Key Differences Between Coir Logs and Silt Fences
I’ve used both coir logs and silt fences on different sites. Each has its place, but they work in completely different ways.
A silt fence installation blocks the flow of water. It traps silt behind a vertical sheet. It’s fast, cheap, and fine for short jobs. The problem is, once the velocity increases, fences tear or collapse.
Coir logs don’t block water. They slow it down. The coir fibre filters sediment while allowing the flow of water to continue. That small difference makes them far more reliable for long-term erosion control.
They also support vegetation growth, which fences can’t do. Over time, plant roots and topsoil turn the fibre into part of the landscape.
Cost and Durability
At first, silt fences seem cheaper, but only on paper. Once they fail, the cleanup and replacement costs pile up. Coir logs might cost more upfront, but they last longer and biodegrade naturally.
I once reused the same logs for a second site after three years. They were weathered, but still strong. You can’t say that about plastic fencing.
A quality coir log is made from dense coconut fibre wrapped in sturdy coir netting. It stays firm, resists UV damage, and handles heavy water flow better than anything synthetic.
They’re biodegradable material, but strong enough to hold shape through multiple seasons. That’s what makes them an effective solution for serious erosion.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing coir logs takes more care. You shape the area, peg the logs firmly, and backfill with topsoil or mulch. It’s slower than hammering in a fence but pays off over time.
Once you install coir logs, they rarely need maintenance. They adapt to uneven soil conditions and embankments better than fences ever could.
I’ve seen them survive floods that completely flattened synthetic barriers. They just flex, absorb, and stay put. That’s stabilisation done naturally.
Environmental Impact
There’s also the matter of sustainability. Coir logs are environmentally friendly, made from renewable coconut fibre. They don’t create waste. When they biodegrade, they turn into mulch and improve soil conditions.
Fences, on the other hand, end up in landfill. When they rip or clog, someone has to clean them up.
That’s why most councils now specify coir logs for public works and wetland projects. They protect shorelines, stream banks, and embankments while supporting re-vegetation naturally.
They’re not just temporary fixes. They become part of the solution.
When to Use Each
If your site has light runoff or you’re on a tight timeline, silt fences can still help. But for anything long-term, coir logs win. They perform better on steep slopes, handle heavy water flow, and encourage vegetation to take over.
I sometimes use both - fences at the top, coir logs further down. The fences catch the first flush of silt, and the logs filter what’s left. Together, they create a layered erosion control system that works.
The beauty is that once the fibre logs start catching sediment, they also give you a visual cue of progress. You can literally see the land healing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re only thinking about next week, use a fence. If you’re thinking about the next few years, use coir logs. They don’t just hold the ground. They repair it.
They’re natural and biodegradable, easy to shape, and proven across all kinds of site conditions. They support stabilisation, help with re-vegetation, and blend back into the landscape when their job is done.
That’s why I keep choosing them. They do the work quietly and leave the place better than it was.
You can see Heiger's erosion and sediment control products including coir logs and silt fences here.