The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Baseball Field Tarps & Covers

If you're responsible for maintaining a baseball field, you understand the significance of protecting your investment with the right equipment. Baseball fields are much more than simple patches of grass and dirt. With their unique dimensions and areas of wear, they require specialized care to remain playable and safe regardless of the weather conditions. Thankfully, baseball field tarps and covers are here to shield your diamond from the elements.

This comprehensive guide will examine the essential factors to consider when choosing baseball field coverings, from understanding different material qualities to finding baseball field tarp prices that align with your budget. Whether you manage a little league field or a professional stadium, understanding insights such as these can help you make an informed decision that keeps your field in top condition. Let's explore the world of baseball field covers and uncover the best solutions for your needs.

What Are Baseball Field Covers?

Before choosing the right baseball field covers for your diamond, you should know what they are and why they are used. Baseball field tarps and covers are specialized protective coverings designed to shield the playing surface of a baseball field from various environmental elements. Their primary function is maintaining a field's condition, ensuring it remains dry and playable, especially during inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow and excessive sun exposure.

Baseball field coverings vary in material, size and type, each designed to meet specific field protection needs. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the right coverings for your field, balancing quality and baseball field tarp prices to find the best solution.

Material Types: What Are Baseball Field Tarps Made Of?

Knowing which material is best for your needs when browsing baseball field covers is crucial to getting things right. Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of durability, weather resistance and longevity.

Here are some of the most common materials used in baseball field coverings:

Other notable materials include:

Each material has specific features that cater to different needs, such as UV protection, water resistance, breathability and durability. When selecting a baseball field tarp or cover, consider the specific conditions of your field and the type of protection it requires. Balancing these factors with type and price will guide you to the best choice for your field's needs.

Types of Baseball Field Tarps

When maintaining your baseball field, choosing the right type of cover is as crucial as selecting the material. Each is designed to serve a unique purpose, catering to different sections of the field and their specific protection needs. Here are some common types of baseball field tarps you'll encounter.

Full Field Covers

Full baseball field covers are specifically engineered to cover the entire infield and outfield area, providing comprehensive protection from weather elements. Full field covers are made to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring the entire playing surface remains in excellent condition. They're highly beneficial for large (professional) fields, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall or extreme sun exposure, maintaining their playability and appearance.

Infield Protectors

Infield protectors are specialized covers that protect high-traffic areas like the pitcher's mound and the batting areas. These areas are more prone to wear and damage due to frequent use. Using infield protectors ensures these areas remain in top condition, reducing maintenance needs and preserving the quality of play.

Baseball Cage Collars

Baseball cage collars are designed to protect the ground around the batting cage area. The home base area is a high-use, high-traffic area that requires special attention, as it can suffer from wear due to repetitive batting practice. Look to baseball cage collars if you need essential protection for the turf or grass in these areas to prolong its usability and appearance.

Spot Covers

Spot covers offer targeted protection for specific areas of the field. They come in various types, such as heavy-duty baseball spot covers and light-duty baseball spot covers, to suit different protection needs. These types of baseball field covers are ideal for protecting vulnerable parts of the field like the pitcher's mound, home plate and base paths, especially in unpredictable weather.

Weighted Spot Covers

Weighted spot covers are an innovative solution for keeping the covers securely in place without additional weights, sandbags or stakes. These types are available as heavy-duty weighted baseball spot covers and weighted light-duty baseball spot covers. Weighted spot covers are particularly useful in windy conditions, ensuring they stay put and provide uninterrupted protection.

Special Mention: Field Tarp Rollers

Field tarp rollers are an essential accessory for efficiently managing large baseball field tarps. Field tarp rollers facilitate easy storage, deployment and transportation of tarps. Each is designed for convenience and durability, making the handling of large and heavy tarps much more manageable. The use of rollers is critical in minimizing wear and tear on baseball field coverings during setup and removal, extending their lifespan.

Baseball Field Tarp Prices

When considering the purchase of baseball field tarps and covers, it's important to understand that prices can vary widely, ranging from as low as $120 to upwards of $10,000. The variation in baseball field tarp prices largely depends on factors such as the size of the tarp, the type of material used and the specific type of cover.

In the following sections, we'll explore what features and quality you can expect at various price points, helping you navigate the options to find the perfect solution for your field.

Entry-Level Tarps (Budget-Friendly Options)

At the entry-level, you can find budget-friendly baseball field tarps that offer basic protection. These tarps are typically made from lighter materials like standard polyethylene or basic poly material. Within this price range, you can expect:

These baseball field covers are ideal for smaller fields, local teams or schools with limited budgets who still require essential field protection.

Mid-Range Tarps (Balanced Quality and Cost)

Mid-range baseball field tarps offer a balance between cost and quality. They are generally made from more durable materials like woven poly or a higher grade of polyethylene. In this price range, features often include:

Mid-range tarps are an excellent choice for schools, clubs and amateur leagues that need reliable field protection without a significant financial investment.

Premium Tarps (High-End Options)

Premium tarps represent the high end of baseball field tarp prices and are typically made from top-quality materials like reinforced vinyl, premium mesh or reinforced PVC. At this price point, you can expect:

Premium baseball field tarps are best suited for professional teams, top-tier sports facilities and venues where the field must be maintained in pristine condition year-round.

Specialized Tarps (Specific Use Cases)

In addition to general protection, there are specialized baseball field tarps like cage collars or weighted spot covers. These often have a specific price range based on their unique features, such as:

Specialized tarps are ideal for facilities that require specific solutions for different parts of their fields.

Frequently Asked Questions: Baseball Field Covers & Tarps

If you have any questions or want to learn more about baseball field covers and tarps, check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

How Big Is an Infield Tarp?

The size of an infield tarp is typically around 170 feet by 170 feet to cover the entire infield area, which includes the pitcher's mound, base paths and the area around the bases. Some variations might exist depending on a particular baseball field's specific design or requirements.

How Heavy Is an Infield Tarp?

An infield tarp's weight can vary, generally ranging from 150 to 600 pounds. The weight depends on factors such as the material of the tarp (e.g., polyethylene, vinyl) and the size. Heavier tarps are usually more durable and offer better protection but may require more effort or machinery to deploy and remove.

Why Do Baseball Fields Have Tarps?

Baseball field tarps are primarily used to protect the playing surface from rain and moisture, which can damage the field and make it unplayable. They also protect against other elements like snow and excessive sun exposure. By covering the field, tarps help maintain the quality of the turf or dirt, reducing maintenance efforts and ensuring the field is ready for play.

How Do I Know What Size Tarp I Need?

To determine the correct tarp size, start by measuring the dimensions of the area you need to cover. For full-field tarps, include the entire infield and outfield in your measurements. For spot covers, measure specific areas that need protection, like the pitcher's mound, home plate or base areas. Choosing a tarp that covers the intended area completely without leaving exposed sections is important.

What Is a Good Thickness for a Tarp?

The ideal thickness for a tarp depends on its intended use. A thickness of 12 to 15 mils (thousandths of an inch) is typically sufficient for general purposes. However, for more demanding applications or in areas with harsh weather conditions, a heavier, more durable tarp with a thickness of up to 30 mils or more might be preferable. Thicker tarps are more durable and offer better protection but are heavier and more challenging to handle.