When it comes to protecting disturbed soils, controlling runoff, and supporting vegetation establishment, excelsior fiber blankets are one of the most reliable solutions in the erosion control industry. At MKB Company, we proudly offer a full range of American-made excelsior blankets through our ErosionTech product line. These blankets combine time-tested natural materials with field-proven performance to deliver stability and sustainability across a wide variety of projects.
Application Overview
Excelsior Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) serve as a practical, natural solution for stabilizing disturbed land and promoting healthy vegetation growth in erosion-prone areas. These blankets are particularly useful on exposed soils, where rainfall, wind, and surface runoff threaten to displace topsoil and disrupt germination.
Whether used on freshly graded slopes, roadside embankments, construction sites, or restoration zones, ECBs provide a protective barrier that slows water flow, anchors seeds in place, and fosters the reestablishment of native vegetation. Their rolled format allows for easy deployment over uneven terrain, making them ideal for rapid response after land disturbance.
In addition to their role in erosion control, these blankets help regulate moisture levels, reduce surface crusting, and shield emerging plants from harsh environmental conditions. They’re widely applied during infrastructure development, landscaping, reforestation efforts, and any project involving bare or highly erodible soils.
By combining soil protection with plant-supportive features, excelsior blankets help bridge the gap between short-term site stability and long-term ecological restoration.
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What Are Excelsior Blankets?
Excelsior blankets, also known as wood fiber erosion control blankets, are natural matting systems engineered to reduce soil erosion, manage stormwater runoff, and encourage healthy vegetation growth. Made from 100% curled wood excelsior fiber, these blankets are stitched together with either photodegradable or biodegradable netting to form a stable erosion control matrix.
Once installed, excelsior blankets help anchor soil in place while reducing the speed and impact of rainwater and surface flow. This protects against washouts and sediment displacement, especially in vulnerable locations like embankments, hillsides, drainage channels, and disturbed construction zones. The porous structure of the fiber also retains moisture, creating a microenvironment that improves seed-to-soil contact and accelerates germination.
These blankets are widely used in DOT projects, commercial landscaping, ecological restoration, and stormwater management systems. Their biodegradable composition makes them an environmentally responsible choice for projects seeking to meet sustainability goals, LEED credits, or natural resource permitting requirements.
MKB's Excelsior Blanket Options
ETX-1: Single Net Protection
ETX-1 features 100% curled excelsior fiber stitched to a single photodegradable net on top. Designed for short- to medium-term stabilization, this blanket offers up to 12 months of effective protection depending on site conditions. It’s available in 8-foot or 16-foot widths with various lengths for project flexibility.
ETX-2: Enhanced Double Netting
For added strength and durability, ETX-2 includes photodegradable netting on both the top and bottom. This dual-net configuration makes it well-suited for steeper slopes, high-flow channels, or areas where added reinforcement is critical. Like ETX-1, ETX-2 offers up to 12 months of field life depending on climate and soil conditions.
ETX-2-BN: Fully Biodegradable Solution
If your project requires a natural, environmentally conscious approach, ETX-2-BN provides the same structure and protection as ETX-2 but with biodegradable netting instead of photodegradable material. This ensures the entire blanket breaks down naturally over time without leaving synthetic residue behind.
Benefits of Excelsior Fiber Blankets
Excelsior fiber blankets offer a powerful combination of natural performance, ease of use, and environmental responsibility—making them a preferred erosion control solution across industries like construction, stormwater management, landscaping, and DOT work. Benefits include:
- Natural Material: Crafted from 100% curled wood fiber, excelsior blankets use sustainable raw materials that blend seamlessly into the environment while supporting green infrastructure goals.
- Immediate Erosion Control: These blankets provide instant surface protection upon installation, reducing soil loss from wind, water, and heavy rainfall. Ideal for freshly disturbed areas, they offer rapid stabilization.
- Moisture Retention and Seed Support: The fiber matrix retains moisture while shielding young seedlings, promoting faster and more consistent germination in seeding and hydroseeding applications.
- Time and Labor Savings: Supplied in large-format rolls, excelsior blankets are quick to deploy and conform easily to uneven or sloped surfaces—helping crews save time on site preparation and installation.
- American-Made Quality: Manufactured in the USA, these blankets meet rigorous quality standards and support local sourcing for infrastructure and environmental projects.
With their balance of performance, sustainability, and simplicity, excelsior fiber blankets help contractors and land managers meet erosion control requirements while improving project outcomes and long-term vegetation success.
Choose the Right Blanket for Your Site
Each erosion control blanket has unique advantages based on your site’s slope, soil, hydrology, and vegetation goals. Whether you’re working on roadside restoration, streambank stabilization, or commercial landscaping, MKB Company offers the right product and guidance to ensure success.
Need help choosing the right erosion control solution? Contact MKB Company today to get expert support and product specifications for your next project.
Register for Our Lunch and Learn Session
Ready to deepen your understanding of inlet protection and explore the latest trends and innovations in the field? Register for a virtual Lunch and Learn session, where industry experts will share valuable insights, practical tips, and real-world case studies. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, earn professional development hours, and connect with peers in the industry. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards mastering the art of inlet protection.
