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How to Install Pyramat 75 Turf Reinforcement Mat | Step-by-Step
How to Install Pyramat 75 Turf Reinforcement Mat
A step-by-step installation guide for Pyramat 75 HPTRM on slopes, channels, and vegetated waterways.
Table of Contents
Important: This guide provides general installation principles for informational purposes. Always follow site-specific installation drawings, project specifications, and the manufacturer's current installation guidelines. For engineered projects (roads, channels, government infrastructure), installation should be performed by or under the supervision of a qualified contractor following engineer-approved plans.
Before You Start
Propex Pyramat 75 is a High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) designed for permanent installation on steep slopes and high-velocity channels. It is a three-dimensional woven polypropylene geotextile with a tensile strength of 3,000 lbs/ft and superior UV resistance. Unlike biodegradable blankets, it is intended to remain in place permanently, reinforcing vegetation root systems with a design life of up to 75 years.
Before installation, gather the following:
- Pyramat 75 rolls in the appropriate width (8.5' or 15') and quantity for your project area
- Appropriate grass seed mix for your region and site conditions
- Erosion control securing pins or U-stakes (for a permanent TRM, typically 12” to 24” long depending on soil; Eastgate stocks 12”, 18”, and 24” securing pins)
- Staple driver or hammer
- Utility knife or scissors for trimming
- Measuring tape
- Topsoil or soil amendment if required by specifications
Installation Steps
1
Site Preparation
Grade and shape the slope or channel to the design profile. Remove large rocks, debris, and vegetative material that would prevent good mat-to-soil contact. Loose or heavily compacted soil may need to be lightly raked to create a seedbed. Fill any rills, gullies, or uneven depressions so the mat lies flat against the soil surface. Good soil contact is essential for proper mat anchorage and vegetation establishment.
2
Seeding Before Installation
Apply seed to the prepared soil surface before rolling out the mat. Use a grass seed mix appropriate for your region, climate, and application (slopes vs. channels may require different mixes). Broadcast seed uniformly across the prepared area at the specified seeding rate. Lightly rake or roll seed into the top inch of soil where possible. This step ensures seed-to-soil contact and supports germination beneath the mat.
3
Unrolling the Mat
Begin at the top of the slope and unroll the mat downward, following the contour of the ground. On channels, unroll in the direction of flow. Ensure the mat lies flat against the soil surface without bridging over depressions. Trim the mat to fit the boundaries of your installation area using a utility knife. Keep tension moderate — the mat should be snug against the soil surface but not stretched.
4
Overlapping and Seaming
Where two mat rolls meet, overlap the edges by a minimum of 6 inches for slope applications. For channel linings and high-velocity applications, use a larger overlap of 12 to 18 inches at seams. At the top of slope, fold the mat into a terminal anchor trench (a 6” to 12” deep trench at the top edge), fold the mat edge into the trench, and backfill. This prevents uplift of the mat during storm events.
5
Staking and Anchoring
Secure the mat to the soil surface using erosion control securing pins or U-stakes. Install pins along all edges at 2 to 3 foot intervals, at all seams, and in the field area at a density appropriate for the slope angle and design wind/flow conditions. Steeper slopes and high-velocity channels require closer pin spacing. Drive pins flush with the mat surface so they do not snag equipment or create uplift points. Check all pins are secure before leaving the site.
6
Over-Seeding
After the mat is fully installed and staked, broadcast an additional application of seed over the mat surface. The 3-D matrix of Pyramat 75 is designed to capture and hold seed, creating multiple germination opportunities throughout the mat depth. This over-seeding step supplements the seed applied below the mat and helps ensure uniform coverage across the entire installation area.
7
Establishment and Maintenance
After installation, water the seeded area if irrigation is available and conditions are dry. Monitor vegetation establishment during the first growing season. Areas with poor germination may require over-seeding. Once vegetation is established (typically 60 to 90% cover), the mat-root composite system is providing reinforcement and requires minimal maintenance. Avoid mowing below the mat surface. Periodic inspection after major storm events is recommended during the first two years.
Tip: The 15-foot wide Pyramat 75 roll is preferred for channel lining applications because wider rolls mean fewer seams. Seams are the highest-risk points for hydraulic failure in a TRM installation, so minimizing them improves both performance and long-term durability.
Shop Pyramat 75
Eastgate Supply offers Pyramat 75 in both widths with free nationwide shipping.
Pyramat 75 — 8.5' x 120'
Standard roll. 1,020 sq ft coverage, 107 lbs, 0.40” thick. Tan or Green. BABA compliant when requested.
Shop Pyramat 75 (8.5')
Pyramat 75 — 15' x 120'
Wide roll. 1,800 sq ft coverage, 168 lbs, 0.40” thick. Fewer seams. Preferred for channels and large areas. Tan or Green. BABA compliant when requested.
Shop Pyramat 75 (15')View the full Pyramat TRM collection, which also includes the lighter-duty Pyramat 25 and mid-tier Pyramat 50 grades for less demanding slopes and channels, plus 12”, 18”, and 24” securing pins.
Not Sure Which TRM Is Right for Your Project?
Use our free Erosion Control Product Finder to get a recommendation based on your slope angle, soil type, and flow conditions.
Use Our Erosion Control Product FinderFrequently Asked Questions
Which direction should Pyramat 75 be unrolled on a slope?
Always unroll from the top of the slope downward, following the ground contour. On channels, unroll in the direction of flow.
How much overlap is needed at seams?
Minimum 6 inches for slope applications. For channels and high-velocity conditions, use 12 to 18 inches at seams. Follow project specifications.
What type of stakes are used?
U-shaped erosion control securing pins. For a permanent TRM like Pyramat 75, pins are typically 12 to 24 inches long depending on soil conditions (Eastgate stocks 12”, 18”, and 24” securing pins). Install along all edges, seams, and at specified field spacing.
Should seed go under or on top of the mat?
Both. Apply seed to the prepared soil before rolling out the mat, then broadcast again over the mat surface after installation. This maximizes germination opportunities.
How long until vegetation is established?
Most grasses germinate within 1 to 3 weeks under adequate moisture. Full root-mat composite establishment typically develops over one to two growing seasons.
Can Pyramat 75 be installed on very steep slopes?
Yes. Pyramat 75 is specifically engineered for steep slopes. Closer pin spacing and proper terminal anchor trenching at the top edge are important for steep installations.