Introduction
If you are the grower or the orchard owner of apple, pear, or other fruits. I think you need deal with many problems in the growing, such as the bad weather.
In the several weeks before the fruits are ripe, if there is a sudden hail, there will destroy everything you have worked for the whole season.
How to protect the fruits from the damage of hail? I think you will have a new choice if you read this blog.
Threats of hailstorm
Hailstones can vary in size, but even relatively small hailstones can cause damage to fruit crops. Larger hailstones can be particularly destructive.
Damage to fruits
Hail can physically injure fruits, causing bruises, cuts, or punctures. These injuries not only reduce the quality of the fruit but also make them more susceptible to diseases and decay.
Hailstorms can lead to a significant reduction in crop yield. Damaged fruits may need to be discarded, leading to financial losses for orchard owners.
In severe cases, an entire crop can be lost due to hail damage, leaving orchard owners with no harvest for the season.
Hail-damaged fruit is more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Injuries and wounds provide entry points for pathogens and insects.
Orchard owners may need to invest in additional pest and disease control measures to mitigate the increased risk.
Damages to trees
Hail can also damage the bark, leaves, and branches of fruit trees. This damage can weaken the tree’s overall health and reduce its ability to produce fruit in the future.
Hail damage can have long-lasting effects on orchards. Trees may take years to recover fully from severe hail damage.
Reduced fruit production in one season can also lead to financial challenges for orchard owners and workers who rely on the fruit harvest for their livelihoods.
What is the hail net
The hail net is also called anti-hail net, is one kind of HDPE net. It is used to provide the covering for the fruit trees to protect them from the damage of the hail. It is installed on the top of trees, it will be spread on the structure and connected with each other.
it could be produced by raschel knitted machine and sulzer rutti loom. It is made of mono HDPE yarn, it is similar to the mono shade net, there are many types to choose. The mesh should be small enough to hold the hailstone.
The normal weight is about 45-70g, the width could be 3-12m, it will be packed by roll. you can learn more about the hail net by clicking Here.
Benefits of Hail Nets
The hail net is the most popular and effective solution against hailstorm in the market. Because it could nearly solve all the problems caused by hailstorm. Here are the key benefits of using the hail net.
Good protection for fruits
The primary benefit of hail nets is their ability to shield crops from hail damage. Hailstones can cause physical harm to fruits, leaves, and branches, leading to reduced crop yields and economic losses. Hail nets act as a barrier, preventing hailstones from directly hitting the crops and thereby minimizing damage.
Reduce the fruits loss
By effectively reducing or even preventing hail damage, hail nets help orchard and vineyard owners avoid significant crop losses. This can lead to higher yields and increased profitability.
Improve the fruit quality
Hail nets not only protect fruits from physical damage but also help maintain their overall quality. Unblemished fruits are more marketable and can command higher prices.
Low cost in maintainance
The hail net made of high quality HDPE with UV could be used for several season, so you don’t need maintain them for several years. This durability ensures that the initial investment in hail nets provides long-term protection and value.
If you need replace them, it is light weight, so it is easy to handle, it could reduce the labor and equipment requirements during the setup process, potentially lowering installation costs.
Types of hail net
There are two types of hail net based on the machines.
One type is produced by the raschel knitted machine. This is the most popular type in the market. This kind of hail net has higher elasticity. When the hailstone falls on the net, the net wil hold all the hailstone. You need clear the hailstone on the net after the hail.
This kind of hail net has many different structures for you to choose. The difference is the mesh shape, including crescent, rectangle, etc. The max width of this kind of hail net could be 12m, so it could cover several rows each time.
Another type is produced by the sulzer rutti loom. This kind of hail net has higher strength, so when the hailstone falls on the net, it will break and roll off the net.
There is just one structure, the shape is the same, it is rectangle, the difference is the mesh size. the max width is 5.2m. so you need install them row by row.
Installation and Maintenance
Hail net is not just netting, it is a netting system, including the support structure and netting. So if you want install the hail net, you should build a support structure for your orchard in advance. It is a whole project, you should consider everything for that in advance.
Firstly, you should prepare the materials for installation:
- Hail netting
- Support structures (poles, wires, or frames)
- Anchoring materials (stakes, ropes, or clips)
- Tools (drill, hammer, pliers, etc.)
