We all are looking at ways to tighten the proverbial belt, and once set up and running with Drape Net, you can.
No contractors means no surprising bills and no excesses for putting your net up late.
Yes, it’s another job you have to plan for, but if you can spray or mow, you can put up and take off Drape Net.
Is it worth it?
In Orange last year there was a localised hail storm that affected five orchards—three were using Drape Net, one with no net, and one with structured net.
The three orchards under Drape Net were 100% covered with no damage to fruit or net.
The two other orchards had 100% damage (the orchard that had structured net was still waiting on contractors to unroll net.)
The three orchards using Drape Net are all ordering more for this season.
Other benefits of Drape Net
Drape Net has had some other fantastic results in areas around Australia including protection from sunburn, birds/bats and wind.
I helped a grower take black Drape Net off some Grannies in Shepparton and the amount of green, un-burnt fruit was amazing after such a harsh summer.
Bats
With government bodies coming close to making a decision about changing the criteria for netting subsidies in NSW, it’s timely to point out that Drape Net works—not only does it stop bats, they do not get stuck in it.
This makes Drape Net a much more cost effective and environmentally friendly option.
contact Michael Cunial
mobile: 0415 663 413
e-mail:
For more information, see Tree Fruit July 2014
