Silt fence, erosion control blanket and sod staples

Silt fence: what we stock

How is silt fence installed?

In Connecticut, silt fence is governed by the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (CT DEEP, effective March 30, 2024). Its geotextile silt fence measure sets these minimums. Your approved E&S plan and the local permit take precedence.

Our standard rolls come with eleven 48" hardwood stakes, one every 10'. Where a plan calls for the CT DOT spec, we also stock CT DOT grade silt fence, a heavier fabric. Where disturbance is within 50' upgradient of wetlands or waters, the CT guidelines call for a double row of silt fence.

Placement and upkeep

The EPA's silt fence fact sheet gives a rule of thumb of 100 ft of silt fence per 10,000 sq ft of disturbed area, adjusted for soil, slope and rainfall. It advises J-hooks to break up long runs, and keeping both ends higher than the middle so water goes over rather than around the fence. On long slopes, set a fence 6 to 10 ft from the toe.

CT DEEP calls for inspection at least weekly and within 24 hours after a storm that produces a discharge, with sediment removed when it reaches about half the fence height.

Erosion control blanket and sod staples

A straw erosion control blanket is laid over seeded or disturbed soil to absorb raindrop impact and hold seed and moisture until grass takes. The CT guidelines allow temporary blankets on slopes of 2:1 or flatter, and say anchoring, laps and staple patterns should follow the blanket maker's instructions.

Each 8' x 112.5' straw blanket covers 900 sq ft, or 100 sq yd. The 6" x 1" sod staples come 1,000 to a box for pinning blankets, fabric and sod.

Questions about silt fence

How deep should a silt fence be buried?

Under the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, dig a trench at least 6" deep and 6" wide on the upslope side and bury at least 6" of fabric, then backfill with tamped soil. Drive posts at least 12" into original ground. Follow your approved erosion and sediment control plan where it asks for more.

How do I install a silt fence correctly?

Per CT DEEP: set the fence on the contour 5 to 10 feet below the toe of the slope. Trench 6" x 6", drive posts on the downslope side no more than 10' apart, bury at least 6" of fabric, keep the fence no taller than 30", and turn the ends uphill at least 6'. Backfill and tamp the trench.

Will water go through a silt fence?

Yes, slowly. The fabric is porous, so it ponds runoff behind the fence and lets sediment settle out while water seeps through. The EPA notes the fabric clogs over time, so posts, trenching and compaction matter more for holding sediment. Water running over the top in a normal rain means the drainage area is too large.

What is an erosion control blanket?

It is a rolled mat of straw or other fibers pinned over seeded slopes and swales to protect the soil until vegetation takes hold. Temporary blankets break down over time. Yankocy stocks straw erosion control blankets in 8' x 112.5' rolls with 6" x 1" sod staples, 1,000 per box.

Last updated November 2, 2026

Yankocy sells silt fence and erosion control supplies wholesale to yards and municipalities. Buying for your own home? Your local lumber or mason yard can order it for you.

Silt fence data sheets and sources

• CT DEEP Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (PDF)
• CT DEEP soil erosion and sediment control guidelines
• US EPA stormwater BMP fact sheet: silt fences (PDF)

Related to silt fence

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• NDS channel drains
• Septic tanks
• All site work & erosion control