The main advantage of canopy netting is that it does more than merely deter birds, it excludes them.
Bird netting needs to be hung above the trees to create a canopy.
Throwing a net over trees compromises the net as the tree continues to grow whilst the fruit is setting and ripening; and removing a bird net from new season growth is a nuisance—it can damage the new growth, and in many cases, ruins the net in the process.
Canopies protect crops
If you are interested in conducting a trial, create a canopy from logs/poles in the ground, or a poly-pipe structure to protect your trees. The benefits of growing blemish-free fruit is so enjoyable you will wonder why you didn’t act sooner.
Pollination & other benefits
A NetPro bird net with a 15 mm diamond weave allows continued pollination, as pollinating insects can access the flowers, but birds cannot.
Netting also brings with it a number of other advantages including:
increased tree growth
greater yield and fruit size
enhanced fruit colour (depending on net colour)
improved fruit quality due to bird/pest exclusion and the micro-climate created under the canopy.
Costs vs returns
Installation of netting involves a capital cost for net, structures and labour; and the continuing expenses for repairs and maintenance—all of which need to be offset against the returns resulting from higher fruit sales income, more reliable production and more efficient management strategies,
Our clients have advised us that their return on investment is approximately four years. Given that the life of the structures are much longer, improving the means of production is a simple equation.
Canopies minimise evaporation
NetPro have designed a canopy that reduces evaporation losses from water storages. In some districts the canopy saved 90% of the water lost to evaporation.
Some jurisdictions in Australia lose upwards of 1.8m of water per annum. Over one hectare, a 90% reduction in evaporation losses equates to a saving of 16.2 megalitres per annum.
Water quality and other benefits
The Netpro water storage canopy also improves the quality of water and reduces algal blooms.
The weave of the cloth has been designed to keep the water cooler and to limit light and air pollution. As a result, problems with algal blooms are minimised, and so is the need for chemical treatment.
With a canopy in place, erosion is reduced. The canopy minimises wind and wave action erosion by 90%; and increases the life span of storage liners
The canopy sits proud of the bank. This restricts access by people and animals to water, so security is assured.
Canopies are custom designed to requirements and can be installed over dams that are full or empty. They offer:
water savings from reduced evaporation
increased security against unauthorised access
pollutant and contaminant free water
operational practicality
design aesthetics
structural longevity.
For more information call Lindsay
M: 0408 138 597
www.netprocanopies.com
See this article in Tree Fruit Sept 2020
