Introduction
Grape vines need protection from birds and other animals that can ruin a grape crop.
When the grapes are ready to ripen， the bird will do everything they can to get the food.
Nets are put over the vineyard netting to keep the animals out so the grapes can be harvested.
That is the most effective way to deter birds and pests away from grapevines. There are many different types of grapevine netting available, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
This guide will help you choose the best grapevine nets for your winery.
Types of GrapeVine Netting
What is vineyard netting?
Your vineyard will be destroyed by flocks of hungry birds when the grapes are faster ripening. Grapevine net is a kind of screen that is placed over grapevines to keep birds and animals out. It is important to choose the right type of fruit tree netting because different types of netting have different levels of protection. The most common type of grapevine protection netting is made from High-density polyethylene. This type of netting is lightweight and easy to install. It is also very affordable.
Different types of netting
There are 3 types of vineyard netting in the market.
Each has its own pros and cons depending on the type of installation.
Vineyard Drape Net
Also can be called Over Row Netting.
In the United States, the Vineyard drape net is a traditionally used netting. Based on the net’s width, it covers one or multiple rows of grapevines.
The material is either extruded black plastic or woven mesh.
Pros：
The nets are easy to install because there is no need for an extra support structure.
Cons：
However, this kind of vineyard net has some problems.
This net is only for seasonal use.
And after several weeks of protection, the leaves, branches, and tendrils will penetrate through the mesh. As a result, it is really difficult to remove at the end of a season.
Vineyard Side Net
Australia and New Zealand are very popular with vine fruit nets that cover just part of the vine fruit region. These types of networks are increasingly used in eastern countries nowadays.
Pros:
As opposed to the drape nets which needed to cover an entire row, these vineyard side nets only cover two sides of the single row. So they are easy to use and save.
They are even cheaper than the traditional net.
Not only that, it has other advantages. Its removal is very simple. Some side nets can be rolled up with clips and even can be left in the vineyard all year.
Cons:
This net is also for seasonal use， not permanent.
Vineyard Overhead Netting / Vineyard Canopy
Overhead Netting is a new method of protecting vineyards.
It requires the posts to be installed first and then the wires are attached from one post to the other. And then the netting is fixed to the frame just like a roof.
For this type of vineyard netting, the posts need to be 12 inches or more above the grapevine.
If this net is being installed in the original vineyard, extensions can be added to the old posts so that the wires are about 8 feet above the ground, or 12 inches above the grapevines.
Pros:
This is a kind of permanent use of the netting.
Once installed, it can be used for years without dismantling.
One of the advantages of this type of netting is that this structure acts like a large shed and the tractor or truck can drive into the vineyard under the canopy.
The net will not interfere with the usual day’s work of humans. The growers have enough space to carry any operation inside such as mowing, spraying, harvesting grape berries, or removing branches.
Cors:
Permanent supports have to be installed, and it would cost more than the other two types of nets at first.
In addition, it requires a higher quality net – 60 grams or more.
Related stories
Gerald started using Vineyard drape nets many years ago, but there were many problems with these nets. The removal of these nets damaged many of the vine branches, and the netting was also torn by branches. Last year Gerald started using Vineyard side nets and he is now happy to say that he no longer has problems with branch damage in his vineyard.
Another story is about John. His family has been in the grape business for over 50 years. And they have always used Vineyard drape nets, but these nets were becoming increasingly difficult to find. So, last year John decided to try the new Vineyard overhead netting in his vineyard. After using it for one season, he was very happy with the results and has now decided to use this netting in all his vineyards.
As you can see, there are many different types of grapevine netting available on the market today. And each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to decide which type of grapevine net is right for your vineyard.
How to choose the right netting？
It is important to make sure that you have the right vineyard netting for your needs and it’s better to choose the right vineyard netting based on what the prevent target is in your orchards.
Selection according to the requirements and scenarios of protection
Anti Bird damage
A diamond mesh is a better option if your goal is to keep birds away from your plantss. As the name implies, it has a diamond-shaped structure.
There are many advantages to using it. The spread of this cloth can reach a width of 20-24 meters when unfolded.
The weight of diamond mesh is typically 35-40 grams, making it a very light and cheap material to use.
Anti-bee or Japanese beetles
A vineyard net is also commonly used for bee protection, in which case a rectangle or triangle mesh net would be most appropriate.
They have rectangular and triangular mesh holes, respectively. The mesh size of these two kinds is small than the diamond mesh.
