You’ve worked hard to harvest high-quality hay, and protecting it requires more than a high-quality cover; it demands proper application and secure fastening. This is especially important for outdoor storage, where wind, rain, and snow can wreak havoc on a poorly secured cover. A loose cover can easily blow off, shift out of place, or tear, exposing your valuable hay to the elements.
Weights
Weights are a common and effective method for securing hay covers, especially tarps and plastic sheeting. Weights hold the cover in place and prevent it from blowing off or shifting in the wind. They also help establish a tighter seal, which minimizes the risk of moisture penetrating and damaging the hay.
Types of Weights
Tires
Old tires are readily available and make good weights. They are heavy enough to hold down most covers and can be easily positioned along the edges or on top of the hay. However, tires can collect water, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Drill drainage holes in the tires so water can escape and avoid the problem.
Alternatively, you can fill the tires with sand or gravel to prevent water accumulation. Keep in mind that this will make the tires substantially heavier and more challenging to move and position, so this method is best suited for larger covers or situations where the tires won’t need to be moved frequently.
Sandbags
Sandbags filled with sand or gravel are another effective option. They’re highly versatile and can be easily adjusted or moved as needed. For long-term storage, especially in damp environments, it’s best to empty sandbags to prevent mold and mildew. However, if stored in a dry location, they can remain filled for convenient reuse from season to season.
Concrete blocks
Concrete blocks provide substantial weight and are ideal for securing larger covers or use in areas with high winds. However, they require more work to handle and transport than other options. Their sharp edges and corners can also damage hay covers if the blocks shift or rub against the material.
Water-filled containers
Containers like jugs, buckets, or barrels filled with water can also be effective weights. Empty containers are readily available, and their weight can be adjusted by adding or removing water. However, if they’re not properly sealed, water in the containers can stagnate and attract mosquitoes.
Weight Placement
Edges and Corners
Pay close attention to the cover’s edges, which are particularly vulnerable to wind uplift. Placing heavier or multiple weights at each edge will ensure they remain securely anchored. You may also want to use corner reinforcements or patches to strengthen these areas and prevent tearing. Consider using specialized corner weights designed to fit snugly over the edges of the hay.
Top of the Stack
Place weights evenly across the top of the stack for added security, especially in high-wind areas. Top weighting keeps the cover from billowing or shifting and helps maintain a secure seal. The weights should be stable so they won’t roll or slide off; weights with flat bottoms are an excellent choice.
Adjusting for Wind
Be mindful of the prevailing wind direction in your area and adjust the placement of weights accordingly. If you know that winds typically come from a particular direction, place more weights on the windward side of the hay to provide extra resistance. In areas with strong winds, you may need to increase the overall number of weights used.
Safety Considerations
While weights are essential for securing hay covers, they should always be handled and placed with safety in mind.
Handling Heavy Weights
Many standard hay cover weights, such as tires, concrete blocks, and sandbags, can be pretty heavy. Use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries or strains, and wear appropriate footwear and gloves to protect your hands and feet. When lifting manually, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Ask for assistance if a weight is too heavy to lift comfortably. Use equipment like a tractor or forklift to move heavier weights.
Secure Placement
Ensure weights are placed securely on the cover to prevent them from rolling or sliding off, which could cause injury to personnel or damage the cover. If you're stacking weights, make sure the stack is stable and won’t topple. Be mindful of uneven ground or slopes that could cause weights to shift.
Children and Livestock
Keep children and livestock away from areas where hay is stacked and covered. Mark the area clearly and ensure anchors are placed to minimize tripping hazards. Supervise children and animals closely around stored hay.
Ropes and Straps
Ropes and straps are flexible and easily adjustable, so they can accommodate many different cover types and situations.
Ropes
Polypropylene Rope is relatively affordable, strong, durable, and resistant to moisture and UV damage, making it a popular option.
Nylon Ropes are strong and more elastic, so they’re a good choice for situations where some degree of stretch is needed. However, nylon is more susceptible to UV degradation than polypropylene.
Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps allow you to tighten and tension the cover quickly and easily for a snug fit. They’re especially handy for large covers or where high winds are expected. Ensure the ratchet straps are rated for the weight and tension they will be subjected to.
Bungee Cords
Bungee cords are extremely flexible and absorb shocks easily. They are suitable for securing covers that might experience movement or shifting. However, they’re often less strong or durable than other options and may not be appropriate for all weather conditions.
Knots
Square Knot
This simple knot is good for joining two ropes of similar diameter. It’s often used to tie the ends of a rope together to form a loop for securing the cover to an anchor point. However, it can slip under load, so it’s not ideal for high-tension situations.
Bowline Knot
This knot creates a strong loop that won’t slip or jam. It’s often used to create a secure attachment point on the cover or to tie a rope around an anchor point. It’s handy for a reliable loop that won’t constrict or damage the hay cover.
Trucker’s Hitch
This knot provides a mechanical advantage for tightening ropes and securing heavy loads. It’s often used to create a tight, secure connection between the cover and an anchor point.
Anchors
Once you’ve decided how to anchor your cover, you’ll need to establish anchor points. Here are a few effective options:
Ground Stakes
Drive sturdy ground stakes or anchors securely into the ground around the hay. Space them evenly to provide multiple attachment points for ropes or straps.
Bale Twine or Netting
Wrap bale twine or netting around the hay bales themselves to create anchor points. This is particularly useful for smaller stacks or when ground stakes are not feasible.
Heavy Objects
For large covers or high-wind areas, heavy objects like tires, concrete blocks, or logs can be placed around the base of the stack to provide additional anchoring.
Wind Considerations
Wind often represents a significant challenge when securing hay covers, especially outdoors. Since high winds can easily lift, shift, or tear covers, wind conditions must be considered when choosing securing methods.
Assessing Wind Conditions
Before you even begin stacking your hay, take some time to understand the wind patterns in your area. Note where the wind typically blows from and whether there any areas that are particularly susceptible to gusts or strong winds. You can often find this information from local weather data, agricultural extension offices, or even by observing the prevailing wind patterns on your property over time.
This information will help you decide where to strategically position your hay, how to orient the stacks, and what securing methods will be most effective. For example, if you know that strong winds consistently come from a particular direction, you could position your haystacks so that the short side faces the wind. This minimizes the surface area exposed to direct wind pressure and reduces the risk of the cover being lifted or torn.
Strategies for Mitigating Wind Damage
Strategic Stacking: Orient the haystack so that the prevailing winds blow over the top of the stack, along its length, rather than directly against the sides. This reduces the stack’s wind resistance and minimizes the risk of the cover being lifted.
Windbreaks: Take advantage of any existing windbreaks, such as trees, tall shrubs, and buildings. If no windbreaks are available, fences, solid barriers, or strategically planted rows of trees or shrubs can be installed.
Cover Selection: Choose a cover that is designed for wind resistance. Some covers have reinforced edges or built-in features that minimize wind uplift. Covers made from heavier-duty materials or tighter weaves are less likely to billow or rip.
Securing Methods: A combination of securing methods can help keep the cover firmly anchored, even in high winds. Increasing the number and weight of your anchors can also help.
