Abstract: A perforated wrap-type covering protects coatings for buried pipes from damage by rocks and abrasive fill. The protective covering is a sheet of polymeric material, preferably 80 mil (2.03 mm) thick low density polyethylene, having an array of fluid communication perforations on one-inch centers, both longitudinally and laterally, and ranging in diameter from 1/16 inch to 3/16 inch (1.5 mm to 4.8 mm), to allow moisture to contact the coated pipe and provide current paths between the coated pipe, through the soil and to sacrificial anodes. The protective covering preferably has mounting holes which are spaced apart in rows which extend about respective circumferences of a pipe being coated. The protective covering is unrolled, then place around the pipe so that the diameter of the pipe is perpendicular to the length of the covering, and then the opposed edges over the protective covering are secured via cable ties.