Today, groundskeepers rely on the use of a turf cover in the maintenance of natural grass sports fields. A turf cover can prevent winterkill, it can speed germination of seed, promote stronger root development and delay dormancy in the fall or have the turf green-up quicker in the spring.

Unique properties of the Evergreen turf cover

Today, groundskeepers rely on the use of a turf cover in the maintenance of natural grass sports fields. A turf cover can prevent desiccation (winter kill), it can speed germination of seed, promote stronger root development and delay dormancy in the fall or have the turf green-up quicker in the spring.


There are a number of turf covers on the market today that promise various levels of results in these areas. One is a spun bond geotextile. Others are permeable and non-permeable polypropylene covers. Then there is a cover that is made of woven polyethylene with a lace coating that binds the polyethylene strands together. This is the most widely used cover because it results in  superior performance.


EVERGREEN™ by Covermaster Inc. is such a cover and has been on the market for more than 20 years. Its open weave lets air, moisture and sunlight penetrate the cover resulting in a greenhouse type of effect, yet it allows excess heat to escape. That’s the basic premise and it works.


EVERGREEN™ is available in three color models, white, green and silver, each providing a specific function. The white cover allows full penetration of the three important elements – air, moisture and sunlight – that promote healthy turf. The green cover is identical except that it draws more heat to the soil because of the dark green coating.


Silver takes the cover to the next level of performance by reflecting heat that rises from the soil underneath the cover back into the turf. In fact, a soil temperature increase of as much as 15 degrees has been recorded under the silver cover when compared to the other colors.


In addition to the properties of the various colors, all EVERGREEN™ models are manufactured with SMART EDGE™ technology, which means that the cover can be cut to any shape or size. No hems or grommets are required because the patented lace coating keeps the material intact. This special feature means that to keep the cover in place, anchor pegs can be used without limitations anywhere on the cover. This is not the case with polypropylene covers that can only be anchored in grommet locations or else the material will unravel and separate.


In selecting a turf cover, performance, longevity and proven success are the best criteria. With so many different covers on the market, the best advice is to get feedback from current users. While many covers will help take natural turf through the winter, the question to ask is which one has the best results in all aspects.