By Scout Nelson
Hailstorms continue to pose a serious risk to apple growers, causing crop losses, reducing fruit quality, and increasing the risk of diseases such as fire blight. According to information from University of Minnesota Extension and Madeline Wimmer, UMN Extension Fruit Production Educator, growers are increasingly exploring preventive strategies to protect orchard productivity and profitability.
The extent of hail damage depends on factors such as hailstone size, storm intensity, fruit development stage, and orchard canopy structure. While crop insurance can help offset some losses, it may not fully compensate for reduced yields and fruit quality, making prevention an important consideration.
One of the most effective protective measures is hail netting. These fine-mesh nets create a physical barrier that prevents hailstones from striking fruit and foliage, helping maintain crop quality and reduce financial losses.
Growers generally use two types of hail netting systems. Overhead netting is installed above orchard blocks and supported by posts or structures, while draped netting provides more complete coverage for individual trees or high-density orchard rows.
Draped netting can also provide pest management benefits. University of Minnesota research found that exclusion netting significantly reduced codling moth and apple maggot activity, offering growers an additional tool for orchard protection.
Successful installation requires careful planning and secure attachment to support structures. For insect exclusion, draped netting must fully enclose the canopy to prevent pest entry and maximize effectiveness.
When properly maintained and stored in cool, dry conditions, hail nets can remain effective for more than 10 years. As weather-related risks continue to impact fruit production, hail netting is becoming an increasingly valuable long-term investment for orchard growers.
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Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables