5 signs that you need windbreak netting

Protecting your farm only from hail may not be enough. Wind, although less spectacular, can be just as damaging to crops if it is not managed properly. At Novafrut we work every day with growers who combine anti-hail netting with windbreak netting, obtaining comprehensive protection against the most aggressive weather factors. Here we explain 5 clear signs that you need windbreak netting, even if you already have anti-hail netting installed.

1. Your crops suffer physical damage from the wind

Strong wind can:

• Bend or snap young branches
• Uproot newly planted trees
• Damage flowering at key moments

This is seen especially in fruit orchards, vineyards, olive groves and vegetable crops. If you have already protected the crop against hail, leaving it exposed to the wind still puts it at risk.

2. You lose soil moisture faster than normal

Gusts dry out the surface layer of the soil, accelerating evaporation. Do you find you have to irrigate more often than usual? Windbreak netting can reduce that water loss, helping to retain moisture for longer and saving on consumption and effort.

3. Dust, sand or soil builds up on your plants or structures

When the wind carries particles, they end up deposited on:

• The leaves (affecting photosynthesis)
• The fruit (reducing its visual quality)
• Greenhouse plastics, roofs or irrigation systems

Windbreak netting creates a physical barrier that reduces wind speed and filters dust before it reaches your crop or installation.

4. You cannot apply crop treatments effectively

If the wind disperses the plant protection product or prevents it from adhering properly, the effectiveness of the treatment plummets. A windbreak barrier can create a more stable microclimate, improving the performance of each application and avoiding losses of product and time.

5. Your facilities suffer constant wind damage

If the wind has damaged any of these structures, it is a clear sign:

• Sheds or huts
• Sprinkler irrigation systems
• Tunnel or greenhouse plastics
• Pipework and posts

Installing windbreak netting helps reduce wear on all these elements, lowering maintenance costs year after year.

Why combine anti-hail + windbreak netting?

Because hail and wind rarely come alone. A complete installation protects production through 360 degrees:

• Anti-hail netting prevents direct impact on the fruit
• Windbreak netting stabilises the environment and prevents water loss, dust and structural damage
• Together they create a more favourable microclimate for the crop

Do you want to know whether your farm needs windbreak netting?

We explain it in this practical video: Watch Novafrut's windbreak video. Or, if you prefer, we will advise you with no obligation and study your farm's case.