Birdhurst, McShane Road – Appleby
Smart hail protection for premium apple varieties
At a Glance
Location:
Tasman
Crop:
Apples
Challenge:
Protect premium apples from hail and high winds without compromising fruit quality
Solution:
V5 Centre-Release Hail Netting System with Leno Weave low-shade netting
Key components:
Italian hail netting and clips with a centre release design
The challenge
McShanes Road orchard is a mature, high-performing block producing premium apple varieties including several of Birdhurst’s own variaties.
Situated on the Waimea Plains, the site regularly faces strong winds and lies within a high-risk hail zone, creating ongoing exposure to crop damage and yield loss.
The challenge was to deliver a permanent protection system that could integrate with the existing steel V-trellis structure, maintain suitable airflow and light penetration, and safeguard the orchard’s productivity without disrupting day-to-day operations.
The solution
Hortivate partnered with Birdhurst to design and supply a permanent hail protection system that would perform in high-wind conditions while maintaining excellent light and airflow for fruit quality.
The solution combined a V5 centre-release hail netting system over a three-row structure layout, allowing hail to release into the centre of each row.
The Leno Weave netting was selected for its high wind porosity, around 85%, and low shading of 12%, providing the right balance of protection and ventilation, reducing wind stress without trapping humidity. The result was a structure that integrated seamlessly with the existing V-trellis design, protecting premium varieties like Dazzle™ and Miranda™.
The results
The new protection system has delivered clear results in both crop performance and operational efficiency.
Wind reduction across the block has improved spray conditions, with Orchard Manager Adrian noting:
“I can now spray for at least an hour longer in the afternoon — that means I can actually complete the block in a single day. Previously, I couldn’t quite finish it.”
At harvest, the benefits extended to fruit quality. The first pick of Dazzle showed balanced colour, no sunburn, and almost entirely A-grade fruit.
The simplicity of the system also proved itself with Birdhurst’s own team completing installation with ease.
With a netting lifespan of 10–15+ years, McShanes Road is now equipped with long-term protection that enhances both orchard performance and peace of mind.
