Hay Tarp Size Calculator

Common hay tarp sizes range from 10×12 feet for small square bale stacks to 20×30 feet for individual round bales. For multiple round bales, larger tarps, like 30×40 feet or custom sizes, are suitable. The specific size you need depends on your hay quantity and configuration, ensuring adequate coverage and protection.

Hay Tarp Size (feet)	Suitable for
10×12	Small stack of square bales
20×30	Larger stack of square bales
20×30 or larger	Round bales (per bale)
30×40 or larger	Round bales (multiple bales)
Custom sizes	Varying quantities or configurations

FAQs

What size tarp to cover hay? The size of the tarp needed to cover hay depends on the quantity of hay you want to protect. A common size for covering a small stack of square bales might be 10×12 feet, while larger stacks or round bales may require larger tarps, such as 20×30 feet.

How big tarp to cover round bales? For covering round bales, a tarp that measures around 20×30 feet or larger should suffice for each bale.

How do I know what size tarp I need? Estimate the dimensions of your hay stack or bales and choose a tarp that provides enough coverage, with some extra for overlap and securing.

How thick should a hay tarp be? A good thickness for a hay tarp is around 6-8 mils, although thicker tarps, such as 10 mils, offer better durability and protection.

Is it OK to cover hay with a tarp? Yes, covering hay with a tarp is a common and effective way to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

Should you cover hay with a tarp? Yes, it’s advisable to cover hay with a tarp to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage due to exposure to the elements.

Should you tarp round hay bales? Yes, tarping round hay bales is important to keep them dry and maintain their quality.

Can I cover round bales with a tarp? Yes, you can cover round bales with a tarp to protect them from moisture and other weather-related damage.

What is the best way to store round bales of hay outside? The best way to store round bales of hay outside is by stacking them on well-drained ground and covering them with a sturdy tarp to protect against rain and UV rays.

What is the most common tarp size? Common tarp sizes vary, but 10×12 feet and 20×30 feet are frequently used for various applications.

Is a 10 mil tarp thicker than a 5 mil tarp? Yes, a 10 mil tarp is thicker than a 5 mil tarp. The mil (thousandth of an inch) measurement indicates thickness.

How big is a 5×7 tarp? A 5×7 tarp measures 5 feet in width and 7 feet in length.

Will a tarp keep hay dry? Yes, a properly secured tarp will help keep hay dry by protecting it from rain and moisture.

How do you stack hay under a tarp? Stack hay in a well-ventilated manner, ensuring good airflow between bales, and then cover the stack with a tarp, securing it tightly to prevent water infiltration.

How many layers of net wrap on hay? The number of layers of net wrap on hay bales varies, but it’s common to use two to three layers to secure the bales effectively.

What is the best material to cover hay with? A heavy-duty polyethylene tarp is a suitable material for covering hay due to its durability and water-resistant properties.

What is the best thing to store hay on? Pallets or wooden skids are often used as a base for storing hay, as they provide good airflow and prevent direct contact with the ground.

Why can’t you bale wet hay? Baling wet hay can lead to mold growth, excessive heat generation, and poor-quality feed, which can be harmful to livestock.

Does it matter if hay gets rained on? Yes, getting hay rained on can reduce its quality, nutritional value, and palatability for animals.

Why can’t you put wet hay in a barn? Storing wet hay in a barn can lead to mold growth, heat buildup, and the risk of spontaneous combustion, posing safety hazards.

How do you store hay so it doesn’t get moldy? Store hay in a well-ventilated, dry area, and cover it with a tarp to protect it from moisture and rain.

Why do farmers cover hay bales in plastic? Farmers cover hay bales in plastic to create silage, a fermented forage feed that can be stored for extended periods without spoilage.

How long before hay goes bad? The shelf life of hay depends on various factors, but if properly stored, it can last for several years without significant degradation.

How do you protect hay bales from rain? Covering hay bales with tarps and storing them in a dry area is the most effective way to protect them from rain.

Is wrapping round bales worth it? Wrapping round bales with plastic (as in making silage bales) can be worth it for preserving their nutritional value and extending storage life.

Can round bales be left in the rain? It’s not advisable to leave round bales in the rain, as this can lead to spoilage and loss of quality.

How long do wrapped round bales last? Wrapped round bales can last for many months or even years if stored properly.

How long do round hay bales last outside? Round hay bales can last several months to a year or more outside, depending on weather conditions and storage methods.

How long is a round bale good outside? A round bale can remain good outside for several months, but it’s best to store it properly to maintain quality.

