The present invention provides a galvanized metal reinforcing tensile member for use in mechanically stabilized earth structures and a method for delaying an onset of corrosion of the tensile member. The tensile member includes a structurally compromised region in a portion of the tensile member and a corrosion protective coating on at least the structurally compromised region, the coating of a thickness and composition to delay an onset of corrosion at the structurally compromised region to correspond to at least that of a remainder of the tensile member.