Triangular nets are usually recommended because they have thicker monofilaments and are stronger. A triangular mesh netting, for instance, has twice the tensile strength of a rectangle mesh netting.
Selection according to the color of the grape vine netting
The most common colors are black and white net, but green and red are also available.
The choice of netting color should take into account the growth habits of the grape plant, as well as the surrounding environment. If you want the grapevine to receive more sunlight, then a light-colored net should be chosen. If you want more shade, then a dark-colored net would be better.
Colored nets have an impact on the yield and quality
The color of the grapevine cloth will also affect the quality of the grapes to some extent.
The various colours of the nets have different spectral screening effects.
Using the different color netting, defined spectral bands of solar radiation are selectively screened out, while transforming direct light into scattered or diffuse light. The spectral manipulation is aiming at specifically promoting desired physiological responses, while the light scattering is improving the penetration of the spectrally-modified light into the inner plant canopy, thus increasing the efficiency of light-dependent processes.
There are several traits that respond to photoselective signals, including fruit set, time-to-harvest, fruit yield, size, color, and internal and external quality.
A study has been carried out on three colors (pearl white, red, and black) of grape nets. In addition to improving microclimate conditions, three nets also reduced grape sugar and alcohol content. It was found that the red and pearl nets significantly improved the aroma and taste of wine compared to the black net.
Colored nets Reduce bacterial and fungal pathogens
The colors themselves also have an effect on birds or insects. Yellow, for example, has an attractive effect on insects, while red causes them to fear and leave.
These nets have also been shown to block bacterial and fungal pathogens through anti-insect.
By preventing insects from entering the net, the possibility of insects carrying bacteria and fungi infecting the vines is reduced.
When to use vineyard netting?
Grape vine cloth should be used during the grape-growing season (in mid-spring). It is typically placed over the vineyard when the grapes are starting to ripen. Usually in the month of July or August.
It would be a good time to put on bird netting before they are ripe. Otherwise, birds and pests will flock to the fruit once they smell it.
Accessories to install bird netting
| Accessories List | Ideal for |
|---|---|
| Vineyard netting clips | Fastening vineyard netting |
| Vineyard netting clips double sided | Connecting two side nettings |
| Vineyard bird netting applicator | Netting Installation Machine |
| Double hook vineyard netting | Connecting two side nettings |
| Bird netting vineyard tie | Fastening vineyard netting |
| Grape vine netting machine | Netting Installation machine |
| Vineyard netting fasteners | Fastening vineyard netting |
| Vineyard side netting clips | Fastening vineyard netting |
| Vineyard net winder | Netting Installation machine |
How to roll up bird netting and remove vineyard?
When it comes time to remove the grape vine netting, simply roll it up and store it in a safe place.
To remove the vineyard netting, follow these steps:
1. Use a ladder to reach the grapevine.
2. Cut the vineyard netting with wire cutters.
3. Remove the vineyard netting from the grape vines.
4. Roll up the grape vine netting and store it in a safe place.
Be sure to clean them before removing the netting so that no pests or diseases are brought into the vineyard when you use it the next year.
How long does it last?
Grape vine netting can last for many years if it is properly cared for. Be sure to inspect the vineyard regularly and repair any holes or tears in the netting. With proper care, they can last for more than 5 growing seasons.
The vineyard netting that we use is made out of a special kind of plastic called high-density polyethylene. This kind of material has extremely high strength, and can adapt to all kinds of harsh outdoor environments. In addition, special UV stabilizers will be added according to the local climate in the production process, which is more able to ensure that these grape nets can be competent for their work lasting more than 5 years.
It’s also strong enough to withstand strong winds and can be used for long-term applications.
Some factors that can shorten the life span of your vineyard netting include:
-Vandalism (e.g., cutting)
-Extreme weather conditions (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.)
– Animals breaking through or chewing on it
How much is the Grapevine net?
You should also be very interested in the prices when looking at the various grape nets, which we will provide as a reference.
Vineyard dropped bird netting
The cost of using this type of net is about 1500-2500 per acre and is guaranteed for 5 years under normal conditions.
Vineyard side netting cost, vineyard zone netting
You need to spend 2000-3000 per acre when buying such nets. These nets are likewise available for approximately 5 years.
Vineyard overhead bird netting
This type of net is slightly more expensive compared to the other two due to its better quality and higher thickness. The price is around 2500-3500 per acre.
