Selecting the Right Tarp: A Guide for Landscaping and Dump Truck Applications

Dump trucks are an essential part of landscaping operations and are used to move everything from soil and gravel to mulch and yard debris. They help get the job done efficiently, whether it’s delivering materials to the site or clearing waste. A durable, high quality dump truck tarp system helps keep these loads secure and contained, improving workflow and ensuring compliance with local safety regulations.

This article provides insight on selecting the right landscaping tarp for dump truck and landscaping trailer applications, from choosing the best tarping materials to understanding the key features of dump truck tarps, we’ll help you find the right solution for your landscape dump truck or trailer.

Understanding Landscaping Tarps

Landscaping tarps are made from high strength, durable materials that help keep payloads secure while shielding them from wind and rain. This reduces the risk of material loss and also improves operational efficiency by allowing landscape dump trucks and trailers to maintain steady speeds without losing materials. Most states require loads to be covered to prevent road hazards, so a properly fitted dump trailer tarp helps companies avoid fines.

To learn more about the state-by-state tarping regulations, click here. You can also search tarping laws for different states on our website

The type of landscaping tarp material you choose directly affects load protection. Mesh tarps are commonly used for landscaping loads because they’re breathable and lightweight. Solid vinyl tarps are also used in landscaping applications when loads such as dyed mulch or topsoil need complete waterproofing.

For a closer look at selecting the right mesh tarp dump truck tarp, please take a look at our recent article: Mesh Tarps: Heavy Duty Protection for Your Dump Truck Loads

Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Tarp and Tarp System

Choosing the right dump truck tarp system depends on your hauling requirements and frequency. Consider the following features before investing in a tarp for your dump truck or landscaping trailer:

Durability and Material Type

Material quality and durability are key factors when choosing a landscaping tarp.  Less expensive tarps use lower quality materials that simply don’t last. Premium materials and advanced manufacturing techniques produce the highest quality finished fabrics for a longer tarp life for less frequent tarp swap outs and greater ROI.

Pulltarps offers Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty mesh tarps, designed to hold up under harsh weather conditions and frequent use on truck and trailer bodies. We use a state-of-the-art manufacturing process with heat-sealed edges and double lock stitching for reinforced strength and durability on our landscaping tarps.

Tarp Size and Fit

Landscaping dump trucks and trailers need full coverage that’s not too bulky. Even small discrepancies in size can affect the tarp’s performance and functionality. It’s important to account for overhang and choose a tarp style that suits your dump truck body. A landscaping tarp that’s too small can leave parts of the load exposed, while one that’s too large may be difficult to handle and can shift during transport.

For irregularly shaped dump bodies or uneven loads, custom tarps can offer optimal coverage and protection. Pulltarps provides a system configurator to help you determine the best fit for your dump truck, ensuring your loads always stay safe and secure.

Ease of Use

Consider your hauling frequency and requirements, keeping in mind speed and efficiency for an optimized workflow. Semi-automatic and fully automatic dump truck tarp systems reduce manual labor, enabling faster coverage and more efficient loading and unloading. Semi-automatic systems are suitable for smaller operations with less frequent hauling.

Installation and Maintenance

Choose systems that are easy to install and maintain. Look for systems that don’t require welding or fabrication, come with the necessary components and clear instructions for installation. Dump truck or trailer tarp systems with durable components such as strong pivots, motors and switches also reduce the risk of mid-job breakdowns, helping maintain efficiency across your operations.

Landscaping Tarps: Our Top Recommendations

Pulltarps offers reliable and efficient automatic and semi-automatic dump truck tarp systems designed to meet the rigorous demands of dump truck and trailer operations. Our semi-automatic SuperShield™ 8500M Tarp System is considered to be the strongest and most durable system available in the industry. It’s designed for smaller dump truck bodies up to 18 feet and can also be used on dump trailers. The system features fully welded 12-gauge steel construction and offer the best protection from falling debris

The Pullarps automatic SuperShield™ 9500E System comes with a black powder-coated finish that adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, enhancing the tarp system’s longevity. This system is recommended for large dump truck bodies up to 40 feet.

For landscapers using more general-purpose work trucks, the Pulltarps Steel Protector™ is another popular system. It’s ideal for smaller dump truck bodies that require some protection from falling debris. The galvanized steel housing can hold up to 18 feet of tarp.

The Core™ Semi-Automatic Tarp System is another economical, universal fit system that perfect for work trucks. It’s a cut-to-fit system that requires no welding or fabrication. It’s great for lighter-use applications where falling debris and loader damage is not a concern.

Landscape Dump Truck Tarp Systems for Reliable Load Protection

Choosing the right landscaping tarp system for your dump truck or trailer helps ensure secure protection, compliance and operational efficiency. Consider your hauling requirements, load type, and tarping frequency to find the best option. A properly fitted dump truck tarp system offers reliable coverage and delivers long-term value to your operation.

The Pulltarps® System Configurator makes selecting a trailer or truck tarp system easy. Start customizing your perfect truck or trailer tarp system today. If you’re ready to order, but have some questions, contact our customer service team.