This is a common question fielded by NetPro staff from growers or investors planning to develop a new orchard area, or to replant.
The ideal situation would be canopy construction first, however, the benefits of early netting must be weighed against cash flow.
Advantages of netting early in your orchard evolution include faster tree development under net, earlier maturity and increasing volume of production.
Additionally, if you plan to trellis your trees, the internal support poles for a permanent structure can also be used to support the trellis.
If you are unable to net first, keep in mind that if you can space your rows 3m or wider, you can retain the option to net later (this allows access for canopy construction).
In conclusion, if during orchard redevelopment you are intending at some stage to put up a permanent protective canopy, it is certainly a good idea to plan for all stages right from the start.
Involving NetPro right from the start of your development means access to a wealth of planning and design resources; and if you are able to invest in a protective canopy up-front, you will have larger returns sooner from your investment.
Contact Lindsay Adams, NetPro
For information, see Tree Fruit June 2014
