Erosion Control Fence: Types, Uses, and How It Works
What erosion control fencing is, the types available, and when to use each
An erosion control fence is a barrier used to keep disturbed soil from washing off a site during rain. On most construction and landscaping projects, the erosion control fence is a silt fence: woven geotextile fabric staked along the contour to slow runoff and trap sediment. The terms erosion fence, erosion control fence, and erosion control fencing all point to the same family of sediment-trapping barriers.
What is an erosion control fence?
Erosion control fencing is a perimeter best management practice (BMP) for managing soil erosion on disturbed ground. When vegetation is removed and soil is exposed, rain can carry large amounts of sediment off site. An erosion control fence intercepts that runoff, slows it, and lets sediment settle before the water continues, protecting streets, storm drains, and waterways downstream.
Erosion control vs sediment control
The two phrases are often used together, and a silt fence sits at their intersection. Erosion control focuses on keeping soil in place to begin with, while sediment control focuses on capturing soil that has already moved. A silt fence is technically a sediment control that supports an overall erosion control plan. People searching "erosion control silt fence" or "silt fence erosion control" are looking for exactly this product used in that role.
Types of erosion control fence
- Standard silt fence: fabric on wood stakes, for typical sites and gentle slopes.
- Wire backed silt fence: reinforced with welded-wire mesh for steeper slopes, longer runs, and high flow.
- Fabric only: bulk geotextile installed mechanically with a plow on large sites.
When an erosion control fence is the right tool
An erosion control fence is built for shallow sheet flow across exposed soil. It is the right choice around graded lots, construction perimeters, and disturbed areas. Where water concentrates into channels or moves at high velocity down steep slopes, pair it with other controls such as check dams, wattles, diversions, or slope protection. Matching the control to the flow is what keeps a site compliant and effective.
Not sure which product fits your site? Use the Silt Fence Selector, our free interactive tool under the Resources menu, to answer a few plain-language questions and get matched to the right silt fence, height, and fabric weight for your job.
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Shop Silt FenceUse the Silt Fence SelectorFrequently Asked Questions
What is an erosion control fence?
An erosion control fence is a staked fabric barrier, usually a silt fence, that slows stormwater runoff and traps sediment so disturbed soil stays on site instead of washing into streets, storm drains, and waterways.
Is an erosion control fence the same as a silt fence?
On most sites, yes. The erosion control fence used for sediment trapping is a silt fence. The terms erosion fence and erosion control fencing refer to the same family of barriers.
What is the difference between erosion control and sediment control?
Erosion control keeps soil in place, while sediment control captures soil that has already moved with runoff. A silt fence is a sediment control that supports an overall erosion control plan.
What types of erosion control fence are there?
The main types are standard silt fence on wood stakes, wire backed silt fence reinforced with welded-wire mesh, and fabric-only rolls installed mechanically with a silt fence plow on large sites.
When should I use an erosion control fence?
Use it for shallow sheet flow across exposed soil, such as around graded lots and construction perimeters. For concentrated or high-velocity flow, pair it with check dams, wattles, diversions, or slope protection.