Top Canopy Uses You Didn't Know About

For an average individual, use of a canopy might bring to mind enjoyable outdoor barbecues without the harsh effects of the sun. For those in the agricultural or commercial sectors, good canopies are a vital tool in protecting one's livelihood. The following uses will highlight how:

Protection Against Pests

Growers of crops and fruit have long battled against pests eager to sample their carefully cultivated produce. Birds and bats are two such major pests. Canopies made from durable bird netting are able to fend off these curious birds and bats. Canopies can also be tailored to suit the crop being grown, and also the types of birds or bats that usually damage the crops.

While farmers' challenges with pests has been well documented, one might be surprised to discover some of the less well known uses of canopies for combatting birds. Local councils have used canopies at their land-fill sites to keep birds off rubbish. Water bodies have been protected from birds through the use of canopies, at airfields and also on mine sites. It can therefore be seen that a solution to very specific problems can usually be found.

The work of insects such as moths, flies, wasps and beetles can also be very detrimental to crops. Due to the small size of these insects, specifically tailored fine knitted and woven canopy solutions are a good option to successfully protect against these particular pests.

Use of netting as opposed to chemical solutions has the added benefit of being a more environmentally friendly one, as well as not causing further negative flow on effects.

Weather Solutions

Hail storms can have devastatingly damaging effects. Good canopies can protect against hailstones, and deflect them onto the ground in between crop rows. These types of canopies are known as "pitch netting". While flat roofed canopy structures have been effective in storms with moderate hail, some have not been able to bear the brunt in heavy storms. Pitch netting's technique of angled deflection of hailstones has been quite effective, even in heavy storms.

Wind is another element to be protected against. The wind itself can be damaging to crops, but so too can wind borne debris, such as litter, dust or chemicals. For the wind itself, wind break structures can be designed and erected, while for debris, wind protection canopies can be employed.

Simple protection from the sun is another advantage of canopies. Not only can they provide shade and comfort, but also cut out damaging ultra violet rays.

Minimising Evaporation

Evaporation of water can be dramatically reduced by the use of a canopy. Some products on the market now have been specifically designed for dams and waterways. In addition to reducing evaporation, such canopies can also assist in improving water quality. By reducing light penetration, canopies can reduce algal and plant growth. They also keep birds out, and act as a filter which allows rainfall in, and wind blown contaminants out.

Bird Netting not only protects against unwanted attacks from birds. It also helps combat impacts of extreme weather patterns, such as with hail and wind. Solutions can be tailored to address a whole range of issues.