Basically, an embankment mat is indispensable if you are aiming for a garden pond that is as natural as possible. It covers the unattractive pond liner and also offers good protection against erosion. Find out what to look out for when buying a shore mat!
Embankment mats protect the slope from erosion
Our recommendations
our recommendation
vidaXL embankment mat coconut 1x20m pond liner shore mat coconut mat coconut fabric
94.30 EUR To the product| material | coconut fibers |
|---|---|
| thickness | 1 cm |
| mesh size | unknown |
| basis weight | unknown |
| Meter goods vs. cut | sold by the metre |
| Dimensions (WxL) | 1 x 20m |
The vidaXL embankment mat is made from coconut fibers and is 100 percent biodegradable. It acts as a natural solution for effective protection against erosion around the garden pond or stream and is considered to be very robust and tear-resistant. The reviewers on Amazon are impressed with this shore mat. Some describe them as stable and flexible at the same time, which also allows for effortless cutting. The price-performance ratio should also be good.
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NOOR erosion protection mat 1.22 x 50m 250 g/m² I Biodegradable jute net for plants I Chemical-free embankment mat I For use on slopes
86.94 EUR To the product| material | jute |
|---|---|
| thickness | 1 cm |
| mesh size | 1*1cm |
| basis weight | 250gsm |
| Meter goods vs. cut | sold by the metre |
| Dimensions (WxL) | 1.22x50m |
The NOOR anti-erosion mat is made of jute and is only treated with vegetable oils, as the manufacturer assures. Accordingly, this mat can be used without hesitation. After decomposition, the material acts as a chemical-free fertilizer - handy. For the majority of Amazon reviewers, the embankment mat is of top quality. It seems to be as easy to work with as our comparison winner.
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Shore mat 1 m wide x 10 m roll | embankment mat
To the product| material | plastic (PP) |
|---|---|
| thickness | unknown |
| mesh size | - |
| basis weight | 700gsm |
| Meter goods vs. cut | sold by the metre |
| Dimensions (WxL) | 1 x 10m |
The Teichwerk shore mat is made of plastic, more precisely PP (polypropylene). It impresses above all with its high basis weight of 700 grams per square meter. It is also visually appealing - in green, the synthetic bank mat blends in perfectly with the natural flair of the garden. The reviewers are convinced of this model. It should be of high quality in all respects and fulfill its purpose absolutely.
Purchase Criteria
material
coconut mat: The coconut mat is a completely natural solution. It consists of renewable coconut fibers. The latter, however, decompose over time. The lifespan of a coconut shore mat is around three to six years.
jute mat: Just like coir, jute is a natural material that will gradually decompose - in this case the process is even faster. Jute mats generally have a lower basis weight than coconut mats. (€21.90) For this reason, they are particularly recommended for flat to slightly sloping bank areas.
fleece mat: The non-woven mat made of polypropylene (PP) may be artificial, but it will last almost forever. It is UV-resistant and does not have to fight against natural rotting processes. Thanks to the special surface finish, the fleece mat can be easily sluiced in and sown. You also have the option of gluing the PP bank mat to the pond liner to increase stability.
thickness
The thicker the material or the mat, the more stability it brings. In addition, a greater thickness usually goes hand in hand with a longer service life - this aspect must be taken into account, especially with coconut fibers and jute.
mesh size
The mesh size is only an issue at all for embankment mats made of natural material, i.e. coconut fibers or jute. It influences the basis weight: The smaller the mesh size, i.e. the closer the meshes are to each other, the higher the basis weight with the same mat thickness. Meshes that are very far apart can make it difficult to attach the mat. Note: PP shore mats have no mesh.
basis weight
For flat to slightly sloping bank areas, an embankment mat with a low surface weight is sufficient. On the other hand, for steep banks you need a mat with a high basis weight. This characteristic depends on the one hand on the thickness and on the other hand on the mesh size of the slope mat. The thicker the shore mat and the tighter the mesh, the higher the surface weight.
Meter goods on the roll vs. custom cut
Embankment mats are available by the meter on a roll and cut to measure. The meter goods are recommended if you want to plant a very large pond. You should only cut to size if you know exactly how much material you need beforehand. Cut bank mats are usually a meter or two wide.
price
In general, you can expect costs of around four euros per square meter. The price differences between the manufacturers are usually small. However, it makes sense to compare the prices - after all, every euro saved can be invested in other pond accessories. Also consider any delivery costs. Some of these vary greatly.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is an embankment mat and what is it used for?
A slope mat for the garden pond essentially has two tasks: On the one hand, it should cover the unsightly pond liner and protect it from external influences; on the other hand, it serves as an erosion protection mat, thus preventing soil erosion, i.e. the washing away of the soil on the pond bank together with the beauties planted there.
How does an embankment mat work?
The hobby gardener lays the embankment mat on the ground around the pond as long as the ground is not yet planted. The vegetation immediately tries to force its way through the "grid" of the mat, thereby preventing the soil from slipping off. The newly planted plants develop a network of roots under the embankment that holds the soil. Above the ground, they grow through the mat network, resulting in a solid, natural whole.
What is it about planting bags for embankments?
In addition to the classic embankment mats sold by the meter or cut to size, there are so-called plant bags in various sizes as a further option. They are particularly suitable for steep pond banks. Simply place your aquatic plants in the pockets - these ensure optimal support and prevent the plant beauties from slipping off.
How do I determine the right dimension for the embankment mat?
Measure the length of the pond bank - the value corresponds to the length required for the embankment mat. To determine the correct width, measure from the riparian terrace across the embankment to the end of the dam. If in doubt, choose a wider mat that you can cut off a piece of yourself if necessary.
How do I lay an embankment mat correctly?
Unroll the embankment mat. Cut off any excess with scissors or a carpet knife. Fasten the shore mat, for example with ground anchors or heavy stones, to prevent it from slipping. Slurry the mat - with sand, gravel or lava rock. Sow flowers and/or moss.
What do I have to pay particular attention to when laying?
Make sure the embankment mat is inside the wicking barrier. Otherwise, sand or gravel will cause constant water loss. If you have decided on a fleece mat, you can also glue it directly to the pond liner. Basically, you should lay the bank mat before you fill your garden pond.
Where is the best place to buy an embankment mat?
Embankment mats of all kinds are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers as well as specialized suppliers of accessories for garden ponds. If, in addition to a large selection, you also want the simplest possible ordering process, it is advisable to order the shore mat online from Amazon.
equipment
ground anchor
To fix the embankment mat in the first time, ground anchors are practical tools because they are inexpensive and easy to use. You can insert the anchors directly into the ground through the mesh of the embankment mat - and remove them just as easily when plants naturally hold the embankment mat.
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