The 8 most important questions about hailnets

The investment in a hail net canopy is not nothing with today's market conditions. Because of this, we well understand that all the questions you have about hail nets need to be answered. We have made this and blog to answer all the important questions. So you can get busy growing and install a canopy with peace of mind. 

Question 1: why is the anchor distance always so large with you?

The further the anchor is from the post, the stronger the system is. The correct anchor distance is calculated using Pythagoras' theorem: the 3-4-5. Is your system 4m high? Then the anchor distance is 3m, and the length between the head of the post and the anchor is 5m.

Read all about pole and anchor spacing here. 

Question 2: What colour hail net should I choose?

15 years ago, the discussion about hail nets began in the Netherlands. The fruit-growing sector saw little future in hail nets because they would take away too much light. Nowadays, there are also black hail nets in the Netherlands, and we see good harvest results there every year.

The best option should be looked at per variety and location.

Question 3: What is the lifespan of hail nets

We supply 3 different colours of hail net: crystal, grey and black.

Crystal hailnet lasts about 10 years. Grey hailnet about 15 years. And black hailnets 20 years. (That's the UV lifespan)

The main cause of wear and tear are clips, incorrect roll-up, incorrectly mounted nets and so on. So the net can wear out sooner if it is not handled 'properly'.

Question 4: how wide should my headland be?

What kind of sprayer do you have? As standard, we recommend a headland that is 6m wide. Do you have a larger sprayer, or do you want easier turning? Then we recommend a maximum of 12m. Every metre counts!

Question 5: is it wise to install it yourself?

This is different for each situation. But we are convinced that anyone can build hail nets with our help! So do you have workers/time to spare? Then you can very well do it yourself!

P.S. View our installation prices here.

Question 6: How long does it take to roll up a hailnet system?

Hail nets are brought into winter position in 25-30 man hours per hectare and into summer position in 20-25 man hours per hectare.

Read all about opening and closing hail nets here!

Question 7: What is the difference between wood and concrete posts?

The difference is mainly in flexibility. Wood can handle enormous lateral force. Concrete can handle an enormous amount of compressive force.

Other than that, the choice is mainly a matter of taste. Do you choose uniform/straight or natural/curved.

What about durability? Our wooden posts have a 20-year guarantee, but we have seen posts that were 50 years old that still looked good. In this, the difference between wood and concrete is also not very big.

And price? Wood is slightly more expensive, but it doesn't make a huge difference.

Question 8: how high is the system?

The ideal height of a hail net system is one metre above your trees. This way, the tree can still grow, and you have enough space for your sprayer and other machinery.