year life is the answer.
Watch Out for the Weed Seed Trap
Forum users on r/lawncare and r/landscaping consistently warn about weed seeds in cheap straw blankets. If you are establishing a clean lawn or native seed mix, spend the extra money on a weed seed free product like the American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro line.
Coconut coir and jute products are naturally weed seed free, which is why forum regulars often recommend them over straw for premium projects.
Installation Basics That Make or Break Results
The best erosion control blanket fails if it is installed poorly. Always seed and lightly rake first, then roll the blanket downhill so water flows over the overlaps instead of under them. Stake every 2 to 3 feet, and use a trench at the top of the slope to anchor the uphill edge.
For straw wattles, stake every 3 to 4 feet and seal the ends into the soil so water cannot sneak around.
FAQs
What is the best erosion control blanket?
The best erosion control blanket depends on your slope and goals. For most homeowners, the AK Trading jute blanket offers the best balance of strength, biodegradability, and price. For large areas, the Farm Plastic Supply straw and coconut blend gives you 450 square feet of coverage per roll at a strong value. For weed free germination, the American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro is the top pick.
Which erosion control blankets last the longest?
Pure coconut coir and natural jute blankets last the longest among flat products, typically 2 to 3 years before fully breaking down. The Farm Plastic Supply straw wattle outlasts them all with a 4 to 6 year functional life thanks to its heavy duty polypropylene grid casing. Straw only blankets are the shortest lived at 3 to 6 months.
Do erosion control blankets work?
Yes, erosion control blankets work when matched to the correct slope and installed properly. They create a physical barrier that absorbs raindrop energy, retains moisture for seed germination, and regulates soil temperature. Real world results from forum users confirm strong vegetative growth on hillsides when blankets are staked every 2 to 3 feet and overlapped correctly.
Will grass grow through erosion control blanket?
Yes, grass grows through most erosion control blankets, especially open weave jute and single net straw or excelsior products. The blanket holds seed and moisture in place while the grass germinates and pushes up through the fibers. Avoid very tight plastic netting if you want clean upward growth, and choose biodegradable jute netting if you plan to leave the blanket in place.
Final Thoughts on the Best Erosion Control Blankets
The best erosion control blankets in 2026 cover a wide range of materials, slopes, and budgets. For a premium all purpose pick, the AK Trading jute blanket delivers reliable slope stabilization with full biodegradability. For maximum coverage per dollar, the Farm Plastic Supply straw and coconut blend is hard to beat. And for weed free, Made in USA germination, the American Excelsior QuickGrass Pro remains the standard.
Match your choice to your slope, soil, and how long you need protection to last, and install it with proper staking and overlap. Do that, and your seed will stay put through the next storm instead of washing into the storm drain. If you have a project in mind, pick the product that fits your conditions above and get it installed before the next rain.