But this kind of netting is of better quality and therefore lasts longer – about 8 years.
The grape netting price for large projects is usually lower.
In addition, the grape netting cost will also be affected by other factors such as the quality of the grape nets, the size of the project, etc.
If you want to know more specific information about this, please contact us and we will give you a detailed quotation.
Where to buy wine grape netting？
There are several places you can buy wine grape netting. First, the manufacturer’s website is always the best place to buy grape bird netting because you can get the product direct from the source and usually at a lower price.
Second, online retailers such as Amazon and eBay are also great places to buy grape netting. These online retailers typically have a wide selection of grape netting to choose from and usually offer competitive prices.
Third, local garden stores and home improvement stores are also good places to buy grape netting. These stores typically have a limited selection of grape netting but usually offer competitive prices.
However, the most economical place to buy is from the manufacturer, like EyouAgro offers the highest quality materials at extremely affordable prices, so no matter what kind of vineyard you have, we’ll have something for you.
We have a wide selection of high-quality and durable materials for any size operation, and we’re happy to help answer any questions you might have about our products or what would work best for your needs.
Top 10 Vineyard bird netting suppliers
| No. | Area | Company Name | Year Established | Location (City) | Employee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vineyard netting | Joyeyou Industry/ EyouAgro | 1996 | Shanghai, China | 120 |
| 2 | vineyard bird netting american | A and J Vineyard | 2003 | California, US | 50+ |
| 3 | vineyard bird netting american | American Nettings | 1986 | Washington,US | 10+ |
| 4 | grape vine netting nz | PolyNet | 1988 | South Island, NZ | 50+ |
| 5 | vineyard netting nz | Ritex | 1988 | Nelson, NZ | 10+ |
| 6 | vineyard netting tasmania | Drape Net | 2005 | Nashdale, AU | 100+ |
| 7 | vineyard netting victoria | Polyfab | 1995 | Dingley Village, AU | 100+ |
| 8 | vineyard bird netting za | Industrial Netting | 1969 | Sandton, ZA | 50+ |
| 9 | vineyard bird netting za | Knittex | 1964 | Capetown, ZA | 100+ |
| 10 | vineyard bird netting za | Alnet (PTY) | 1963 | Durban, ZA | 50+ |
FAQs
Why does a winery put netting on grapevines?
This is a question some people ask when they pass by wineries.
Winery puts netting over grapevines to protect them from hungry birds and other animals. When the grapes are ready to ripen, birds, bees or bats will try to get to the food. Nets help keep birds out so that the grapes can be harvested.
Does hot weather have an effect on grape yields？
The impact of hot weather on grape yields has been a topic of debate for many years. There is evidence that hot weather can cause grapes to become more watery and less flavorful, but the research is still inconclusive.
One study found that grapes grown under hot conditions had higher sugar content than those grown under cooler conditions. This may be due to increased photosynthesis rates in the grapes, which could lead to increased sugar production. However, this would only be true if there were no negative effects on flavor and aroma.
Another study found that while the amount of water in the fruit was not affected by temperature, the concentrations of polyphenols were lower when temperatures were high. Polyphenols are responsible for giving the wine its flavor and aroma and are important for extracting color from skins during fermentation processes. These findings suggest that temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may have an adverse effect on grape yield quality because they cause more water loss in fruits but do not increase sugar production enough to compensate for this loss.
Does the time of picking in warm weather affect the quality of the wine？
In the wine industry, picking is the process of collecting grapes from the vineyard. The time of picking can have a significant effect on the quality of the wine.
In general, grapes are picked when they reach full ripeness and their sugar content has reached its peak. This helps ensure that the resulting wine will be high in sugar content and taste sweet.
In warm weather, however, it’s important to pick grapes at just the right moment—not too early or too late. If you pick them too early, they’ll be underripe and have a more bitter flavor than desired. If you wait too long, they’ll be overripe and lose much of their sugar content, resulting in a less sweet-tasting wine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vineyard net is a great way to protect your plants from birds and other animals. It can last for many years if properly cared for. The cost of grapevine net varies depending on the type of grape vine netting you choose and where you purchase it, but it is generally very affordable. When selecting grape vine netting, be sure to consider the climate in which your farm will be grown and the specific needs of your plants.
EyouAgro is one of the leading grape vine netting manufacturers in China with more than 20 years of experience.
If you have any questions about the netting products purchasing or their installation, please feel free to contact us. Our netting experts will be happy to help you.