- Ladder or hydraulic aerial cage
After that, we can install the hail net step by step, here are several normal steps for your reference.
Plan and Measure:
Determine the area you want to protect with the hail netting. Measure the dimensions of the area to calculate how much netting you’ll need. Ensure you have enough netting to cover the entire area.
Install Support Structures:
Depending on your setup, you may need to install support structures like poles, wires, or frames. These structures will hold the hail netting above the area you want to protect. Make sure they are sturdy and anchored securely.
Attach the Netting:
Drape the hail netting over the support structures, ensuring that it covers the entire area to be protected. Be careful not to damage the netting during this process.
Secure the Netting:
Use anchoring materials such as stakes, ropes, or clips to secure the hail netting in place. Anchor the netting securely to the ground or the support structures. Ensure there are no gaps or loose areas where hail can get through.
Tighten the Netting:
If the hail netting sags, use tensioning devices or tighten the ropes to keep the netting taut. This will help prevent hail from damaging the protected area.
Inspect for Gaps:
After installation, inspect the hail netting carefully for any gaps or areas where hail could penetrate. Patch any holes or tears immediately to ensure complete protection.
Maintenance:
Regularly check the hail netting for damage or wear, especially before the hail season. Replace or repair any damaged sections to maintain its effectiveness.
You should check the hail net system after hail or snow. If there are many hail or snow on the net, you should remove them. Because heavy hail or snow will damage the hail net or support structure.
Remove After Hail Season:
If you only use the hail netting seasonally, remember to remove it once the risk of hail has passed. Properly store the netting to prolong its lifespan.
Monitor Weather:
Keep an eye on weather forecasts during hail season. When a hailstorm is expected, make sure the hail netting is securely in place to protect your crops or other assets.
Which kinds of fruits need hail net
The hail net system is not cheap, you should consider if it is neccessary for your fruit. You should check when is the hail season in your country.
if the harvest season is over before the hail season, it is not neccessary to install the hail net. As usual, the hail season in most of countries is from August to November, so if the growing season and harvest season is from May to July, it is not neccessary.
If the growing and harvest season of your fruits is same as the hail season, we suggest that you should consider the hail net for your orchard.
Now, here are some common fruits that may benefit from hail netting.
Apples
Apples are a widely grown fruit crop that can be vulnerable to hail damage, which can cause bruising and reduce fruit quality.
Nearly all the orchard owner will consider the hail net to protect their apple orchard from the hail if there is hailstorm in their area.
Pears
Pears are another common fruit which be benefit from the hail net, it also can be damaged by hail, affecting their appearance and marketability.
Some orchard owners have the apple trees and pear trees, so they could install the hail net for their orchard together.
Kiwi
Kiwi vines are susceptible to hail damage, which can harm the fruit and reduce yields. The harvest season is in Autumn, so it also need face to the threat of hailstorm.
Cost of hail net
Now, you might be clear if it is neccessary to use the hail net for your orchard. The another question you consider is the cost.
General speaking, the hail net is very light weight, the normal cost per hectare is about 2000-2500 usd. It could be used for several seasons.
The another cost is the hail net structure, it is up to the material of poles, wire and man hour of installation. The normal cost per hectare is about 6000-8000 usd. The cost might be a little different in different countries.
How to choose
The hail net is one of the most popular net for agriculture in the market, so there are many manufacturers in the market.
You should consider these details before choosing the supplier for you.
Material
The hail net is made of HDPE with UV, the quality of hail net is up to the quality of raw materials. We choose the best 100% virgin HDPE with UV, it could be used for over 3-5 years, and it could withstand different bad weather to protect your fruits.
Weight
The normal weight of hail net is about 45-70g, the weight is heavier, the strength could be higher, so the service time would be longer. The cost is also higher. You need keep the balance between the properties and cost.
Width & Length
The distance between the rows is usually about 3-5m, and the width of hail net should be about 10-20% wider than the distance of rows.
The length of hail net per roll could be a little longer than the length of row, about 4-6m longer is enough.
Nettingland is focus on the one-stop solution for you, we can provide the whole proposal for you, including all the materials of hail net system.
If you have any questions about the hail net, we can have a further talk by whatsapp or email. We can provide our suggestions for you. We will be happy if we can solve your any problems for your orchard.
