Jute matting and more – why use it and what’s the best approach to installation

Jute matting and other matting products are staples for those working in landscaping, environmental restoration and more. 

Discover why particular products are chosen and the best way to install. 

In this article, you will explore:

// The reasons for jute matting to be selected for a project, as well as the use cases for other matting products

// How to install jute matting using a staple gun

// Essential tips and maintenance and user advice for staple guns

If you are not in the mood to read, you can also watch this content in the video below!

 

🌱 Why Choose Jute Matting?

Jute is a 100% plant-based, biodegradable fibre that grows quickly and absorbs carbon while promoting healthy soil. Its natural benefits make it a smart choice for sustainable landscaping and restoration projects.

Jute matting is commonly used for:

  • Soil stabilisation
  • Weed suppression
  • Erosion control
  • Assisting plant establishment

It’s designed to break down naturally over time, leaving behind healthy, stabilised soil.

🔍 Which Jute Matting Is Right for You?

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of matting available at Arborgreen:

Pre-Slitted 770 GSM Jute Matting (4 or 6 slits per m2)

  • Best for: Large-scale planting projects that require erosion control or weed suppression, for example along creek beds.

  • Why it works: Pre-cut slits allow for easy planting without needing to slice into the mat, saving time and reducing safety risks.

  • Weight: Heavy-duty (770 grams per square metre) – ideal for sloped or erosion-prone areas. The high quality gsm enhances durability and longevity and allows for foot traffic.

  • Sustainably packaged: Delivered in biodegradable hessian bags with handles for easy on-site handling. This also reduces labour as all parts of the product can biodegrade on site. (currently only 6 slit is available as hessian wrapped)

Available products: SureJute Mat, 770gsm, 6 slit or SureJute Mat, 770gsm, 4 slit

Plain 770 GSM Jute Matting (Non-slitted)

  • Best for: Customised planting or weed/erosion control without planting.

  • Why it works: It offers more flexibility to cut your own holes for irregular planting layouts or to cover areas with no plantings at all.

  • Strength: Same heavy-duty material for long-term soil retention and stabilisation.

  • Water wise: Both slitted and non-slitted jute can help make better use of on-site water or irrigation, as they help retain soil moisture.

Available products: SureJute Mat, 770gsm, non-slit

Jute Matting (Open Weave Mesh)

  • Best for: Areas where water infiltration and air flow are important. You will often see products like this used on sand dunes or in places with high wind erosion, such as mine rehabilitation sites. 

  • Why it works: The open weave helps prevent wind scouring effects – this decreases erosion while plant cover and root systems are establishing. 

Available products: SureJute Mesh 500gsm Soil Saver

Coir Mesh Matting

  • Best for: High-moisture, tropical, or coastal sites.

  • Why it works: Made from coconut fibres, coir is naturally resistant to rot and lasts longer in damp conditions. Great for sand dunes, shorelines, and waterways.

  • Bonus: Adds an aesthetic, natural look while supporting vegetation growth. Coir is also another highly sustainable and biodegradable option.

Available products: EKO Coir Mesh, 400gsm, EKO Coir Mesh, 700gsm, EKO Coir Mesh, 900gsm

⚙️ Why Use a Staple Wasp for matting installation?

In their video demo, Cody and Tristan put the Staple Wasp staple gun head-to-head with manual pinning—and the results spoke for themselves. The Wasp made installation:

  • 🔧 Faster
  • 👷 Safer
  • 💪 Less physically demanding

With pre-loaded 150mm pins and ergonomic design, it’s a must-have for large matting projects. Plus, with proper maintenance (like daily lubrication), it’s built to last.

Staple guns like the Staple Wasp are a smart investment for anyone laying a significant amount of matting. They’re compatible with a wide variety of materials, including:

  • Jute mats (slitted or non-slitted)
  • Coir or jute mesh
  • Other landscaping fabrics

To get the most out of your Staple Wasp gun, Cody recommends these three key stages of care:

1. Initial Setup

  • Lubricate the tool before first use
  • Load pins correctly and watch for pinch points

2. Continual Maintenance

  • Reapply lubricant to moving parts throughout the day
  • Use a silicone-based lubricant for best performance

3. End-of-Day Inspection

  • Check and tighten any loose screws or nuts
  • Apply a final layer of lubricant to keep the tool ready for next use

Regular upkeep not only extends the tool’s life—it keeps your workflow smooth and safe on-site.

Check out the video, for a visual demo.

 

🛠️ Quick Tips for Success:

  • Always match your matting to the site conditions (slope, rainfall, plant type).

  • Pin securely around the edges and through the centre to avoid lift.

  • Perform daily maintenance on your tools—check fastenings and lubricate for a smooth workflow.

In Conclusion!

Whether you’re stabilising soil on a new site, preventing erosion near waterways, or planting into sloped landscapes, we’ve got a jute or coir option that’s right for you.

👉 Explore our erosion control range
👉 Watch the demo video here
👉 Contact our team for expert advice