Steel Structures
Steel Orchard Structures for Retrofit Hail Protection
A flexible, efficient solution for protecting established orchards. Our Steel Retrofit Structures are fast to install, adaptable to existing layouts, and built for permanent hail protection.
Without adequate protection, bird damage can significantly reduce your harvest through fruit damage. Our integrated bird protection systems use advanced netting closure methods to create complete exclusion zones while maintaining suitable air movement and growing conditions inside your structure.
The Best Solution for Retrofit Hail Protection
Many orchards already have timber or trellis systems in place but later need hail protection. Steel solves this by retrofitting seamlessly onto what’s there, avoiding the cost and disruption of a rebuild.
With fast, low-impact installation, steel provides a permanent solution for apples, pears, and other high-value crops, protecting your investment without disrupting your orchard.
- Best for retrofits – Steel is the top choice for adding hail protection to existing orchards.
- Minimal disruption – Installation causes little impact on existing trellis and trees.
- Permanent protection – Provides long-term protection for high-value crops.
The Steel Advantage
Steel combines flexibility with strength, making it ideal for retrofits where space, tree maturity, or existing structures make other options harder to install. It creates a strong base for permanent hail protection and can also be integrated with rain covers or automation systems over time.
Fast to Install
Steel structures are installed using inserts or pre-drilled holes to maximse installation efficiency.
Adaptable
Fits seamlessly into existing layouts and support structures.
Durable & Reliable
High grade steel and heavy galv coating for all environments.
Enhanced by Hortivate Innovation
We are constantly innovating our solutions for efficiencies around cost, installation and long-term Total Cost of Ownership
GPS + 3D MAPPING
Mapped with Precision. Built with Confidence.
We use millimeter-accurate GPS drone mapping with CAD design software, to create your layout, calculate quantities, and give you a structure plan you can build from—without second-guessing.
This sets up:
- Material lists that are right the first time
- Clear install guidance for contractors
- Efficient project sequencing and staging
- Full set of detailed structure drawings
We’ve saved growers thousands just by getting the block right on paper before anything was ordered.
GROW BETTER BY CROP
From intensive pipfruit to vulnerable berries, we understand the specialised protection needs of different crops and growing styles.
Success story
See how our end-to-end solutions are protecting crops across New Zealand:
