Netting for Grass Seed

Grass seed netting -- a valuable tool to protect newly planted grass seeds -- acts as a stabilization barrier. These barriers, considered rolled erosion control products can be made from natural fibers or synthetic materials. Netting plays a vital role in successful seed germination beside lakes and canals, and in windy regions.

Jute Matting

Biodegradable jute twine is an efficient form of grass netting and can stand up to most environmental planting areas with continued water flow. Jute matting decomposes naturally through high winds over time. It is often used to help establish the grass seed through germination until seedling growth.

Straw Fiber Netting

Fiber mulch blankets are bonded with straw to create longer-lasting grass seed netting. They provide protection from soil erosion and give plants the opportunity and time to successfully establish themselves within the soil.

Open Area Netting

There are three classes of open-area netting. Type A netting has larger areas that allow seeds to be planted before and after installation. It is generally made with at least 65 percent open area and gives room for seedlings to grow beyond germination.

Type B netting is applied after the seeds have been planted within the soil and needs at least 50 percent open area for classification.

Type C netting has an open area of 39 percent and is applied after seedlings break through the soil.

Selection of Grass Seed

It is important to choose a good grass species that has already been proven to adapt to the growing location. Perennials with thick roots are a good option for most gardeners and can help hold soil in place against erosion near waterways. Varieties like Bermuda grass, love grass and scarified bahia grass are all popular examples of this.

Considerations

Gardeners must have a good understanding of the environmental climate of the region where the grass is being planted to decide which seed net would best meet their requirements. These areas should be free of slopes and easy to access; otherwise the effectiveness of the netting will be dramatically lost. Also, take into account estimated costs for repair in case soil erosion does damage the nearby areas.