Wider is not safer — it is heavier and more expensive

A width that is too wide increases cost and makes laying the fabric harder. A width that is too narrow will not cover both sides, making the whole covering ineffective.

• Start with the canopy spread. Measure the actual canopy width of mature trees, not young saplings.
• Add the drape allowance on both sides. Frost protection works by forming a relatively stable air layer between the fabric and the canopy, so both sides must hang down far enough to trap it. How far depends on local climate and tree shape, and should be confirmed based on actual orchard conditions rather than a fixed number.
• Finally, add the fixing allowance. Tying, anchoring with soil, and weighing down the edges all eat into your usable width—and that allowance has to be factored in.

Adding these three together gives the width you should actually order.

For single trees or narrow rows, the 3.2 m base width is usually sufficient. For continuous row coverage, widths such as 4.8 m and 6.4 m can be formed by splicing.

Three points should be agreed in advance:

• Seam position. The seam is the weakest point of the whole panel. It should avoid the windward side and main load-bearing positions; the exact layout depends on the orchard's row direction and prevailing wind.
• Seam method. Stitching, heat bonding and overlapping differ in strength and weather resistance, and should be agreed between both parties per order.
• Performance requirements at the seam. Wind tear resistance and weathering requirements should be stated separately in the specification confirmation sheet, rather than assumed to be the same as the main body.

• Direct covering. The fabric is draped directly over the canopy, relying on its own weight and fixing. This requires sufficient width and a soft hand feel to avoid branches piercing the fabric or local tension. Suitable for orchards with regular tree shapes and low wind load.
• Frame covering. Bamboo, wood or steel pipes are used to build a frame, with the fabric supported above it. The width is calculated based on the frame span, and seams can be arranged along the frame direction for more even load distribution. Suitable for continuous rows and higher wind load.

Hendar can evaluate and customize projects based on requirements for GSM, width, color, pattern, hand feel, tensile strength, breathability, water repellency and anti-aging, covering both PP spunbond and SMS solutions. Based on the row spacing, canopy spread and fixing method provided by the orchard, we assess how to combine base widths and splicing solutions, and include the sampling acceptance method in the specification confirmation sheet.

Please note: specific performance, testing methods and acceptance values are subject to the order specification, confirmed samples and testing requirements. Frost protection results are also affected by regional climate, crop, covering method and fixing conditions, so statements such as "protects down to minus X degrees" outside of actual use conditions should not be used as a commitment. A safer approach is to write the width, GSM, wind tear resistance and sampling acceptance method item by item into the specification confirmation sheet.

If you need the width determined by your orchard's tree shape and covering method, please send us the row spacing, canopy width and fixing method, and Hendar will carry out a specification evaluation.

Q: If the width is not enough, can we just cover with an extra layer?

A: No. Too wide increases material cost, laying weight and fixing difficulty; too narrow fails to trap the air layer on both sides. The reasonable width depends on canopy spread, covering method and fixing method, and should be calculated based on actual orchard conditions.

Q: What if the seam tears easily?

A: First confirm whether the seam position avoids the windward side and main load-bearing points. Then state the wind tear resistance requirement for the seam separately in the specification confirmation sheet, and verify by taking samples from both sides of the seam, rather than assuming it is the same as the main body.

Q: Can frost protection fabric be reused?

A: It depends on the material, GSM and anti-aging treatment, as well as the actual use conditions of the previous season. It is recommended to keep samples and batch records, and check the key indicators before reuse in the next season before deciding.