Cherokee Straw Blankets at the U.S. Border Wall Project
There’s something meaningful about seeing products you manufacture protecting the same country where they’re made. Recently, Cherokee Manufacturing straw blankets were selected for erosion control at sections of the U.S. border wall construction – a project where quality, durability, and performance aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re requirements.
This isn’t a political story. It’s a story about American manufacturing, the practical challenges of large-scale erosion control, and why the materials you choose actually matter when the stakes are high.
Why Straw Blankets for Border Infrastructure?
The terrain along the U.S.-Mexico border presents some of the most challenging erosion control scenarios in North America. You’re dealing with:
- Extreme temperature swings – from freezing nights to scorching days
- Flash flooding – intense rainfall events in areas with little vegetation
- Diverse soil types – from clay to sand to rocky substrates
- Limited vegetation establishment time – native plants need protection during critical early growth
Construction projects in these areas disturb large swaths of bare soil. Without proper erosion control, you get sediment runoff, failed revegetation, and infrastructure damage from soil movement. The solution needs to work on day one and last long enough for permanent vegetation to establish.
That’s where straw blankets excel.
What Makes a Straw Blanket Work in Extreme Conditions
Straw blankets aren’t just “straw on the ground.” Quality matters enormously, and here’s why:
Material Selection
The wheat straw used in erosion control blankets needs specific characteristics – length, strength, and proper curing. We source agricultural straw from American farms and process it to maintain those critical fibers that create the blanket’s matrix. Weak or poorly processed straw breaks down too quickly, leaving soil exposed before vegetation establishes.
Netting Configuration
We manufacture both single-net and double-net straw blankets because different applications demand different holding power:
- Single Net Straw Blankets – Ideal for moderate slopes (3:1 or flatter) and shorter-term applications. The photodegradable netting provides 12-18 months of protection.
- Double Net Straw Blankets – When you need extra holding power on steeper slopes (2:1) or in high-flow areas. Top and bottom netting sandwich the straw for maximum erosion resistance, lasting 18-24 months.
For particularly challenging sites, we also offer Straw/Coconut Blend Blankets that combine the quick coverage of straw with the long-term durability of coconut fiber.
Installation Integrity
The way a blanket is stitched and constructed determines whether it stays together during installation and holds up under stress.
The American Manufacturing Advantage
When federal projects specify American-made materials, it’s not arbitrary. There are tangible advantages:
Technical Support: Need installation guidance for a specific slope angle or soil type? Our team has decades of collective experience. That knowledge doesn’t translate well through international distributors.
Supply Chain Reliability: Domestic production means domestic delivery timelines. For large projects with strict schedules, knowing material will arrive as specified matters tremendously.
Accountability: When products bear the Cherokee name and “Made in USA,” we stake our reputation on their performance. That’s a powerful motivator for consistent quality.
Beyond Government Projects: Where Cherokee Straw Blankets Work
The same characteristics that make our blankets suitable for border infrastructure make them valuable for numerous applications:
Construction Sites
Any grading project that exposes bare soil—residential developments, commercial sites, road construction—benefits from immediate erosion control. Straw blankets prevent sediment from washing into storm drains, streams, or neighboring properties while grass seed establishes.
Slope Stabilization
Highway embankments, detention pond banks, and other engineered slopes need vegetation for long-term stability. Straw blankets protect the soil surface, maintain moisture for seed germination, and moderate soil temperature—all critical for successful revegetation.
Agricultural Applications
Farmers and ranchers use straw blankets for waterway stabilization, pond bank protection, and establishing cover crops on marginal land. The biodegradable nature means no cleanup after vegetation establishes.
Landscaping and Restoration
From golf course construction to prairie restoration, straw blankets provide a controlled environment for vegetation establishment. Native plant seeds can germinate and grow without competing against immediate erosion.
Choosing the Right Erosion Control Solution
Not every project needs straw blankets. Understanding your specific conditions helps determine the right product:
For gentle slopes with good soil: Basic straw blankets often suffice For steep slopes or high-flow areas: Consider double-net blankets or our coconut/straw blends
For channels and ditches: Excelsior blankets or coir logs may be more appropriate For long-term applications: Look at permanent TRMs (Turf Reinforcement Mats)
Our Resources section includes installation guides, application comparisons, and technical specifications to help you make informed decisions.
Made in Kansas, Used Across America
When you see Cherokee straw blankets protecting a border wall construction site, a new highway, or a restored prairie, you’re seeing American manufacturing doing what it does best: solving practical problems with quality products and reliable performance.
Whether you’re a contractor bidding on a federal project, a developer managing stormwater compliance, or a landowner tackling erosion issues, we’re here to help with the right products and the expertise to use them effectively.
Need erosion control solutions for your project? Get a quote or contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.