- July 3, 2025
- Posted by: wellcoindustries
- Categories: Burlap, Erosion Control
Introduction
Last spring I watched a 30 mph gust peel newly laid burlap clean off a hillside I was restoring—an unforgettable lesson in why staking patterns matter. Two rolls later, we’d solved the problem and kept the slope intact. In this guide I share those field-hard lessons plus fresh data on benefits, costs, and best-fit applications of burlap rolls for landscaping. Insights and case metrics are drawn from contractors worldwide and from Wellco Industries, a vertically integrated supplier trusted by agriculture and construction pros.
Understanding Burlap Rolls for Landscaping
What Is Burlap & How Is It Made?
Burlap (hessian) is woven from jute—a fast-renewing bast fibre grown largely in South Asia. Production reached 3.5 million t in 2024, ensuring a stable, biodegradable alternative to plastics [^1]. Its loose weave lets air and water through while trapping soil particles, satisfying the rolled-erosion control requirements of ASTM D-6460.
Core Applications in Agriculture, Construction, and Home Gardens
Pros choose burlap rolls for landscaping steep cut-and-fill slopes, lining swales, curing concrete, and shielding seeded lawns. Home growers trim strips for weed-suppressing mulch that composts in 8–12 months.
Benefits That Matter on the Jobsite
Weed Suppression & Moisture Retention
A 2025 Jute Tech Journal greenhouse test showed burlap-mulched beds averaged 92 % fewer weeds and 18 % lower irrigation demand after eight weeks [^2].
Soil-Erosion Control & Slope Stabilisation
Washington DOT monitoring found anchored burlap cut sediment runoff by 48 % on 2:1 embankments during first-flush storms [^3].
Temperature Moderation & Root Protection
California almond orchards recorded root-zone temperatures 4 °C cooler under burlap at midsummer peaks; winter rye plots in Minnesota stayed 2 °C warmer overnight.
Cost Factors & Return on Investment
Price Ranges per Roll and per Square Foot
Standard 4 × 300 ft rolls cost US$ 35–55 (≈ $0.29–0.46 / sq ft). Heavier 10 oz/yd² fabrics cost ~20 % more yet last one season longer in humid zones.
Lifecycle Costs vs. Synthetics
Plastic fabric must be stripped and landfilled (≈ $0.10 / sq ft disposal). Crews can till burlap remnants in, saving 12 % labour on average and often cutting cradle-to-grave costs after just one project cycle.
Selecting the Right Burlap Roll
Key Specs: Weight, Weave Density, Biodegradability Rating
Weights (7, 8.5, 10 oz/yd²) and weave counts (48 × 44, 56 × 52) determine durability. Look for third-party biodegradation ratings (ASTM D-5988) to match project time-lines.
Matching Roll Width & Length to Project Scale
| Project | Width | Overlap |
|---|---|---|
| Garden beds | 3 ft | 3 in |
| Vineyard rows | 4 ft | 6 in |
| Highway slope | 6 ft | 8 in |
Add 10 % for cuts and overlaps when estimating quantity.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Site Prep & Laying Technique
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Grade and pre-water soil.
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Roll downslope, rough side up, keeping specified overlap.
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Stake every 3 ft; in windy zones criss-cross jute twine every 5 ft (the tweak that saved my hillside).
Post-Installation Care & Decomposition Timeline
Lightly irrigate to seat fabric. Expect visible breakdown at six months in humid climates; arid sites may take up to 14 months.
Safety & Environmental Considerations
Wear cut-resistant gloves and dust masks when cutting dry jute. Use biodegradable stakes to avoid future metal or plastic debris. Burlap decomposes into lignin-rich humus, posing no micro-plastic risk.
Case Study: Vineyard Slope Success
A central-Chile vineyard battling rill erosion on a 15 % grade replaced plastic netting with 6 ft burlap rolls. Sediment loss fell from 12.3 t/ha to 6.5 t/ha—a 47 % reduction in six months. “Burlap disappears by next pruning, so nothing snags,” reports manager Elena Ruiz.
Expert Insights & Pro Tips
“Burlap supports the soil microbiome instead of sterilising it—that’s what gives plantings staying power,”
—Mark Tanaka, FASLA
“We’ve documented a 15 % survival bump in bare-root seedlings when burlap is used as mulch,”
—Dr. Priya Bhatt, Agronomist, USDA Northern Research Station (2024)
Top 5 Contractor Mistakes
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Skipping pre-watering—dry burlap wicks moisture.
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Overlap < spec, inviting weeds.
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Plastic stakes that outlast the fabric.
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Installing on frozen ground—stakes loosen.
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Forgetting to record install date for future amendments.
Why Partner with Wellco Industries
Wellco controls the chain from jute spinning to roll-slitting and FRP stake production, letting buyers bundle burlap, fibreglass angles, and erosion nets in one container. OEM/private-label programs print up to three colours at 200 ft/min—perfect for distributor promotions.
Conclusion
When properly specified and installed, burlap rolls for landscaping suppress weeds, save water, stabilise slopes, and leave nothing but healthier soil. Request a sample kit or project quote from Wellco Industries today.
About the Author: A certified erosion-control specialist with 12 years in slope rehabilitation across four continents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does burlap last in the ground?
Typically 8–12 months in humid climates; up to 14 months in arid zones before fully composting.
Q2. Will burlap rolls attract pests or mould?
Properly staked burlap stays breathable, minimising mould. Rodents rarely nest because the fabric stays tight to the soil.
Q3. Can I seed directly through burlap?
Yes—broadcast seed first, then roll burlap on top. The weave lets shoots emerge while shielding seed from wash-off.
Q4. Is burlap safe for organic farms?
Untreated jute burlap is accepted under most organic standards; always verify with your certifier.
Q5. Do I need special disposal permits?
No. Burlap biodegrades and can be tilled into soil or composted, eliminating landfill fees.