How Hail Damages Apple Orchards

​Apples are remarkably resilient to wind, but their thin skins are no match for the kinetic energy of falling hail. Even small, pea-sized stones can cause "pitting"—tiny bruises that break the skin and expose the fruit to rot and fungal pathogens. Larger stones can strip foliage, damage the wood of the tree, and destroy the terminal buds responsible for next year’s crop.

​Scientifically, hail netting works through energy dissipation. By providing a physical tensioned barrier, the net absorbs the velocity of the hailstone as it falls,  causing it to bounce off or roll into the rows, rather than impacting the fruit. To achieve this, Anhui Harvest Agrotextile Co., Ltd. utilizes a specialized Leno (English Twist) weave. In this structure, two warp threads twist around the weft threads. This ensures that even if the net is punctured by a sharp branch or a jagged stone, the hole will not "run" or unravel, maintaining the integrity of the entire canopy shield.

​Technical Details: Size and Strength

​Choosing the right infrastructure is a strategic decision that affects light penetration, wind resistance, and installation cost. Our nets are engineered from 100% Virgin HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). Unlike recycled plastics which have "weak links" in their polymer chains, virgin HDPE offers maximum tensile strength.

​For the modern orchard, precision is everything. We offer different specifications for regional climates and apple varieties:

• ​Mesh/Hole Size: The standard 3mm x 7mm mesh is the industry favorite for apple orchards, providing a balance between protection and airflow. We also offer 5mm x 5mm or 2mm x 8mm options for regions prone to smaller, high-velocity "ice needles."

• ​Yarn Diameter: Typically 0.25mm to 0.35mm, ensuring the net is light enough for support structures but strong enough to hold kilograms of ice during a storm.

• ​Weight: Ranging from 60g/m² to 75g/m², our nets are designed to minimize the load on your pole and wire systems.

• ​UV Protection: Our netting is integrated with Ciba-Geigy UV stabilizers (700-800 kly). This chemical bonding ensures the net withstands 5 to 10 years of intense solar radiation without becoming brittle or losing its tensile strength.

Extra Benefits Beyond Weather Protection

​While the primary goal of Anhui Harvest Agrotextile Co., Ltd. netting is impact protection, the physiological benefits to the apple tree go much deeper. Many growers find that the "secondary" benefits of netting are what truly drive their return on investment.

​1. Micro-Climate Regulation

​The mesh creates a slight "shading effect," typically reducing light intensity by 10% to 15%. This is crucial during peak summer months. In varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala, excessive heat can cause fruit sunburn and "watercore" issues. The net diffuses the light, ensuring a consistent temperature and helping the apples maintain a crisp texture and vibrant, uniform color.

​2. Wind Reduction and "Limb Rub" Prevention

​High-density nets act as a mechanical windbreak. High winds can cause apples to rub against branches, leading to unsightly scarring that relegates premium fruit to the "juice grade" bin. By stabilizing the environment, netting ensures more of your crop meets "Extra Fancy" market standards.

​3. Bird and Pest Exclusion

​The 3mm x 7mm mesh serves as a formidable physical barrier. It prevents birds from pecking at ripening fruit and can deter larger insects, such as the brown marmorated stink bug, reducing the need for aggressive chemical interventions and promoting a more "Bio-friendly" orchard.

How to Install Hail Net: System Options

​Installing a hail net system is a long-term commitment to your land. At Anhui Harvest Agrotextile Co., Ltd., we provide widths ranging from 2m to 8m, and even custom widths up to 20m for specialized "Flat Roof" systems.

​The choice of system matters:

• ​The Pitch (Cross-over) System: This allows hail to slide down the slope of the net and fall harmlessly into the "inter-row" space. It is ideal for regions with heavy, frequent hail.

• ​The Flat Roof System: This allows for easier movement of tall machinery and tractors. It requires higher tension but provides a clean, uniform micro-climate over the entire orchard block.

Soil Health: Cover Crops for Complete Protection

​A holistic approach to orcharding means looking at the tree from the roots to the canopy. Modern agricultural science emphasizes that the health of the fruit is intrinsically linked to the health of the soil. This is why many innovative growers are pairing our physical netting solutions with biological strategies like Cover Crops for Berry Plantings and apple rows.

​While our nets protect the canopy from above, cover crops like clover, cereal rye, and buckwheat protect the soil from below. They fix nitrogen, manage moisture levels, and provide a habitat for beneficial predatory insects. When you combine the physical protection of Anhui Harvest netting with the biological resilience of a robust cover crop program, you create a high-yielding, self-sustaining ecosystem that is built to last.

Cost Analysis: Insurance vs. Infrastructure

​Many growers view hail netting as an alternative or a necessary addition to crop insurance. While insurance may pay out after a disaster, it doesn't replace the market share lost when you have no fruit to sell to your regular buyers. By installing a high-quality HDPE net, you are ensuring that your "brand" stays on the grocery store shelves every year, regardless of what the weather does.

​With a lifespan of up to a decade, the cost-per-year of our netting systems is significantly lower than the potential loss of even a single mid-sized harvest. It is a proactive investment in stability.

Final Thoughts 

​Investing in hail netting isn't just about preventing a "bad year"; it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of your independent farm. In this time of climate volatility, the growers who thrive are those who control the conditions they can.

​By selecting the right mesh size, ensuring high UV stabilization, and choosing a manufacturer with decades of textile expertise, you are building a shield that works for you every single day. Protect your legacy and your livelihood with the industry’s most reliable textile solutions.

​Visit Anhui Harvest Agrotextile Co., Ltd. at www.agrotextilenet.com to explore our full technical catalog. Our team is ready to help you calculate the exact dimensions and specifications needed to provide your orchard with the comprehensive protection it deserves.