Laying jute ground cloth on a slope is done by first preparing the ground properly, then unrolling the cloth from top to bottom and securing it with pins or staples. Start at the top of the slope and work downward, with sufficient overlap between strips. Secure the canvas every 0.5-1 meter with special ground pegs, with additional fasteners at the top and bottom of the slope. For optimal erosion protection, the fabric should make good contact with the soil everywhere.

Why is jute ground cloth ideal for slopes?

Jute ground cloth is perfect for slope application because it has excellent erosion protection properties. The material traps rainwater and slows the rate of flow, preventing soil leaching while allowing water to seep through. The open structure of burlap allows young plants to grow through it, providing natural reinforcement to the slope over time.

Unlike synthetic alternatives, jute ground cloth is completely biodegradable. It gradually decays (usually within 1-2 years, depending on conditions) and is absorbed into the soil. As a result, you don't have to remove it later and no microplastics remain in the soil. It also stimulates vegetation growth by retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.

Jute ground cloth can be used on slopes up to 35° and provides protection against surface erosion at embankments in natural areas, along waterways and in infrastructure projects. Its natural appearance also makes it aesthetically pleasing for sight locations.

What materials do you need to construct jute ground cloth?

To install burlap ground cloth on a slope, you need these essential materials:

• Burlap ground cloth (preferably in the right size for your project)
• Fasteners: U-shaped ground pins or wooden/metal staples (about 6-10 per square meter for steep slopes)
• Sharp cutting tools (stanley knife or sharp scissors)
• Tape measure or tape measure
• Hammer or rubber mallet for hammering in the pins
• Gloves (burlap can be rough to the touch)

Additional materials may be required depending on specific terrain conditions:

• Leveling tool (rake or shovel) for substrate preparation
• Seed mixture for possible sowing after installation
• Additional mounting hardware for very steep slopes or erosion-prone areas
• Level or inclinometer to determine gradient

Make sure you have enough burlap ground cloth for the entire slope, including extra material for overlap between courses (at least 10-15 cm).

How to prepare the slope for the installation of burlap ground cloth?

Careful preparation of the slope is essential for successful installation of burlap ground cloth. Start by removing all major obstacles such as rocks, branches, tree roots and weeds. These can damage the canvas or create irregularities and air spaces under the material.

Next, level the slope as best you can. Fill any holes or slumps with soil and remove protruding parts. A level surface ensures that the burlap ground cloth makes good contact with the soil everywhere, which is essential for effective erosion control.

Assess the slope to determine the proper installation method:

• For slight slopes (0-15°): standard installation with normal amount of fixing points
• For medium slopes (15-25°): shorter distance between mounting points
• For steep slopes (25-35°): maximum amount of attachment points and additional anchoring at the top if necessary

On very long slopes, it may be wise to dig horizontal trenches halfway down to regulate water drainage. These prevent excessive water pressure on the canvas during heavy rain.

What is the proper technique for rolling out and attaching burlap ground cloth?

When rolling out and attaching burlap ground cloth, direction is crucial. Always start at the top of the slope and work downward. This prevents water from running under the canvas and creates a natural overlap that drains water instead of collecting it.

Roll out the first part of the cloth at the top of the slope, with about 30-50 cm of extra material falling over the top. Dig a small trench (15-20 cm deep) at the top and fold the extra material into it. Backfill the trench with soil and pound it for extra strength.

First attach the canvas at the top with pegs or staples spaced about 30 cm apart. Then roll out the cloth further across the slope and secure it with pegs in a grid pattern:

• On gentle slopes: one attachment point approximately every meter
• On medium slopes: every 50-75 cm
• On steep slopes: every 30-50 cm

When laying several strips side by side, provide an overlap of at least 15 cm between the strips. Place additional attachment points in these overlapping sections. Be careful to keep the fabric taut while rolling out, but avoid excessive tension that can damage the material. The fabric should make good contact with the substrate everywhere without folds or air bubbles.

How do you deal with obstacles and irregular slopes?

Obstacles and irregular slopes require modified techniques when laying burlap ground cloth. For trees or poles, you can carefully cut the cloth to size by making a Y-shaped incision from the edge toward the obstacle. Place the cut flaps around the tree or post and secure them with additional pegs close to the obstacle.

In rocky or very uneven terrain:

• Work in smaller sections rather than long lanes
• Use more attachment points around irregularities
• Where possible, fill larger holes with soil before laying the canvas
• Consider cutting the canvas to size first for complex shapes

For very steep sections (more than 30°), it is advisable to first apply additional reinforcement in the form of horizontal wooden slats or bamboo sticks anchored in the ground. The burlap ground cloth can then be applied over this reinforcement for additional stability.

At water drains or gullies in the slope, the fabric should follow its natural shape. Here, provide additional attachment points on both sides of the gully and at its bottom to prevent water from flowing under the fabric.

When do you choose jute ground cloth over synthetic alternatives?

Jute ground cloth is the sustainable choice when working on temporary erosion protection or in ecologically sensitive areas. Unlike synthetic materials, jute is 100% biodegradable and leaves no harmful residues or microplastics in the soil. This makes it ideal for nature development projects, landscape restoration and sites where a natural look is important.

Choose jute ground cloth when:

• The project requires temporary erosion protection (1-2 years)
• You want vegetation to grow through the material
• The site is in a nature reserve or ecologically sensitive area
• Disposal of the material after use is inconvenient or undesirable
• The project's carbon footprint must be minimized

Synthetic alternatives may be more suitable when a very long service life (5+ years) is required, for structures that must remain permanent, or for extreme loads such as heavy hydraulic applications. However, for most embankments and slopes in GWW projects, jute offers an effective and environmentally friendly solution.

How do you maintain burlap ground cloth after installation on a slope?

Maintenance of jute ground cloth after installation consists mainly of regular inspection, especially after periods of heavy rainfall. Check that the cloth still fits properly to the substrate and that there is no erosion at the edges or at overlaps.

In case of damage or detached parts:

• Small cracks: repair them by placing a new piece of burlap ground cloth over the damaged section with at least 20 cm overlap on all sides
• Loose fasteners: install new pins or staples as needed
• Washed-out areas: backfill with soil and reattach the canvas

After heavy rainfall, accumulation of sediment on the fabric may occur. This is usually not a problem and may even contribute to faster integration with the environment. Remove sediment only if it is so thick that it hinders the growth of vegetation or creates additional weight that can damage the canvas.

As vegetation begins to grow through the burlap ground cloth, maintenance will become less and less necessary. The roots of the plants gradually take over the function of erosion protection. Precisely this natural integration is one of the great advantages of jute as a material.

At TEFAB, we are happy to help you with advice on the proper application of jute ground cloth for your specific project. Our specialists can provide you with technical specifications and installation tips perfectly suited to your situation.

Curious about what we can do? Contact us at +31 (0)162 455 515 or sales@tefab.nl