Do hay bales need to be covered?
In most cases, square bales must be stored under cover and in an enclosed barn. Round bales, however, are often stored outside and unprotected because their shape enables them to shed precipitation….Bales Stored Outside and Unprotected.
| Period | ||
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed barn | Storage Period less than 2 | 2-5 |
How much does a hay bale cover?
1 bale covers an area approximately 80-73 square feet to a recomended depth of 2 inches.
How do you decorate a bail of hay?
Decorate a hay bale with some natural beauty by lining it with flowers. Buy a few colorful bouquets and separate each flower from the bunch. Then stick them one by one into the hay bale with only the blossom showing. Decorate the bale with random flower placement all around or make a design with the plants.
Can you put a tarp over hay?
Cover Hay for More Control Because of the risk of wet hay spontaneously combusting, however, many farmers choose not to risk storing hay in their barns. Tarps are the second-best solution, and there are several ways to make the hay more secure under tarps. Expect losses up 10 ten percent when hay is stored under tarps.
How do you protect hay bales from rain?
Use net wrap or plastic twine spaced no more than 4 in. apart on round bales to maintain bale shape and provide a smooth surface that encourages water runoff.” Anderson recommends storing hay on elevated, well-drained spots that will prevent the bales from soaking up moisture from wet soil or standing water.
What is the best way to store hay outside?
“In most cases, it is recommended to elevate bales using gravel, which can reduce DM losses to 3-15%. The best option for storage is covering hay bales with tarps, which will help to prevent losses on hay stored outside.”
How many bales of straw does it take to cover 1 acre?
When applied properly, approximately 20-40 percent of the original ground surface can be seen. The application rate per acre should be about 2 tons (or one 74 pound bale per 800 square feet).
What do you do with hay bales after falling?
Donate to a plant nursery – Even if you don’t have your own garden, donating your leftover hay bales to a local plant nursery is a great way to get rid of them. Also, most places are happy to accept your donations free of charge.
What can I do with hay bales?
Uses for Old Hay Bales
- Fort. Recycle old hay bales.
- Protect Areas from Water Runoff. Build a low wall to protect low-lying areas from water run off or flooding or place them in front of doorways to prevent heavy rains and flood waters from entering a building.
- Garden Wall.
- Planting and Composting.