How long to wait before stacking round bales? Allow round bales to cure and dry for about 3-7 days after baling before stacking to prevent mold growth.

Does thickness of tarp matter? Yes, the thickness of a tarp affects its durability and ability to protect against weather conditions.

Which tarps are the strongest? Heavy-duty polyethylene tarps are often considered the strongest due to their durability and resistance to tearing.

How tight should a tarp be? A tarp should be tight enough to prevent flapping in the wind and to ensure proper coverage, but not so tight that it causes stress on the material or fastenings.

What color tarp is the strongest? The color of a tarp does not significantly affect its strength. Material and thickness are more important factors.

Is 10 mil tarp good? Yes, a 10 mil tarp is considered good for heavy-duty applications and increased durability.

How thick does a tarp have to be to be waterproof? A tarp thickness of 5 mils or more is typically sufficient to provide waterproofing when properly used and secured.

What is the difference between cut size and finished size tarp? Cut size refers to the dimensions of the tarp before hemming and finishing, while finished size is the size of the tarp after these processes, which can result in a slightly smaller tarp.

What size tarp is best for one person? A 10×12 feet tarp is a manageable size for one person to handle and secure.

What size is a tarp by feet? The size of a tarp is typically expressed in feet, such as 10×12 feet, indicating its width and length.

How do you store hay cheaply? Storing hay on pallets, using inexpensive tarps, and ensuring proper ventilation are cost-effective ways to store hay.

How dry is too dry for hay? Hay that is overly dry (below 12% moisture content) can become brittle and lose nutritional value.

How do you dry hay quickly? Hay can be dried quickly by tedding (flipping) it in the field to expose all sides to sunlight and airflow, or by using hay dryers.

Why do you stack hay on its side? Stacking hay on its side allows for better airflow and reduces the risk of mold growth compared to stacking it flat.

What is the most efficient way to stack hay? The most efficient way to stack hay is in a well-ventilated barn or shed, on pallets or skids, with proper spacing between bales for air circulation.

Do you stack hay cut side down? It’s common to stack hay cut side down to promote better airflow and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Is it worth wrapping dry hay? Wrapping dry hay is not typically necessary, as it’s done primarily for silage or when hay is too damp for regular storage.

How many bales will one roll of net wrap do? The number of bales one roll of net wrap can cover varies depending on the bale size and the amount of net wrap used per bale, but a rough estimate is 30-40 bales per roll.

How do you secure a hay tarp? Secure a hay tarp using bungee cords, ropes, or straps, ensuring it is tightly fastened to prevent wind from getting underneath.

What is the best way to store hay outside? The best way to store hay outside is on elevated pallets or skids, covered with a durable tarp to protect it from the elements.

How do you protect hay from moisture? Protect hay from moisture by storing it on well-drained surfaces, covering it with a tarp, and ensuring good ventilation.

Does hay need to be stored airtight? Hay does not need to be stored airtight, but it should be protected from excess moisture and have proper airflow to prevent mold.

What happens if you bale hay too early? Baling hay too early can result in hay that is too wet, leading to mold growth and reduced nutritional value.

Should you cut hay when it’s wet? Cutting hay when it’s wet is not recommended, as it can lead to difficulties in drying and quality degradation.

Can hay be too dry to bale? Hay can become too dry and brittle, making it challenging to bale without excessive leaf shatter.

How long can hay lay before baling? Hay should ideally be baled as soon as it reaches the desired moisture content, typically within a few days of cutting.

Can you bale hay with dew on it? Baling hay with dew on it is generally acceptable as long as the moisture content is within the appropriate range.

How long after a rain should I wait to cut hay? You should wait for the hay to dry thoroughly after rain before cutting it, which may take a day or more, depending on weather conditions.

At what moisture does hay combust? Hay can potentially combust when moisture levels exceed 20%, leading to microbial activity that generates heat.

At what temp does hay combust? Hay can spontaneously combust at temperatures above 150°F (65°C) due to microbial heat generated by moisture.

Does salting hay prevent mold? Salting hay can help reduce mold growth, but it’s not as effective as proper drying and storage methods.

What is the best material to cover hay bales? A heavy-duty, UV-resistant polyethylene tarp is a suitable material for covering hay bales.

How long does wrapped hay last once opened? Once opened, wrapped hay should be used within a few days to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.

Is 10-year-old hay still good? Ten-year-old hay may still be suitable for some purposes, but its nutritional value and palatability may have significantly declined.

How can you tell if hay is still good? Check for mold, unusual odors, or signs of spoilage in hay to determine if it’s still good for feeding to animals. Quality and nutritional value may have degraded over time.