Everything you need to know about coir products
Gardeners have been using coir for years, because it increases the organic mix of their potting mix and soil. At Aussie Environmental, we use coir products for erosion and sediment control, but why do we use it and why is this natural material so popular with both gardeners and environmental consultants?
What is coir?
Coir is actually composed of coconut fibres that are sandwiched between the outer shell and the inner husk of the coconut. They are thick and strong with a high resistance to abrasion. These fibres are also naturally resistant to mould, as well as to both fresh and saltwater. No chemicals are used when it’s harvested and it contains no synthetics or toxins; it’s simply a 100% organic material. Coir fibres are easy to obtain because coconuts can be harvested every 6 to 7 weeks, so they are an abundant and renewable natural resource. Coir is actually a natural by-product from the coconut industry, so by using coir fibres in our products we are helping to recycle materials that would be normally classed as waste.
What’s the benefit of using coir products?
There are so many benefits to using these natural fibres. Coir fibres are stronger than most other natural fibres and they have a high water holding capacity. Their strength allows them to be used to protect slopes from erosion, because the coir fibres can easily hold together and do not pull apart as they protect soil from eroding. The natural spaces between the fibres filter runoff, preventing sediment from entering the waterways and allowing the free flow of air to the soil. These fibres can also dissipate the energy of the runoff water, preventing soil being eroded on slopes.
They are an excellent filtering medium (which is why they make ideal sediment control devices), animals don’t like eating them and they are composed of 100% organic material. These fibres are also very flexible so they can be turned into different types of coir products and they take up to three years to biodegrade, so they are long lasting. Products made from coir fibres also look aesthetically pleasing, as they blend in well into the natural environment.
How are coir products used in construction projects?
Products made from coir fibres provide an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing strategy for controlling erosion and sediment runoff for construction and civil engineering sites. Even though erosion can be a natural process, building sites can cause unnatural erosion and excessive sediment runoff that can severely damage our waterways and harm wildlife. This is compounded by the massive number of impervious surfaces, such as roads and car parks that increase the flow of runoff into our waterways.
This is where a range of coir products enter the fold; as a very effective erosion control measure. Coir Logs, Coir Blankets and Coir Meshes, are easy to install and add to the landscape aesthetics.
Coir blankets: Aussie Environmental’s coir blankets have a 1000gsm weave and are available in two sizes: 1m wide x 10m in length or 2m wide x 20m in length. You can purchase them with a natural latex covering that extends their strength and durability (the latex spray is biodegradable). These blankets are ideal for controlling erosion and sediment runoff on slopes around construction sites, stabilising streambanks, and restoring beaches and wetlands (sediment is the main cause of water pollution). They can also be used to filter runoff flowing into curb inlets, preventing the sediment entering the stormwater drains.
Coir meshes: These are available as either a coir mesh brick or roll, 2m wide x 25m lengths, both come in 400gsm and 700gsm weaves, whilst the coir mesh 900gsm is available in a roll. Coir Mesh are the perfect coir products to help establish new plants on construction sites and civil engineering projects (because of their larger weave). Tightly weaved, Coir Mesh has the strongest tensile strength of all the biodegradable blankets.
Coir logs: These are available in three sizes: 1.5m length x 200mm wide, 3m length x 200mm wide and 3m length x 300mm wide. Coir Logs are ideal for protecting steep slopes from heavy runoff that can transport sediment into our waterways or flow across roads and paths. Coir logs can also be used along stream banks to prevent heavy sediment from entering the water and can aid in the restoration of creeks and wetlands. They have pre-drilled holes for easy peg installation and the high density of fibres increases both their performance and life span.
Once the need for these products has ended, they don’t need to be removed because they are 100% biodegradable and will add organic matter to soil.
How are coir products used by landscapers and gardeners?
Since coir is 100% organic, renewable and biodegradable, Coir Peat/Pith is the perfect addition to potting mix and soil. It has an ideal pH and is very easy to work into the soil. It retains water very well, so it’s perfect for drought prone areas or sloping land. Coir products can be used by gardeners and landscapers in pots and hanging baskets to retain water and as a mulch to improve the composition of the soil.
Aussie Environmental sells coir peat bricks that are popular with both gardeners and landscapers. They are available in:
- Coir peat 5kg brick or 3 pack special
- Coir 60/40 blend (peat/chip) 5kg brick or 3 pack special.
How are coir products used by landscapers and gardeners?
Since coir is 100% organic, renewable and biodegradable, Coir Peat/Pith is the perfect addition to potting mix and soil. It has an ideal pH and is very easy to work into the soil. It retains water very well, so it’s perfect for drought prone areas or sloping land. Coir products can be used by gardeners and landscapers in pots and hanging baskets to retain water and as a mulch to improve the composition of the soil.
Aussie Environmental sells coir peat bricks that are popular with both gardeners and landscapers. They are available in:
- Coir peat 5kg brick or 3 pack special
- Coir 60/40 blend (peat/chip) 5kg brick or 3 pack special.
View our wide range of coir products!
Whether you are a landscaper, home gardener or project manager for a construction, civil engineering or a restoration project, coir products can help in so many ways. Call us on 07 5315 5431 or send us an email enquiry for more assistance.
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