How To Choose The Right Vineyard Bird Netting

Birds can pose a significant threat to vineyards, especially during harvest season. They often flock to vineyards, attracted by the ripe fruits, and can cause extensive damage to the crops. This bird damage not only results in direct losses but can also affect the quality of the fruit, leading to reduced yields and even financial setbacks. As a solution, vineyard bird netting has become a commonly used and effective tool to prevent such damage. However, choosing the right bird netting is essential to ensure optimal protection and minimize costs.

Understanding Vineyard Bird Netting Types

There are two main types of vineyard bird netting commonly used: knitted nets and extruded nets. Both types have their advantages, but extruded nets are particularly popular in vineyard applications. Let’s break down each type:

• Knitted Bird Nets: These nets are created using a knitting process and tend to be more flexible. They are generally lighter but may have lower durability compared to extruded nets.

• Extruded Bird Nets: Extruded nets are made by pulling material through a mold to create the desired net structure. These nets are often more durable, resistant to wear and tear, and provide a stronger barrier against birds. Because of their strength and resilience, extruded bird nets are particularly suitable for vineyard applications, especially in areas prone to high winds and harsh weather.

When selecting vineyard bird netting, it’s essential to consider the material and the intended usage. The extruded HDPE (high-density polyethylene) nets are highly recommended for vineyards, as they offer both durability and flexibility.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Vineyard Bird Netting

Selecting the right vineyard bird netting involves evaluating a few crucial factors. Below are the primary aspects to consider when choosing the perfect net for your vineyard.

Raw Material & Durability

The material of the bird netting plays a critical role in its effectiveness and lifespan. Most vineyard bird nets are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is a durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material. HDPE nets provide long-lasting protection and are resistant to UV radiation, ensuring that the netting will not degrade prematurely when exposed to the sun for extended periods.

Benefits of HDPE Nets:

Lightweight and easy to install.

Resistant to corrosion, ensuring durability in varying weather conditions.

UV-treated to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight.

High flexibility and tensile strength.

Mesh Size Selection

Mesh size is another critical factor when selecting vineyard bird netting. Mesh sizes typically range from 10mm x 10mm to 25mm x 25mm, depending on the size of the birds you’re trying to keep out. For vineyards, a 17mm x 17mm mesh size is commonly used, as it is ideal for keeping out common vineyard pests like sparrows, starlings, and pigeons, without allowing smaller birds to slip through.

Choosing the right mesh size involves a balance between light transmission, ventilation, and bird protection. A finer mesh may provide better bird protection, but it may also reduce airflow and sunlight. It is essential to find the right balance to ensure the vines remain healthy.

Weight & Flexibility

Vineyard bird netting is available in various weights, ranging from 7g/m² to 20g/m². Lighter nets are easier to handle and install, while heavier nets tend to be more durable and offer better protection against environmental factors.

• Lightweight nets (7g/m²) are easier to install and are ideal for smaller vineyards or those that need frequent net changes.

• Heavier nets (20g/m²) are more durable and suitable for large-scale vineyards that require long-term protection.

Dimensions

Vineyard bird netting comes in a variety of widths and lengths. The most common widths include 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 6m, and 10m. The width you choose will depend on the vineyard’s layout, the height of the crops, and the structure of your vineyard.

• Smaller Widths (1m, 2m) are typically used for covering small areas, like specific rows of grapevines.

• Larger Widths (4m, 6m, 10m) can cover broader areas, ideal for covering entire sections of the vineyard.

When it comes to length, netting is often sold in rolls ranging from 100m to 1000m. The roll length you choose depends on the size of your vineyard and how much area you need to protect. Custom lengths are available if needed.

Color Options

Vineyard bird netting comes in a range of colors, including green, white, and black. The color choice typically depends on the environment and personal preference.

• Green: Best for blending in with the natural vineyard environment, providing camouflage while remaining effective in bird deterrence.

• White: Ideal for sunny regions as it reflects light and minimizes the risk of sunburn on the crops.

• Black: Offers a long-lasting, durable solution and is typically used for long-term, permanent installations.

Each color has its application, so the best choice depends on the specific conditions of your vineyard and your desired aesthetic.

Packing & Handling

Vineyard bird nets are packaged in rolls, making them easy to transport and store. The most common packaging method is a single-roll bag, with multiple rolls packed into a carton. This packaging is ideal for both large-scale farms and smaller vineyards, as it ensures easy handling during installation and minimizes the storage footprint.

Choosing the right packaging ensures that the netting remains in good condition during transportation and storage, preventing damage or contamination.

Practical Tips for Selection

When selecting the right vineyard bird netting, consider the following practical tips for optimal results:

• Scale of the Vineyard: Choose netting based on the size of your vineyard. Larger vineyards may require wider or custom-length rolls, while smaller sections can be adequately covered with smaller, standard rolls.

• Bird Threat Level: For vineyards experiencing significant bird issues, opt for a heavier-duty net with smaller mesh sizes to effectively block out more types of birds, such as sparrows, pigeons, or crows.

• UV Protection: If your vineyard is located in a sunny region, selecting netting with UV protection is essential to prevent rapid degradation from the sun’s harsh rays, ensuring long-term durability.

• Install Before Harvest: To guarantee full protection, install the bird netting early in the growing season. This ensures the crops are shielded not only from birds but also from environmental factors like wind and hail, giving your crops the best chance for a successful harvest.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose the most effective and durable bird netting solution for your vineyard.

Conclusion

Choosing the right vineyard bird netting is crucial to protecting your crops and maximizing your vineyard’s productivity. Key factors such as material, mesh size, weight, dimensions, and color must be considered for optimal results. Extruded HDPE bird nets are highly recommended for their durability, UV resistance, and flexibility, ensuring long-lasting protection against birds. By selecting the right netting based on the size of your vineyard and the bird threat level, you can prevent costly bird damage and improve your overall yield.

At SUGRAND, we offer a wide range of high-quality vineyard bird netting solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re managing a small family vineyard or a large commercial operation, our nets provide reliable, cost-effective protection for your crops. Explore our selection of durable and UV-resistant bird nets to ensure your vineyard remains healthy and productive. Contact SUGRAND today for expert guidance and the best bird control solutions to safeguard your vineyard and boost profitability.