Replacing Storm Damaged Hail Netting for McLean Orchards
Enhanced output through advanced netting design
At a Glance
Location:
Motueka, Tasman
Crop:
Apples
Challenge:
Replace damaged netting and improve fruit quality
Solution:
Kristal Leno Weave with V5 enter-release system
Key components:
Retrofit hail protection system
The challenge
Following severe hail damage in 2020, McLean Orchards needed to replace their damaged netting. This created an opportunity to upgrade thier protection system with ‘more advanced netting and design to enhance crop protection and product. With a high-value crop under existing timber supports, they needed a retrofit solution that would maximise light penetration while maintaining complete protection.
The solution
Working closely with McLean Orchards, we designed a retrofit solution that enhanced both protection and productivity:
- Low-shading (8%) Kristal Leno Weave netting
- V5 centre-release system integration
- Maximum UV penetration design
- Existing structure utilisation
- Enhanced growing environment
The system features:
- Hail-release netting design
- Wind force absorption
- Low shading impact
The results
- 20% increase in production per row
- Enhanced fruit quality achieved
- Improved colour development
- Optimised growing conditions
- Enhanced light penetration
“The colour differences with the Hortivate netting over against the old – when the fruit was harvested, we probably picked another 20% per row – which makes a massive difference in terms of management and logistics in the field.”
