Aerial view of orchard blocks under SmartNet hail netting, Tasman

SmartNet by Smarter Imports · Nelson, NZ

Sunlight in.
Damage out.

SmartNet is the hail netting system we designed to protect our own family orchard. It releases hail before your structure gives way, and it lets the sunlight through, so your fruit colours fully. It retrofits onto most existing blocks.

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5%+increase in packouts
92%light transmission
18%UV block
3rd genNelson apple growers

Why us?

Because we have been there.

SmartNet was designed by a third-generation Nelson apple grower after a hailstorm wiped out 90% of the crop. As growers, we know the uncertainty, the risk and the relentless effort it takes to grow a crop.

So we built a system that works in the field and on the books: proven crop protection without the premium price tag. Nearly every part is custom designed, and it all had to protect our own family orchard first.

Designed by growers

Built from firsthand experience to solve real problems in the orchard, not from behind a desk.

Built for NZ conditions

The UV-stabilised netting, clips, hooks and bungees are all tested for New Zealand sun and weather.

Proven on our own orchard

SmartNet protects our own family orchard. Every detail is there for a reason, because we know what's at stake.

The system

SmartNet™ hail netting system

A net system has to release hail as the load builds, or it will collapse. SmartNet was designed around that one rule.

How the V-release works Posts stand in the tree rows and the net dips into a V over each alley. As hail collects in the V, the bungees stretch and the net drops, releasing the hail into the alley, then it springs back.
Hail collects in the V. The bungees stretch, the net drops, the hail falls into the alley, and the net springs back.

Why the V-release matters

Fixed canopies hold hail until the weight is too much. Then posts bend, wires snap and the whole block can come down. SmartNet hangs in a V over each alley, held down by bungees. As hail builds up in the V, the bungees stretch, the net drops and lets the hail fall into the alley, and then it springs back into place.

There's less strain on your structure, the system lasts longer, and your fruit is covered from bud to bin.

How it compares to a fixed canopy
01

Hail protection

Releases the hail load before the structure fails, even in severe storms.

02

Less sunburn

Crystal-clear netting softens harsh sunlight. It has just 8% shading and blocks 18% of UV, so fruit still colours fully.

03

Less wind damage

Cuts fruit and branch rub from strong winds, so more fruit makes the packout.

04

Better spray coverage

A calmer canopy means spray goes on more evenly and works better.

05

Retrofit ready

Fits most existing orchards using steel post extensions with pre-drilled holes.

06

Built to your rows

Suits row spacings from 2.8 m (2D systems) to 4 m, with about 4.2 m clearance as standard.

5%+ increase in packouts under SmartNet

“It's protection that pays for itself.”

SmartNet does more than stop hail. Growers report less sunburn, less rub, better spray coverage and fewer pest and fungicide issues. Our packouts under SmartNet are up more than 5%, and all of that without the premium price tag.

Netting specification

Weave
Crystal-clear Leno
Shading factor
8%
UV block
18%
Air permeability
88%
UV resistance
1500 KLY ASTM 053
Flame retardant
EN 13501-1:2018
Yarn
100% virgin HDPE + UV stabiliser
Edges
Reinforced at edges & clip points
Aerial view of netted orchard blocks in the Nelson region
SmartNet post cap above apple trees
Looking down an orchard row under SmartNet

The complete kit

SmartNet components

Nearly every part of SmartNet is custom designed and made from UV-stabilised virgin materials. We supply the full kit, including netting, clips, fixings and bungees, plus steel post extensions with pre-drilled holes for retrofits. Bolts, wire and installation labour aren't included.

Roll of SmartNet Leno hail netting

Leno Hail Netting

Crystal-clear Leno weave with reinforced edges and clip points. Lets sunlight through and lets hail drop out.

Yarn
100% virgin HDPE
UV resistance
1500 KLY
Width
Made to your rows
SmartNet post cap

Post Cap

Fits 40 × 40 mm steel extensions, with an optional top fixing for extra reinforcement.

Material
Virgin nylon PA6 + 15% GF
UV stability
1500 KLY
Adjustable bungee hooks

Adjustable Bungee Hook

Latching hook with fixing ring, made for 6–8 mm bungee cord.

Material
Virgin nylon PA6 + 15% GF
UV stability
1500 KLY
SmartNet bungee kit

Bungee Kit

High-tension polyester over a latex core, built to resist wear for a long service life.

Size
⌀ 7.0 mm, 1:2 elastic rating
UV stability
750 KLY
SmartNet net clips

Net Clip

Sharp, strong prongs for quick fitting, with a reinforced loop. Works with the adjustable bungee hooks.

Material
Virgin nylon PA6 + 15% GF
UV stability
1500 KLY
SmartNet wire clip

Wire Clip

Grips 2.5 mm or 3.1 mm wire tightly with solid prongs, so the net can't slide along it.

Material
Virgin nylon PA6 + 15% GF
UV stability
1500 KLY

Need a full kit quote?

Send us your row spacing, block size and post layout. We'll put together a kit and price for your orchard.

Request a quote
Netted orchard blocks across the Moutere hills

Our story

Born from necessity.

In 2020, a hailstorm destroyed 90% of our founder's apple crop. Insurers were leaving the New Zealand market or pushing premiums out of reach, and storms were getting more frequent. Growers would have to protect their own crops.

So we studied every crop-protection system on the market, kept the features that worked and dropped the ones that didn't. Then we built a system for New Zealand apple growers. That became SmartNet, and the way we did it, going straight to the manufacturer with a grower's spec, became Smarter Imports.

“As growers, we know the uncertainty, the risk and the relentless effort it takes to grow a crop. So we built a system that works in the field and on the books, for NZ apple growers, by NZ apple growers.”

Stephan ClarkFounder & CEO

SmartNet netting coming off the loom

Quality you can check

Tested, not just promised.

  • The yarn is age-tested in UV exposure machines that simulate years of sun.
  • UVA and UVB absorption is checked by spectrophotometry to confirm the 18% UV block.
  • The UV stabiliser formula was developed for New Zealand conditions.
  • Designed to last 10+ years, backed by a pro-rata warranty.*

*Terms and conditions apply.

FAQ

Common questions

Can't find your answer? Ask us directly.

How is the V-release different from a fixed canopy?

Fixed netting holds hail until the weight causes a collapse. SmartNet's V-release uses bungees that flex as hail builds up. The net drops for a moment to release the load, then returns to position. That means less stress on your structure and a longer life for the system.

Is SmartNet only for hail?

No. Growers also report higher packouts from less wind rub, less sunburn, and better spray coverage because the canopy is more contained.

How much sunlight does it block?

SmartNet lets through 92% of light and blocks 18% of UV. Fruit still gets the light it needs to develop, with less risk of sunburn.

Can it go on my existing orchard structure?

Yes. It retrofits using steel post extensions with pre-drilled holes and works with most modern trellis systems, without major infrastructure upgrades.

What row spacings and heights do you cover?

SmartNet is fully customisable. We've supplied plantings from 2.8 m (2D systems) up to 4 m row spacings. Typical ground-to-net clearance is about 4.2 m, and we can change that to suit your machinery.

Do you install it?

We supply the full kit: netting, clips, fixings and bungees. Bolts, wire and labour aren't included. We don't install, but we give technical support and practical advice from our own installs. A crew of four to eight with a hydralada or platform is typical.

What warranty does it come with?

SmartNet is designed to last 10+ years in New Zealand UV conditions and is backed by a pro-rata warranty. Terms and conditions apply.

Get in touch

Let's talk about protecting your orchard.

Send a message and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.